Notation Systems and Writing Sargam Notation
This domain tests whether a candidate can write and read Hindustani notation accurately, especially in the Bhatkhande system. The examiner looks for correct swara symbols, octave marks, matra alignment and tala markers.
Conventions to control
- Shuddha swaras are written plain: S R G M P D N. Komal swaras are conventionally underlined, and tivra Ma is marked above or with a recognised tivra sign. In plain text, many teachers write M^ for tivra Ma.
- A dot below shows mandra saptak; a dot above shows tara saptak. Do not omit octave marks when the phrase crosses registers.
- Bar lines divide vibhags. Matra numbers, sam (often ×), tali numbers and khali (0) should be marked so the reader can place every syllable.
- In Bhatkhande-style notation, a dash or avagraha extends the previous swara. A composition's sahitya is aligned under the sargam, normally one syllable to a matra unless the notation shows otherwise.
Worked example
Write a simple Teental sargam line: Matra: 1 2 3 4 | 5 6 7 8 | 9 10 11 12 | 13 14 15 16 Sargam: S R G M | P M G R | S R G R | S – – – Mark × at 1, 2 at 5, 0 at 9 and 3 at 13. Reasoning: four vibhags of four matras make 16; sam is matra 1; khali is matra 9; the final S is held for matras 13-16. The notation is complete only when matra, vibhag, tali-khali and swara are aligned.
Traps that cost marks
Writing a line that totals 15 or 17 matras; forgetting khali at matra 9 in Teental; omitting komal or tivra marks; and placing sahitya syllables without showing which matra they occupy.