Term: Swara MCQs Quiz | Class 9

This quiz covers Class IX Hindustani Music Melodic Instruments (Code 035), Unit 1, focusing on the Definition of Swara and musical notes. Test your understanding of Shuddha, Komal, and Tivra swaras. Click Submit to check your score and Download PDF for your answer sheet.

Definition of Swara and Musical Notes

In Hindustani Music, a Swara is a musical sound that is regular, continuous, and pleasing to the mind and ears. It is distinct from noise. The term Swara originates from the Sanskrit word Swaryate, meaning that which resonates or shines by itself.

Types of Swaras

There are seven main notes known as Shuddha Swaras (Natural Notes). When these notes are arranged in a sequence, they form a Saptak (Octave).

  • Shadja (Sa)
  • Rishabh (Re)
  • Gandhar (Ga)
  • Madhyam (Ma)
  • Pancham (Pa)
  • Dhaivat (Dha)
  • Nishad (Ni)

Vikrit Swaras (Modified Notes)

Apart from the 7 Shuddha Swaras, there are 5 Vikrit Swaras. These are notes that deviate from their natural position. They are classified into two types:

  1. Komal Swaras (Flat Notes): These are lower in pitch than their Shuddha forms. There are 4 Komal Swaras: Re, Ga, Dha, Ni.
  2. Tivra Swara (Sharp Note): This is higher in pitch than its Shuddha form. There is only 1 Tivra Swara: Ma.

Achal Swaras (Fixed Notes)

Two notes, Sa (Shadja) and Pa (Pancham), are called Achal Swaras because they never deviate from their position. They do not have Komal or Tivra forms.

Summary Table of Notes

Abbreviation Full Name Type
Sa Shadja Achal (Fixed)
Re Rishabh Shuddha & Komal
Ga Gandhar Shuddha & Komal
Ma Madhyam Shuddha & Tivra
Pa Pancham Achal (Fixed)
Dha Dhaivat Shuddha & Komal
Ni Nishad Shuddha & Komal

Practice Questions

  • 1. Which note corresponds to the cry of a peacock? (Ans: Shadja/Sa)
  • 2. How many total notes are there in one Saptak including Vikrit swaras? (Ans: 12)
  • 3. Which is the only note that becomes Tivra? (Ans: Madhyam/Ma)
  • 4. What is the full name of Dha? (Ans: Dhaivat)
  • 5. Why are Sa and Pa called Achal? (Ans: Because they are immovable)