Raga Performance: Alhaiya Bilawal MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This Class IX Hindustani Music Melodic Instruments (Code 035) Practical Unit quiz focuses on the performance aspects of Raga Alhaiya Bilawal. Topics covered include Aroha, Avroha, Pakad, Drut Gat, and Todas. Test your knowledge and download the PDF answer key for revision.
Raga Alhaiya Bilawal: Practical Overview
Raga Alhaiya Bilawal is a fundamental Raga in Hindustani Classical Music, belonging to the Bilawal Thaat. It serves as a prominent example of the Bilawal system, characterized by the use of Shuddha Swaras, with a specific exception in the Avroha where Komal Nishad is often used in a vakra (crooked) phrase.
Key Characteristics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Thaat | Bilawal |
| Jati | Shadav-Sampurna (Six notes in Aroha, Seven in Avroha) |
| Vadi Swara | Dhaivat (Dha) |
| Samvadi Swara | Gandhar (Ga) |
| Varjit Swara | Madhyam (Ma) is omitted in Aroha |
| Singing Time | Morning (First Prahar of the day) |
Performance Elements
- Aroha (Ascending): S G R G P, D N S’ (Note: Ma is omitted, and the movement is often crooked/vakra).
- Avroha (Descending): S’ N D P, D n D P, M G M R S (Note: Use of Komal Ni ‘n’ in the phrase D-n-D-P is a distinctive feature of Alhaiya Bilawal).
- Pakad (Catch Phrase): G P D N S’, D P, M G M R S.
- Drut Gat: A fast-tempo composition played on instruments like Sitar or Sarod, usually set to Teentala (16 beats).
- Todas: Short, fast melodic phrases or tanas woven into the performance to demonstrate virtuosity and elaboration of the Raga.
Quick Revision Points
- Alhaiya Bilawal is an audav-sampurna or shadav-sampurna raga depending on interpretation, but standardly Shadav-Sampurna (Ma omitted in Aroha).
- It is a morning raga associated with a mood of devotion and peace.
- The Vadi note ‘Dha’ is very prominent in the upper tetrachord (Uttaranga).
Practice Questions
Q1. Which note is skipped in the Aroha of Alhaiya Bilawal?
Answer: Madhyam (Ma).
Q2. What is the Samvadi swara of Raga Alhaiya Bilawal?
Answer: Gandhar (Ga).
Q3. In which phrase is Komal Nishad used in this Raga?
Answer: In the Avroha phrase D-n-D-P.
Q4. What is the prescribed time for performing this Raga?
Answer: Morning (First Prahar).
Q5. To which Thaat does Alhaiya Bilawal belong?
Answer: Bilawal Thaat.
