Term: Shruti MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This quiz covers Unit 1 of Class IX Hindustani Music Vocal (Code 034). The topic focuses on the Term: Shruti, specifically its definition and the concept of microtonal pitch. Test your understanding of these fundamental musical intervals, check your score, and click ‘Submit Quiz’ to review the explanations. You can also download a PDF answer sheet for your records.
Overview of Shruti
In Indian Classical Music, Shruti is the fundamental unit of musical pitch. The term is derived from the Sanskrit root Shru, which means “to hear.” Therefore, Shruti literally translates to “that which is heard” or “audible sound.” However, in a musical context, it refers specifically to the smallest interval of pitch that the human ear can detect and distinguish as a separate musical tone.
Key Concepts
- Definition: Shruti is a microtonal interval. It represents the gaps between musical notes that are distinct enough to be used in melody.
- The 22 Shrutis: Ancient musicologists like Bharata (in Natya Shastra) and Sarngadeva identified 22 distinct Shrutis within a single octave (Saptak).
- Relationship with Swara: While Shruti is the microtone, Swara is the musical note that rests on a specific Shruti. A Swara is essentially a Shruti that has been selected to form a scale.
Distribution of Shrutis
The 7 natural notes (Swaras) are distributed among the 22 Shrutis. In the ancient system (Shadja Grama), the distribution is as follows:
| Swara | Number of Shrutis | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Sa (Shadja) | 4 | Chatus-shruti |
| Re (Rishabh) | 3 | Tri-shruti |
| Ga (Gandhar) | 2 | Dvi-shruti |
| Ma (Madhyam) | 4 | Chatus-shruti |
| Pa (Pancham) | 4 | Chatus-shruti |
| Dha (Dhaivat) | 3 | Tri-shruti |
| Ni (Nishad) | 2 | Dvi-shruti |
Quick Revision Points
- Shruti comes from ‘Shru’ (to hear).
- There are 22 Shrutis in one Octave.
- Swaras are fixed positions on these Shrutis.
- It is the basis of microtonal pitch in Indian music.
Extra Practice Questions
- What is the difference between Nade and Shruti?
- Name two ancient texts that mention the 22 Shrutis.
- Why are Ga and Ni called Dvi-shruti swaras?
- Explain the statement “Swaras manifest from Shrutis”.
- How does modern harmonium tuning differ from the Shruti concept?
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.