Term: Svara MCQs Quiz | Class 9
Welcome to the Class IX Carnatic Music (Vocal) quiz focusing on Theory Unit II. This test covers the topic of Svara, including the definition of musical notes, the seven basic swaras (Sapta Swaras) in the Carnatic system, and their classifications. Students will answer questions on the full names of notes, their associated animals or birds, and the concept of Prakriti and Vikriti swaras. Please answer all 10 questions, submit to see your score, and use the download button to get the answer key PDF for your records.
Overview of Svara in Carnatic Music
In Indian classical music, a Svara refers to a musical note. It is defined as a sound that is pleasing to the ear and capable of being held or sustained. The concept of Svara is fundamental to both Carnatic and Hindustani systems, forming the building blocks of Ragas. While Sruti represents the microtonal pitch intervals, Svara is the specific musical note derived from these intervals.
The Sapta Swaras
The seven basic musical notes are known as the Sapta Swaras. Each note has a full name and an abbreviated syllable used in notation and singing.
| Abbreviation | Full Name | Associated Animal/Bird |
|---|---|---|
| Sa | Shadja | Peacock |
| Ri | Rishabha | Bull/Cow |
| Ga | Gandhara | Goat |
| Ma | Madhyama | Heron |
| Pa | Panchama | Cuckoo |
| Da | Dhaivata | Horse |
| Ni | Nishada | Elephant |
Prakriti and Vikriti Swaras
The notes are classified based on their variations:
- Prakriti (Achala) Swaras: These are the immutable or fixed notes. They do not have variations. There are two such notes: Sa (Shadja) and Pa (Panchama).
- Vikriti Swaras: These are the variable notes that can have different positions or varieties (Swarasthanas). The five notes Ri, Ga, Ma, Da, and Ni are Vikriti swaras.
Swarasthanas
In the Carnatic system, the 7 basic swaras expand into 12 Swarasthanas (note positions) within an octave to form the basic scale structure. In the Melakarta scheme, these expand further into 16 nominal names due to overlaps, but physically there are 12 distinct pitch positions.
Extra Practice Questions
- Which swara corresponds to the cry of a Cuckoo? (Answer: Pa / Panchama)
- How many Vikriti swaras are there in the Sapta Swaras? (Answer: 5)
- What is the full name of the note ‘Da’? (Answer: Dhaivata)
- Which note is considered the base or tonic note? (Answer: Sa / Shadja)
- What term describes the smallest audible sound difference? (Answer: Sruti)
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