Theka: Jhaptala/Sultala (Thah & Dugun) MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This is an interactive multiple-choice quiz for Class IX students of Hindustani Music Percussion Instruments (Code 036). It covers the Practical unit, focusing on the topic of Theka for Jhaptala and Sultala. You will be tested on your ability to play thekas in thah (single speed) and dugun (double speed) laya. Attempt all questions and click ‘Submit Quiz’ to see your score. You can then download a PDF of your answers.
Understanding Theka, Jhaptala, and Sultala
In Hindustani classical music, ‘Tala’ is the rhythmic cycle that provides the framework for a composition. The specific sequence of drum strokes (bols) that define a Tala is called the ‘Theka’. ‘Laya’ refers to the tempo or speed. This quiz focuses on two important 10-matra Talas, Jhaptala and Sultala, and their performance in two different Layas: ‘Thah’ (single speed) and ‘Dugun’ (double speed).
Jhaptala
Jhaptala is a popular Tala with a unique and asymmetrical division of its 10 matras. It is frequently used in Khyal singing and instrumental music.
- Matras (Beats): 10
- Vibhag (Divisions): 4 divisions with the structure 2-3-2-3.
- Taali (Claps): On the 1st, 3rd, and 8th matras.
- Khali (Wave): On the 6th matra.
Theka in Thah Laya (Single Speed):
| Matra | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bol | Dhin | Na | Dhin | Dhin | Na | Tin | Na | Dhin | Dhin | Na |
| Notation | X | 2 | 0 | 3 |
In Dugun Laya (Double Speed), two bols are played in the time of one matra. The Theka would be written as: (DhinNa) (DhinDhin) (NaTin) (NaDhin) (DhinNa).
Sultala
Sultala is another 10-matra Tala, but it has a symmetrical division structure. It is less common in classical performance compared to Jhaptala but is an important part of the percussion syllabus.
- Matras (Beats): 10
- Vibhag (Divisions): 5 divisions, each with 2 matras (2-2-2-2-2).
- Taali (Claps): On the 1st, 5th, and 7th matras.
- Khali (Wave): On the 3rd and 9th matras.
Theka in Thah Laya (Single Speed):
| Matra | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bol | Dha | Dha | Din | Ta | Kit | Dha | Tit | Kat | Gadi | Gan |
| Notation | X | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
In Dugun Laya, two bols are played per beat, such as: (DhaDha) (DinTa) (KitDha) (TitKat) (GadiGan).
Quick Revision Points
- Thah Laya: The base speed, where one bol is played for every one matra. It is also called ‘barabar ki laya’.
- Dugun Laya: Double speed, where two bols are played in the time of one matra.
- Jhaptala vs. Sultala: Both are 10-matra talas. The key difference is their internal division (Vibhag): Jhaptala is 2-3-2-3, while Sultala is 2-2-2-2-2.
- Notation: ‘X’ denotes ‘Sam’ (the first Taali), numbers (2, 3, etc.) denote subsequent Taalis, and ‘0’ denotes Khali.
Practice Questions
- Write the complete Theka of Sultala in Dugun laya using Bhatkhande notation.
- What is the main difference between the Taali/Khali structure of Jhaptala and Sultala?
- If a composition is 60 Matras long, how many cycles (Awartans) of Jhaptala would it contain?
- Recite the Theka of Jhaptala while showing the Taali and Khali with your hands.
- Explain why the ‘Sam’ or the first beat is the most important beat in any Tala cycle.
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.