Raga Performance: Alhaiya Bilawal MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This quiz covers the Practical Unit for Class IX Hindustani Music Vocal (Code 034), focusing on Raga Performance: Alhaiya Bilawal. Topics included are Aaroha, avaroha, pakad, drut khayal, alap, and tanas. Test your knowledge of this Raga’s structure and performance nuances, then submit to view your score and download the answer PDF.
Overview of Raga Alhaiya Bilawal
Raga Alhaiya Bilawal is a very popular Raga in Hindustani Classical Music. It is considered the most prominent variety of the Bilawal Thaat. While Raga Bilawal uses all Shuddha Swaras, Alhaiya Bilawal is unique because it incorporates Komal Nishad (Ni) in a specific way in the Avaroha (descent), making it slightly different from the pure Bilawal scale.
Technical Details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Thaat | Bilawal |
| Jati | Shadav-Sampurna (6 notes in Aaroha, 7 in Avaroha) |
| Vadi Swara | Dhaivat (Dha) |
| Samvadi Swara | Gandhar (Ga) |
| Time (Samay) | Morning (First Prahara of the day) |
| Varjit Swara | Madhyam (Ma) is omitted in Aaroha |
Performance Elements
- Aaroha: Sa, Ga, Re, Ga, Pa, Dha, Ni, Sa (High). Note the Vakra (crooked) movement and omission of Ma.
- Avaroha: Sa (High), Ni (Komal), Dha, Pa, Dha, Ga, Ma, Ga, Re, Sa. It uses Komal Ni in a specific phrase (Dha Ni Dha Pa) but generally relies on Shuddha Swaras.
- Pakad: The catchphrase often includes: Ga Pa Dha Ni Sa (High), Sa (High) Ni (Komal) Dha Pa, Ma Ga Ma Re, Sa.
- Drut Khayal: A fast-tempo composition usually set to Teentala or Ektala, showcasing the Raga’s agility.
- Alap: The slow, improvised introduction that establishes the mood of the morning and the personality of the Raga without rhythmic accompaniment.
- Tanas: Fast melodic runs sung using vowels (Aakar) or syllables, demonstrating technical virtuosity within the Raga’s rules.
Quick Revision Points
- Alhaiya Bilawal is a morning Raga.
- It is the most common form of Bilawal Thaat performed today.
- The Vadi is Dha and Samvadi is Ga.
- Madhyam (Ma) is not used in the ascent (Aaroha).
- Komal Nishad is used as an accidental note in the descent (Avaroha).
Extra Practice Questions
- Q: Which Raga is very similar to Alhaiya Bilawal but uses only Shuddha Ni? (Ans: Shuddha Bilawal)
- Q: In which octave (Saptak) is the Pakad usually centered? (Ans: Madhya Saptak)
- Q: What is the nature (Prakriti) of this Raga? (Ans: Serious and peaceful)
- Q: Why is it called Shadav-Sampurna? (Ans: 6 notes up, 7 notes down)
- Q: Which Taal is most commonly used for Drut Khayal in Class 9 syllabus? (Ans: Teentala)
Content created and reviewed by the CBSE Quiz Editorial Team based on the latest NCERT textbooks and CBSE syllabus. Our goal is to help students practice concepts clearly, confidently, and exam-ready through well-structured MCQs and revision content.