Tala Notation: Keharwa (with Dugun) MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This quiz covers Unit 4 of the Class IX Hindustani Music Melodic Instruments (Code 035) curriculum. It focuses on the Tala Keharwa, examining concepts such as Theka, Matra, Vibhag, and the specific notation for Dugun (double speed) layakari. Test your knowledge of rhythm and notation before submitting your answers to download a comprehensive PDF summary.
About Tala Keharwa
Keharwa is one of the most popular and widely used Talas in Hindustani Music. It is primarily used in light classical music (Thumri, Dadra), folk music, bhajans, ghazals, and film songs. It has a brisk and lively rhythmic structure.
Structural Details
- Matras (Beats): 8 Matras
- Vibhags (Divisions): 2 Vibhags with 4 Matras each (4-4 division).
- Sam (First Beat): The first beat is the Sam, denoted by ‘X’.
- Khali (Empty Beat): The Khali falls on the 5th beat (beginning of the second Vibhag), denoted by ‘0’.
- Tali: There is a clap (Tali) on the 1st beat.
Theka Notation (Single Speed / Thah)
| Matra | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bol | Dha | Ge | Na | Ti | Na | Ka | Dhi | Na |
| Sign | X | 0 |
Concept of Dugun (Double Speed)
Dugun (Layakari) means playing two beats or syllables within the time duration of a single beat. In notation, this is represented by grouping two Bols under a semi-circle (usually simplified in text as a bracket or joined line).
Example logic: To write Keharwa in Dugun, the 8 bols of the Theka are repeated twice to fill the 8 Matra cycle, resulting in 16 bols played at double speed.
Key Revision Points
- Keharwa is an 8-beat cycle.
- It has equal divisions of 4 beats each (Samapadi Tala).
- The Khali is strictly on the 5th beat.
- Used extensively in semi-classical and lighter forms.
Practice Questions
- Write the full notation of Keharwa in Thah and Dugun laya.
- Compare the Vibhag structure of Keharwa with Dadra Tala.
- Why is Keharwa considered a Sampadi Tala?
- Identify the position of Khali in the Dugun notation of Keharwa.
- Recite the Theka of Keharwa with hand beats (Tali and Khali).
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