Notation of Geetams: Triputa Tala MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This Class IX Carnatic Music (Vocal) Code 031 quiz covers Theory Unit VI, focusing on the Notation of Geetams and the application of Triputa Tala concepts. Test your knowledge on writing and reading notation, identifying Angas, and understanding the structure of Geetam before submitting to download your answer PDF.
Overview of Geetam Notation
In Carnatic Music (Code 031) for Class IX, the Geetam is the simplest musical form taught to students after learning basic exercises like Sarali Varisais and Alankaras. Writing the notation for a Geetam involves placing the Swaras (notes) in the upper line and the corresponding Sahitya (lyrics) in the lower line. Each Swara usually corresponds to one syllable of the lyric.
Triputa Tala Structure
Understanding the Tala structure is crucial for accurate notation. Triputa Tala is a common Tala used in Geetams (specifically Tisra Jati Triputa Tala). It consists of three Angas (limbs):
- Laghu: A beat and finger counts. In Tisra Jati, it has 3 units (1 beat + 2 finger counts).
- Dhrutam: A beat and a wave (visarjana). It has a fixed value of 2 units.
- Dhrutam: Another beat and a wave. Value of 2 units.
The symbolic representation is | 0 0 (Laghu, Dhrutam, Dhrutam). For Tisra Jati Triputa Tala, the total Aksharas (counts) per cycle is 3 + 2 + 2 = 7 Aksharas.
Key Concepts for Notation
| Concept | Description | Notation Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Laghu (Tisra Jati) | 1 Beat + 2 Counts | | (Vertical Line) |
| Dhrutam | 1 Beat + 1 Wave | 0 (Circle) |
| Avartana | One full cycle of Tala | Double vertical lines || |
Quick Revision Points
- Geetams are usually sung in Madhyama Kala (medium speed).
- They do not have decorative elements like Sangatis or complex Gamakas in basic notation.
- The composer Purandara Dasa created many foundational Geetams like “Sri Gananatha” in Malahari Raga.
- In notation, if a Swara is elongated (e.g., Saa), it is written with a comma or handled by the duration sign to match the Tala count.
Extra Practice Questions
- What is the total number of Aksharas in Chatursra Jati Triputa Tala? (Ans: 4 + 2 + 2 = 8)
- Which symbol represents the Anudhrutam? (Ans: A semi-circle ‘U’, though rare in basic Geetams).
- Name the raga of the famous Geetam “Kereya Neeranu”. (Ans: Malahari).
- How many Dhrutams are present in one cycle of Triputa Tala? (Ans: Two).
- Does a Geetam have divisions like Pallavi, Anupallavi, and Charanam? (Ans: Usually no, it is a continuous composition or divided into sections called Khandikas).
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