Notation System: V.D. Paluskar MCQs Quiz | Class 9
Class: IX | Subject: Hindustani Music Vocal (Code 034) | Unit: Unit 3 | Topic: Notation System: V.D. Paluskar | Covering: System features, symbols, signs for Swara and Tala. Test your knowledge of the Paluskar notation system features and compare them with standard musical concepts. Submit your answers to see the score and download the PDF solution.
Overview of V.D. Paluskar Notation System
The Paluskar Notation System was developed by the legendary musician Pt. Vishnu Digambar Paluskar. While the Bhatkhande system is more commonly used today due to its simplicity, the Paluskar system is precise and visually distinct, particularly in how it represents rhythm and octave placement.
Unlike the Bhatkhande system, which places signs relative to the text, the Paluskar system places octave markers above the notes and uses numbers and arithmetic signs (like +) differently for Tala.
Key Symbols in Paluskar System
| Feature | Paluskar Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mandra Saptak (Lower Octave) | Dot above the note (e.g., Ṡ) | A dot placed on top of the Swara indicates the lower octave. |
| Tar Saptak (Higher Octave) | Vertical line above note | A small vertical line on top of the Swara indicates the higher octave. |
| Sam (First Beat) | 1 | Represented by the number ‘1’. |
| Khali (Empty Beat) | + | Represented by the plus sign ‘+’. |
| Tali (Clap) | 2, 3, 4, etc. | The beat numbers are written explicitly for other claps. |
| 1/2 Matra | O (Zero/Circle) | A circle around or near the note often indicates half beat duration. |
Comparison Note
- Bhatkhande: Sam is ‘X’, Khali is ‘0’. Mandra dot is below.
- Paluskar: Sam is ‘1’, Khali is ‘+’. Mandra dot is above.
- The Paluskar system essentially writes the count of the beat (1, 2, 3…) to denote the Tali, while Khali is marked distinctly with ‘+’.
Extra Practice Questions
- Q: Which musician created this system to preserve Indian classical music?
A: Pt. Vishnu Digambar Paluskar. - Q: How is a 1/4th matra indicated?
A: Often by a crescent moon shape line. - Q: Does the Paluskar system use the Devanagari script for notes?
A: Yes, typically Sa, Re, Ga in Devanagari. - Q: What indicates the Madhya Saptak?
A: No symbol (plain note). - Q: Is the dot for Mandra Saptak placed below the note?
A: No, it is placed above the note in this system.
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