Notation and Writing Systems (Bhatkhande and Paluskar conventions)
What this domain tests
Notation questions test whether you can write a theka or composition so another player can reproduce it: matra numbers, vibhag lines, sam, tali and khali symbols, and the bol under the correct matra.
Bhatkhande convention
- Matras are written in sequence and divided by vertical lines at each vibhag.
- Sam is marked with x (cross); khali with 0; other tali with numbers 2, 3, 4.
- Bols are written in Devanagari or transliteration below the matra numbers, aligned so each bol occupies its matra.
- A dash or blank may show a held matra; compound bols such as Tirakita occupy one matra but several syllables.
Paluskar convention
- This system also divides the cycle into vibhag and aligns bols under matras.
- Sam is commonly shown by S or a clap mark, khali by 0, and tali by clap numbers or vertical marks.
- The two systems are not interchangeable symbol for symbol; choose one and use it consistently.
Worked example
Teentaal in Bhatkhande style: sam (x) on 1; tali 2 on 5; khali (0) on 9; tali 3 on 13. The bols are Dha Dhin Dhin Dha | Dha Dhin Dhin Dha | Dha Tin Tin Ta | Ta Dhin Dhin Dha, with vibhag lines after matras 4, 8 and 12. Reasoning: the symbols locate the structural points, while the bols must sit under matras 1-16 without shifting.
Mark-losing traps
- Placing 0 at 13 in Teentaal.
- Writing bols without matra numbers.
- Mixing x and S in one answer.
- Omitting vibhag lines so the taal cannot be counted.