Svara Types: Vikrita Svaras MCQs Quiz | Class 9

This quiz addresses Class IX Carnatic Music (Melodic Instrument) Theory Unit 3, focusing on “Svara Types: Vikrita Svaras”. It covers the definition of Vikrita Svaras and the concept of altered swara positions compared to natural notes. Click “Submit Quiz” to check your understanding and “Download Answer PDF” to save the answer sheet.

Overview of Svara Types

In Carnatic Music, the seven basic notes are known as the Saptasvaras (Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Da, Ni). These notes are classified into two main categories based on their ability to vary in pitch position:

  • Prakriti Svaras: Also known as Achala Svaras (fixed notes). These notes do not change their position. They are Shadja (Sa) and Panchama (Pa).
  • Vikrita Svaras: Also known as Chala Svaras (movable notes). These notes have variations or altered positions. The five Vikrita Svaras are Rishabha (Ri), Gandhara (Ga), Madhyama (Ma), Dhaivata (Da), and Nishada (Ni).

Altered Swara Positions

While the Saptasvaras are 7 in number, the inclusion of Vikrita varieties expands the total number of swara sthanas (positions) in common practice to 12. Some systems describe 16 names for these 12 positions (the Shodasa Swaras), but the fundamental 12 sthanas are the basis for the 72 Melakarta scheme.

Svara Type Varieties (Common)
Sa, Pa Prakriti (Fixed) 1 each
Ri, Ga, Da, Ni Vikrita (Variable) 3 names mapping to 2 positions typically
Ma Vikrita (Variable) 2 (Suddha, Prati)

Key Takeaways

  • Vikrita means “modified” or “altered”.
  • Prakriti means “natural” or “original”.
  • Out of the 7 notes, 2 are Prakriti and 5 are Vikrita.
  • The note Madhyama has two distinct forms: Suddha Madhyama and Prati Madhyama.

Practice Questions

  1. Which note is immediately higher than Suddha Rishabha?
  2. Name the two Prakriti Svaras.
  3. How many total Swara Sthanas are used in the 72 Melakarta scheme?
  4. What is the term for a note that does not change its pitch?
  5. Which Madhyama corresponds to the higher pitch?