Tala Notation: Teentala or Aditala (Thah & Dugun) MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This quiz covers Unit 5 of the Class IX Hindustani Music Percussion Instruments (Code 036) syllabus. It focuses on the topic of Tala Notation, specifically for Teentala (also known as Tritala) and Aditala, testing your understanding of Thah (single speed) and Dugun (double speed) laya writing. Complete the 10 multiple-choice questions below to test your knowledge, then submit to view your score and download the comprehensive solution PDF.
Understanding Tala Notation: Teentala (Thah & Dugun)
In Hindustani Music (Percussion), Teentala (or Tritala) is considered the most fundamental and important Tala. It consists of 16 beats (Matras) and plays a crucial role in the Class 9 syllabus for learning notation systems.
Structure of Teentala
- Total Matras: 16 Beats.
- Vibhags (Divisions): 4 Vibhags of 4 Matras each (4-4-4-4).
- Tali (Claps): On the 1st, 5th, and 13th Matras.
- Khali (Wave/Empty): On the 9th Matra.
- Symbols: Sam (X), 2nd Tali (2), Khali (0), 3rd Tali (3).
Laya and Notation
Thah (Barabar) Laya
This is the base speed (single speed). In notation, one bol is written under one matra. It represents the standard tempo of the composition.
Dugun (Double) Laya
This is double the speed of Thah. In notation, two bols are grouped together under one matra using a semi-circle (crescent) below them. To write one full cycle of Teentala in Dugun, the 16 bols are compressed into 8 matras, and the cycle is usually repeated to fill the 16-matra span.
Notation Rules Summary
| Vibhag | Matras | Sign | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1, 2, 3, 4 | X (Sam) | Clap (1st) |
| 2nd | 5, 6, 7, 8 | 2 | Clap (2nd) |
| 3rd | 9, 10, 11, 12 | 0 | Wave (Khali) |
| 4th | 13, 14, 15, 16 | 3 | Clap (3rd) |
Extra Practice Questions
- Q1: What is the interval of matras between two consecutive vibhags in Teentala? (Answer: 4 matras)
- Q2: How is the bol “Dha” written in Dugun if the base phrase is “Dha Dhin”? (Answer: “DhaDhin” grouped in one matra)
- Q3: Which matra corresponds to the ‘Sam’ in Aditala? (Answer: 1st Matra)
- Q4: Explain the significance of the sign ‘0’ in notation. (Answer: It indicates Khali or the unaccented beat)
- Q5: If a Kayada is played in Dugun, how many times is it played to match one cycle of Thah? (Answer: Twice)

Content created and reviewed by the CBSE Quiz Editorial Team based on the latest NCERT textbooks and CBSE syllabus. Our goal is to help students practice concepts clearly, confidently, and exam-ready through well-structured MCQs and revision content.