Svara Types: Vikriti Svaras MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This quiz addresses Class IX Carnatic Music (Vocal) Code 031, Theory Unit II. The topic covers Svara Types, specifically the definition and concept of Vikriti Svaras versus Prakriti Svaras. Please answer the 10 multiple-choice questions below, click Submit to check your score, and use the Download PDF button to save your answer sheet for revision.
Understanding Vikriti Svaras
In Carnatic Music, the seven basic notes (Sapta Svaras) are classified into two main categories based on whether they have variations in pitch or remain constant. This classification is fundamental to understanding the concept of Raga formation.
1. Prakriti (Achala) Svaras
The term ‘Prakriti’ or ‘Achala’ refers to notes that are constant or fixed. They do not have varieties. In the 12-note system, there are two such svaras:
- Shadjam (Sa)
- Panchamam (Pa)
These notes maintain a fixed frequency ratio relative to the fundamental tonic and do not change.
2. Vikriti Svaras
The term ‘Vikriti’ means ‘modified’ or ‘changed’. These are notes that admit varieties or variations in their pitch positions (Svarasthanas). The remaining five notes are Vikriti Svaras:
- Rishabha (Ri)
- Gandhara (Ga)
- Madhyama (Ma)
- Dhaivata (Dha)
- Nishada (Ni)
Because these five notes have variations (e.g., Shuddha Rishabha, Chatusruti Rishabha), they allow for the creation of the 12 standard Swarasthanas used in Carnatic music.
Summary Table of Svara Types
| Category | Meaning | Svaras Included |
|---|---|---|
| Prakriti (Achala) | Fixed / Constant | Sa, Pa |
| Vikriti | Modified / Variable | Ri, Ga, Ma, Dha, Ni |
Extra Practice Questions
- Which Vikriti svara has only two varieties? Answer: Madhyama (Shuddha Ma and Prati Ma).
- What is the total number of Swarasthanas in common practice? Answer: 12.
- Are Sa and Pa ever Vikriti? Answer: No, they are always Achala.
- Why are Vikriti svaras important? Answer: They provide the variations required to form different Ragas.
- Which svara comes immediately after Shadjam? Answer: Rishabha (which is a Vikriti svara).
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