Tala Notation: Teentala (with Dugun) MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This Class IX Hindustani Music Melodic Instruments (Code 035) quiz covers Unit 4 topics including the notation of Teentala, Theka, Matra, Vibhag, and Dugun (layakari). Test your knowledge of rhythm structures and submit your answers to download a PDF solution sheet.
Understanding Teentala and Notation
Teentala (or Tritala) is one of the most popular and fundamental talas in Hindustani classical music. It is often referred to as the “King of Talas” due to its symmetrical structure and wide usage in instrumental and vocal music.
Key Structure of Teentala
- Matras (Beats): It has a total of 16 Matras.
- Vibhags (Divisions): It is divided into 4 Vibhags of 4 matras each (4-4-4-4).
- Tali (Claps): The claps fall on the 1st, 5th, and 13th matras.
- Khali (Empty/Wave): The empty beat or wave falls on the 9th matra.
- Sam: The first beat (1st matra) is called Sam, denoted by the sign ‘X’.
Theka Notation (Single Speed / Thah)
| Matra | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bol | Dha | Dhin | Dhin | Dha | Dha | Dhin | Dhin | Dha | Dha | Tin | Tin | Ta | Ta | Dhin | Dhin | Dha |
| Sign | X (Sam) | 2 (2nd Tali) | 0 (Khali) | 3 (3rd Tali) | ||||||||||||
Concept of Dugun (Double Speed)
Dugun represents the Layakari where two swaras or bols are played in the duration of one matra. In notation, this is indicated by placing a semi-circle (crescent) under the two syllables grouped together. To write Teentala in Dugun:
- Since there are 16 bols in the basic Theka, writing them in Dugun (2 per beat) will consume only 8 matras.
- Therefore, the entire cycle of 16 bols is repeated twice within the 16 matras to complete one cycle of Dugun notation.
Quick Revision Points
- Symbol for Sam: X
- Symbol for Khali: 0
- Symbol for Tali numbers: 2, 3, etc.
- Vibhag structure: Equal distribution (Chatusra Jati).
Practice Questions
- Write the notation of Teentala in Thah (single speed) showing all signs.
- Explain the significance of the 9th matra in Teentala.
- How many times is the basic Theka repeated to complete one cycle of Chaugun (4x speed)?
- Compare the Vibhag structure of Teentala with Tilwada.
- Identify the matras on which the Tali falls in Teentala.
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