Chakradar Tukra/Paran (Teentala/Aditala) MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This quiz is for Class IX students studying Hindustani Music Percussion Instruments (Code 036) as part of the Practical unit. The questions focus on the topic of Chakradar Tukra/Paran in Teentala or Aditala, covering the structure, bols, and performance of one such composition. Answer all questions and click ‘Submit Quiz’ to see your score and download a PDF of your answers.
Understanding Chakradar Tukra/Paran
In Hindustani classical music, especially in percussion, a Chakradar is a special type of compositional form. The word ‘Chakra’ means wheel or cycle, and ‘dar’ means ‘to have’. Thus, a Chakradar is a composition that contains a cycle within it. Specifically, it is a phrase or a composition that is repeated exactly three times, with each repetition ending on the ‘Sam’ (the first beat) of the rhythmic cycle (Tala). The core of any Chakradar is a Tihai.
Key Concepts Explained
- Tala: This is the rhythmic cycle. The two talas mentioned are:
- Teentala: The most common tala in Hindustani music, it has 16 beats (matras) divided into four sections (vibhags) of 4 beats each (4+4+4+4). The first, second, and fourth vibhags are clapped (Taali), and the third is waved (Khali).
- Aditala: Primarily a Carnatic music tala, it has 8 beats. In Hindustani music, an 8-beat cycle similar to Keherwa is often used, and the term Aditala might refer to it in some contexts.
- Tukra vs. Paran:
- A Tukra (‘a piece’) is a relatively short, fixed composition played on the Tabla. It uses bols (syllables) that are characteristic of the Tabla.
- A Paran is a more forceful and majestic composition. Its bols are derived from the Pakhawaj, an older, two-headed barrel drum. Parans are often longer and more complex than Tukras.
- The Chakradar Structure: The fundamental structure of a Chakradar is based on a Tihai. A Tihai is a rhythmic phrase repeated three times, which concludes on the ‘Sam’. A Chakradar composition is essentially a Tihai where the phrase itself can be quite long and intricate. It follows the pattern of (Phrase 1 + gap) + (Phrase 2 + gap) + (Phrase 3), where all three phrases are identical and the end of the third phrase lands on Sam.
Structure of Teentala (16 Matras)
| Matra (Beat) | 1 – 4 | 5 – 8 | 9 – 12 | 13 – 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theka (Bols) | Dha Dhin Dhin Dha | Dha Dhin Dhin Dha | Dha Tin Tin Ta | Ta Dhin Dhin Dha |
| Vibhag (Section) | Taali (X) | Taali (2) | Khali (0) | Taali (3) |
Quick Revision Points
- A Chakradar composition is always repeated three times.
- The soul of a Chakradar is the Tihai.
- The final beat of a Chakradar must land perfectly on the ‘Sam’.
- Parans use forceful, open bols from the Pakhawaj tradition.
- Tukras are typically lighter compositions using Tabla bols.
- Teentala is a 16-beat cycle, and Aditala is an 8-beat cycle.
Extra Practice Questions
- What does ‘Sam’ signify in a Tala cycle?
- Name two bols that are characteristic of the Pakhawaj.
- What is the function of the ‘Khali’ in Teentala?
- If a Tihai takes 17 matras to complete, where would it typically start in Teentala to end on Sam?
- Define a ‘Bedam Tihai’.
