Sollukattu: Adi Tala (Notation) MCQs Quiz | Class 9

Test your knowledge on writing notation of sollukattus in Adi tala for Class IX Carnatic Music (Percussion) (Code 033), Theory Unit 4. This quiz covers the structure of Adi Tala, notation symbols, speed variations, and Akshara counts. Submit your answers to view the score and download the PDF solution.

Adi Tala Notation and Sollukattus: Key Concepts

Adi Tala is one of the most fundamental and popular talas in Carnatic music. Understanding its structure and notation is essential for any percussion student. This unit focuses on writing the rhythmic syllables (Sollukattus) within the framework of Adi Tala.

1. Structure of Adi Tala

Adi Tala belongs to the Chatusra Jati Triputa Tala family. It consists of 8 Aksharas (beats) in total per cycle (Avartanam).

  • Angas: 1 Laghu + 1 Drutam + 1 Drutam.
  • Symbols: I (Laghu) + O (Drutam) + O (Drutam).
  • Duration:
    • Laghu (Chatusra Jati) = 4 Aksharas.
    • Drutam = 2 Aksharas.
    • Drutam = 2 Aksharas.
    • Total: 4 + 2 + 2 = 8 Aksharas.

2. Notation Symbols

When writing notation for Sollukattus:

Anga Symbol Action (Kriya) Duration
Laghu I (Vertical Line) Beat + Finger counts 4 beats
Drutam O (Circle) Beat + Wave (Usidal) 2 beats

3. Speed (Kala) in Notation

The placement of syllables (Sollukattus) changes based on the speed:

  • First Speed (Prathama Kala): 1 syllable per beat. A line is drawn above the syllables or they are written plain.
  • Second Speed (Dvitiya Kala): 2 syllables per beat. Usually indicated by a single horizontal line above the syllables in notation books.
  • Third Speed (Tritiya Kala): 4 syllables per beat. Indicated by double horizontal lines.

4. Writing Sollukattus

Sollukattus are the spoken syllables of the percussion instrument (e.g., Mridangam). Common syllables include Tha, Dhi, Thom, Nam. In notation, these are written under the respective beat marks to show alignment with the Tala cycle.

Quick Revision List

  • Adi Tala has 8 beats.
  • The formula is I O O.
  • Laghu involves a beat and finger counting.
  • Drutam involves a beat and a wave of the hand.
  • Notation ensures the rhythm is documented correctly for practice.

Extra Practice Questions

  1. Draw the symbol for Anudrutam. (Answer: U)
  2. How many total beats are in Rupaka Tala (Chatusra)? (Answer: 6)
  3. Write the notation for “Tha Dhi Thom Nam” in first speed Adi Tala.
  4. What is the duration of a Mishra Jati Laghu? (Answer: 7 beats)
  5. Define ‘Avartanam’. (Answer: One complete cycle of the Tala)