Tala Notation: Ektala or Chautala (Thah & Dugun) MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This quiz covers Class IX Hindustani Music Percussion Instruments (Code 036), Unit 5. It focuses on the topic of Tala Notation, specifically Ektala and Chautala in Thah (single) and Dugun (double) laya. Test your knowledge of matras, vibhags, and notation signs before submitting to download your PDF result.
Overview of Ektala and Chautala
In Class 9 Hindustani Music Percussion (Code 036), understanding the structure of Talas is crucial. Both Ektala and Chautala share the same number of beats (Matras) and divisions (Vibhags), but they differ significantly in their musical application and the compositions (Thekas) played.
Key Structural Details
- Matras: Both Talas have 12 Matras.
- Vibhags: Both have 6 Vibhags of 2 Matras each (2-2-2-2-2-2).
- Tali & Khali: Both have 4 Talis (on matras 1, 5, 9, 11) and 2 Khalis (on matras 3 and 7).
- Usage: Ektala is primarily used in Khayal singing (Classical Vocal), while Chautala is used in Dhrupad singing.
Laya Concepts: Thah and Dugun
Thah (Barabar): This represents the single speed where one bol corresponds to one matra. It is the basic speed of the tala.
Dugun (Double Speed): In Dugun laya, two matras of the original composition are compressed into one matra time. Mathematically, 12 matras in Thah will be completed in 6 matras in Dugun.
| Feature | Ektala | Chautala |
|---|---|---|
| Matras | 12 | 12 |
| Divisions | 6 (2/2/2/2/2/2) | 6 (2/2/2/2/2/2) |
| Khali Position | 3rd and 7th Matra | 3rd and 7th Matra |
| Common Style | Khayal / Classical | Dhrupad / Pakhawaj |
Quick Revision Points
- Sam (X): The first beat of the cycle.
- Khali (0): The wave of the hand, indicating an empty beat.
- Notation System: Bhatkhande Notation System is widely used to write these talas.
- Dugun Calculation: To write Dugun, group two matras’ bols together with a crescent underneath.
Extra Practice Questions
- Write the full Theka of Chautala in Thah laya.
- Demonstrate Ektala using hand gestures (Tali/Khali).
- Calculate how many cycles of Dugun can be played in one cycle of Thah.
- Identify the bol at the 5th Matra of Chautala.
- Explain why Chautala is preferred for Pakhawaj playing.
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