Tala Notation: Dadra (with Dugun) MCQs Quiz | Class 9
Test your knowledge of Hindustani Music Melodic Instruments (Code 035), Class IX, Unit 4. This quiz covers the structure, notation, and variations of Dadra Tala, including Theka, matra, vibhag, and dugun notation (layakari). Click Submit to check your answers and download the PDF solution.
Overview of Dadra Tala
Dadra Tala is one of the most popular rhythmic cycles in Hindustani Music, primarily used in light classical forms such as Dadra, Thumri, Ghazal, and Bhajan. It consists of 6 Matras (beats) and is known for its lilting and semi-classical character.
Structural Details
- Total Matras: 6
- Vibhags (Divisions): 2
- Distribution: 3 + 3 (Two divisions of three beats each)
- Tali (Clap): On the 1st Matra (Sam)
- Khali (Wave): On the 4th Matra
Theka Notation
The standard Bols (syllables) for Dadra Tala are:
| Matra | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bol | Dha | Dhin | Na | Dha | Tin | Na |
| Sign | X (Sam) | 0 (Khali) |
Understanding Dugun (Layakari)
Dugun (Double Speed) means playing two matras worth of bols in the timeframe of a single matra. In notation, this is often represented by a semi-circular curve under the two syllables.
- Since Dadra has 6 matras, playing it in Dugun takes only 3 matras (6 / 2 = 3).
- To write a full cycle of Dugun notation matching the original 6-beat cycle, the basic Theka must be repeated twice within the span of one Avartan.
- Logic: (DhaDhin) (NaDha) (TinNa) completes one round of the tala in 3 beats.
Quick Revision Points
- The first beat is called Sam, marked with ‘X’.
- The first beat of the second vibhag is usually the Khali, marked with ‘0’.
- Dadra is distinct from Keherwa (8 beats) and Roopak (7 beats).
- Used extensively in folk and light music genres.
Extra Practice Questions
- 1. Which matra marks the beginning of the second vibhag in Dadra Tala? (Answer: 4th Matra)
- 2. How many times do you clap (Tali) in one cycle of Dadra? (Answer: Once, on the 1st beat)
- 3. If you play Dadra at 4x speed (Chaugun), how many cycles will fit in one Avartan of the original speed? (Answer: 4 cycles)
- 4. Is Dadra Tala symmetrical or asymmetrical in its division? (Answer: Symmetrical, 3+3)
- 5. Which symbol is used to denote the Khali section in Bhatkhande notation? (Answer: 0)
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