Notation Systems
What this domain covers
This domain tests the two main Hindustani notation systems and the symbols used to record swara, octave, duration, tala, and ornaments. Expect questions on Bhatkhande and Paluskar notation and on converting oral phrases into written sargam.
Core rules
- A notation must show: swara letter, komal/tivra alteration, octave (dot below for mandra, above for tar), duration (lines, dashes, or spacing), tala cycle, vibhag, sam, khali, and ornaments.
- Bhatkhande system: Devanagari swara letters; shuddha swaras plain; komal swaras marked with a horizontal stroke below; tivra Ma marked distinctly; vertical lines for vibhag; X for sam; 0 for khali. It is the system used in most modern Hindustani textbooks.
- Paluskar system: also uses swara letters but a different set of signs and spacing conventions; it was promoted through the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya tradition.
- In exams, if the exact diacritic is unclear, write the alteration in words, e.g. Ma(tivra), Ga(komal), and keep the octave dots clear.
- Tala notation uses matra numbers under the phrase; the first matra is sam.
Worked example
"Notate the phrase Ni Re Ga Ma(tivra) Pa in Teentaal starting on sam." Reasoning: Teentaal has 16 matras. If one swara per matra, the phrase fills matras 1–5. Matra 1 is sam (X), matra 5 is the second vibhag (tali). The notation should show Ni under 1, Re under 2, Ga under 3, Ma(tivra) under 4, Pa under 5, then continue or leave dashes. The tivra mark is essential; without it the phrase suggests a different scale.
Traps
Do not omit the tivra Ma mark. Do not put the octave dot on the wrong side. Do not write khali as X. Do not mix Bhatkhande and Paluskar symbols in one answer.