Theka Recitation: Keharwa MCQs Quiz | Class 9
Class: IX | Subject: Hindustani Music Vocal (Code 034) | Unit: Practical | Topic: Theka Recitation: Keharwa | Covering: Dugun with handbeats. Test your understanding of taal structure, matras, vibhags, and dugun recitation with hand gestures. Submit your answers to see the score and download the comprehensive PDF solution.
Understanding Keharwa Taal
Keharwa is one of the most popular and commonly used taals in Hindustani music, especially in semi-classical and light music genres like Thumri, Dadra, Ghazal, and Bhajan. It is an 8-beat rhythmic cycle.
Key Structure Details
- Matras (Beats): 8
- Vibhags (Divisions): 2 (4 matras each)
- Tali (Clap): On the 1st matra (Sam)
- Khali (Wave): On the 5th matra
Theka and Bol Notation
The standard Theka for Keharwa is recited as follows:
| Matra | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bol | Dha | Ge | Na | Ti | Na | Ka | Dhi | Na |
| Sign | X | – | – | – | 0 | – | – | – |
Concept of Dugun
Dugun (Double Speed) means reciting two matras or bols in the duration of a single beat. While reciting the Theka in Dugun with handbeats:
- You complete the entire cycle of 8 bols in just 4 beats of time.
- To match the original cycle length (8 beats), the Theka must be recited twice in one cycle of hand gestures.
- Precision in hand gestures (Tali and Khali) is crucial for practical examinations.
Quick Revision List
- Sam: The first beat of the cycle, marked with ‘X’.
- Khali: An unstressed beat shown by a wave of the hand, marked with ‘0’.
- Laya: The speed or tempo of the rhythm.
- Avartan: One complete cycle of the taal.
Extra Practice Questions
- What is the symbol used for the 2nd Tali in a taal (if applicable)?
- Which genre of music frequently uses Keharwa?
- How many Avartans of Keharwa fit in one cycle of Teen Taal (16 beats)?
- Define ‘Barabar’ or ‘Ekgun’ laya.
- Name another taal that has 8 matras but a different structure.
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