Notation of Gitams in Rupaka MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This quiz covers Theory Unit 6 for Class IX Carnatic Music (Melodic Instrument – Code 032). It focuses on the topic “Notation of Gitams in Rupaka”, testing students’ understanding of reading and writing notation for geetams set in Rupaka tala, including tala angas, akshara calculation, and svara symbols. Complete the 10 questions below and click “Submit Quiz” to view your score and download the PDF answer key.
Study Notes: Notation of Gitams in Rupaka Tala
1. Introduction to Gitams
A Gitam is one of the simplest forms of Carnatic music compositions. It is usually taught to beginners after they have mastered the basic exercise sequences (Sarali, Janta, Alankaras). Gitams are continuous compositions without the division of Pallavi, Anupallavi, and Charanam sections found in Kritis.
2. Understanding Rupaka Tala
Rupaka Tala is a popular tala used in many Gitams. In the context of Carnatic music notation, it is crucial to understand its structure (Angas) and beat count (Aksharas).
- Angas: It consists of one Dritam (0) and one Laghu (I).
- Structure: 0 + I (Dritam followed by Laghu).
- Aksharas (Beats): In Chaturasra Jati (default), Dritam has 2 aksharas and Laghu has 4 aksharas. Total = 2 + 4 = 6 Aksharas per Avartana.
- Kriyas: It is often reckoned with a beat and a wave (for Dritam) followed by a beat and finger counts (for Laghu), though widely sung as 3 beats (1 beat + 2 counts or just 3 claps) in faster tempos.
3. Basic Notation Symbols
Correct notation is essential for preserving the melody and rhythm of the composition.
| Symbol | Meaning | Duration (Aksharas) |
|---|---|---|
| s | Single Svara | 1 Unit |
| s, | Svara + Comma | 2 Units |
| s; | Svara + Semicolon | 3 Units |
| .s (dot below) | Mandra Sthayi (Lower Octave) | – |
| s. (dot above) | Tara Sthayi (Higher Octave) | – |
| || | Double Bar | End of Avartana |
4. Writing Notation for Rupaka Tala
When writing a Gitam in Rupaka Tala, the svaras are grouped to match the 6-akshara cycle. A typical line of notation will show the separation between the Dritam and the Laghu, or simply group them into the full Avartana depending on the notation style (e.g., 2 + 4 spacing).
Quick Revision Key Points
- Sahitya: The lyrics of the Gitam are written below the corresponding Svaras.
- Extension: A vowel extension in Sahitya is often indicated by dots or hyphens under the prolonging svaras.
- Tempo: Most Gitams are sung in Madhyama Kala (Medium Speed).
- Deities: Gitams often praise deities like Ganesha, Vishnu, or Shiva.
Extra Practice Questions
- If a svara is written as “p ;”, how many aksharas does it represent? (Ans: 3)
- What is the symbol used to denote the Dritam anga? (Ans: 0)
- In which octave is a note with a dot above it sung? (Ans: Tara Sthayi / Higher Octave)
- How many total aksharas are in one avartana of Chaturasra Jati Rupaka Tala? (Ans: 6)
- True or False: Gitams usually have distinct Pallavi and Anupallavi sections. (Ans: False)
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