Notation Writing: Compositions in Prescribed Ragas MCQs Quiz | Class 9

This quiz covers Unit 5 of Class IX Hindustani Music Melodic Instruments (Code 035). It focuses on notation writing systems (Bhatkhande), symbols used for swaras and talas, and the specific characteristics of Ragas Alhaiya Bilawal, Yaman, and Kafi required for writing compositions. Click ‘Submit Quiz’ to check your answers and download the solution PDF.

Topic Overview

Notation writing (Swar Lipi) is the method of writing down music so that it can be read and performed later. In the CBSE curriculum, the Bhatkhande Notation System is primarily used. This unit focuses on writing Drut Khyal or Razakhani Gat compositions in the prescribed Ragas: Alhaiya Bilawal, Yaman, and Kafi, along with their Talas (Teentala, Ektala, etc.).

Key Concepts in Notation

  • Saptak Indicators:
    • Mandra Saptak: Dot below the swara (e.g., N or N with a dot under it).
    • Madhya Saptak: No symbol.
    • Tar Saptak: Dot above the swara.
  • Swara Variations:
    • Komal Swara: Horizontal line below the note (e.g., G).
    • Tivra Swara: Vertical line above the note (e.g., M̂ or vertical line).
  • Tala Symbols:
    • Sam (1st beat): Indicated by ‘X’.
    • Khali: Indicated by ‘0’.
    • Talis: Indicated by numbers (2, 3, 4, etc.).

Raga Characteristics for Notation

Raga Thaat Key Swaras Vadi / Samvadi
Alhaiya Bilawal Bilawal All Shuddh (Komal Ni in Avroh sometimes) Dha / Ga
Yaman Kalyan Tivra Ma, rest Shuddh Ga / Ni
Kafi Kafi Ga and Ni are Komal Pa / Sa

Quick Revision Points

  • In Bhatkhande notation, a Vibhag division is shown by a vertical bar (|).
  • Extension of a note (prolongation) is often shown by a dash (-) or an avagraha symbol ‘S’ in lyrics.
  • Raga Yaman is sung in the evening (first prahar of night).
  • Raga Kafi is a seasonal raga often associated with the spring season (Holi).

Extra Practice Questions

  • Q1: Which Thaat does Raga Yaman belong to? (Ans: Kalyan)
  • Q2: How is the second beat of a Vibhag indicated if it is not a Tali or Khali? (Ans: It is not marked specially; only the first beat of the Vibhag has the sign X, 0, 2, etc.)
  • Q3: Which notes are omitted (Varjit) in the Aroha of Raga Kafi? (Ans: None, it is Sampurna-Sampurna, though some schools skip Ga/Ni in ascent, standard is Sampurna).
  • Q4: What is the sign for the third Tali in Teentala? (Ans: The number ‘3’).
  • Q5: In which Saptak is the melody mostly centered for Alhaiya Bilawal? (Ans: Usually covers all three, but starts often in Madhya).