Notation Systems: Bhatkhande and Vishnu Digambar Paluskar Notation
This domain tests whether you can read and write Indian notation accurately, using the two systems named in the syllabus rather than Western staff notation.
Core rules
- Both systems use Devanagari swara letters and place the composition under the swara line. Both mark sam, tali, khali and vibhag.
- In Bhatkhande notation, komal swaras carry a horizontal line beneath the letter; teevra Ma carries a vertical stroke above. A dot below means mandra, a dot above means taar.
- Bhatkhande uses × for sam, 0 for khali and numbers for tali; vertical bars separate vibhags.
- Paluskar notation uses its own komal and teevra signs and its own layout of matra marks. Do not interchange the two sign tables.
- The swara letter stays the same when it becomes vikrit; only the sign changes. The aroha or composition must still show octave dots and tala marks.
Worked example
Write the Bhairav phrase S r G M P d N S in Bhatkhande notation. The letters are S, R, G, M, P, D, N, S. Because Re and Dha are komal, the R and D carry a line beneath. Ma is shuddha here, so it has no teevra stroke. In Paluskar notation the same phrase keeps the same letters but uses Paluskar's komal signs. Reason: first identify the vikrit swaras, then apply the correct system's symbol, then add tala marks.
Traps
Do not use staff notation. Do not put a teevra stroke on komal Ma. Do not forget sam and khali marks. Do not write a composition without vibhag bars. Do not mix Bhatkhande and Paluskar symbols in one answer.