page_title: Mardala
section_title: Gurus
hierarchical_section_title: Mardala / Gurus
caption_attribution_description: English: Guru Dhaneswar Swain Playing Mardala (3)
context_page_description: Mardala is a percussive instrument native to the east Indian state of Odisha. It is traditionally used as the primary percussive instrument in the ancient classical music of the state, Odissi music. The instrument is different from other instruments that might have similar names in the Indian subcontinent due to its unique construction, acoustic features and traditional playing technique.
  The Mardala is used in a wide range of traditional art forms of Odisha, including Gotipua, Mahari, Odissi dance, Bhagabata Tungi, Sakhi Nata, Prahallada Nataka, Ramalila, Krusnalila, Rama Nataka, Sahi Jata, Medha Nacha, Bharata Lila, Bhutakeli Nata, Odisi Kirtana and more.
context_section_description: The Mardala is intimately associated with the Jagannatha temple and thus has a very esteemed position in the culture of Odisha. Many Gurus have worked for carrying forward the legacy of the instrument. Adiguru Singhari Shyamasundar Kar, Guru Banamali Maharana, Guru Padmanabha Panda, Guru Basudeba Khuntia, Guru Mahadeba Rout, Guru Narayana Mahapatra, Guru Banamali Maharana and Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra were among the great Gurus of Mardala in the 20th century.  
  Guru Rabinarayan Panda, Guru Jayadeba Giri, Guru Janardana Dash, Guru Dhaneswar Swain, Guru Sachidananda Das, Guru Bijaya Kumar Barik, Guru Jagannath Kuanr are among modern-day exponents of the Mardala. Many veteran Gotipua masters have also excelled in the Mardala : Guru Birabara Sahu, Guru Lingaraj Barik, Guru Maguni Das and others.
caption: Guru Dhaneswar Swain, recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in the year 2013 for his contribution to Odissi Music and Mardala
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