Bhatkhande and Paluskar Notation: Reading and Writing Compositions
Notation systems
This domain tests reading and writing sargam in Bhatkhande and Vishnu Digambar Paluskar notation. Both use Devanagari sargam, matra numbers and bar-lines, but their signs and layout conventions differ; do not mix them in one answer.
- Octave: dot above means tar saptak; dot below means mandra saptak.
- Komal and tivra: mark altered notes consistently; in Bhatkhande-style answers underline komal notes and mark tivra Ma with a vertical stroke; in Paluskar-style answers use Paluskar's own altered-note signs. State which system you use.
- Tala: write matra numbers, vibhag bars, sam (X), khali (0), and tali numbers.
- Composition: align each swara with its matra; keep sthayi and antara separate; show avartan closure.
Worked example
A four-matra phrase in teental, Bhatkhande-style: | 1 2 3 4 | 5 6 7 8 | | S R G M | P M G R | Here sam is matra 1, and the phrase closes on matra 8 before the next vibhag. To notate komal Re, write Re with an underline; to notate tivra Ma, use the tivra sign. In Paluskar notation, keep the same matra grid but use Paluskar's signs; never place Bhatkhande and Paluskar symbols in the same line.
Traps
Writing swaras without matra numbers; putting sam on the wrong syllable; using an underline for tivra; forgetting khali; mixing systems; writing a bandish without tala or avartan.