ABGMVM Oral Exam Practice Questions
The questions an examiner asks in the theory round, with the answer you should give: short and exact. Pick your level, say your answer aloud, then open the card to check.
259 questions
What is a saptak? Level 1
From the lesson: SaptakA group of seven consecutive swaras from Sa to Ni.
Name the three saptaks. Level 1
From the lesson: SaptakMandra (lower), madhya (middle) and taar (upper).
Name the seven shuddha swaras with their full names. Level 1
From the lesson: SwaraShadja (सा), Rishabh (रे), Gandhar (ग), Madhyam (म), Pancham (प), Dhaivat (ध), Nishad (नि).
What is the thaat of Bhupali? Of Bhimpalasi? Level 1
From the lesson: Thaat (Mel)Bhupali: Kalyan thaat. Bhimpalasi: Kafi thaat.
What is a varjit swara? Level 1
From the lesson: JatiA swara that is strictly not used in a particular raga. Example: म and नि in Bhupali.
What is the vadi of Bhupali? Level 1
From the lesson: Vadi and Samvadiग (Gandhar). Its samvadi is ध (Dhaivat).
Sing and write the aaroha and avaroha of Bhupali. Level 1
From the lesson: Aaroha and AvarohaAaroha: सा रे ग प ध सां. Avaroha: सां ध प ग रे सा.
What is a pakad? Level 1
From the lesson: Aaroha and AvarohaThe short group of notes by which a raga is recognised.
Why are alankars practised? Level 1
From the lesson: Alankar (Palta)To build accuracy of pitch, voice control, command of laya and freedom of movement between notes.
Write alankar सारेग, रेगम in full, ascending and descending. Level 1
From the lesson: Alankar (Palta)सारेग, रेगम, गमप, मपध, पधनि, धनिसां; सांनिध, निधप, धपम, पमग, मगरे, गरेसा.
What is a taal? Level 1
From the lesson: TaalA fixed cycle of matras that repeats throughout a piece of music.
Give the matras, vibhags, taali and khali of Teentaal. Level 1
From the lesson: Taal16 matras; 4 vibhags of 4 each; taali on 1 (sam), 5 and 13; khali on 9.
Name the vadi and samvadi of Raag Bhupali. Level 1
From the lesson: Raag BhupaliVadi Ga (Gandhar); samvadi Dha (Dhaivat).
What is the jati of Raag Bhupali? Level 1
From the lesson: Raag BhupaliAudav – Audav: 5 notes in the aaroha, 5 in the avaroha.
When is Raag Bhupali sung? Level 1
From the lesson: Raag BhupaliFirst quarter of the night (early evening).
Sing the aaroha and avaroha of Raag Bhupali. Level 1
From the lesson: Raag BhupaliAaroha: सा रे ग प ध सां
Avaroha: सां ध प ग रे साSing the pakad of Raag Bhupali. Level 1
From the lesson: Raag Bhupaliग रे सा, ध (मंद्र), सा रे ग, प ग, ध प ग, रे सा
Name the vadi and samvadi of Raag Durga. Level 1
From the lesson: Raag DurgaVadi Dha (Dhaivat); samvadi Re (Rishabh).
What is the jati of Raag Durga? Level 1
From the lesson: Raag DurgaAudav – Audav: 5 notes in the aaroha, 5 in the avaroha.
Sing the aaroha and avaroha of Raag Durga. Level 1
From the lesson: Raag DurgaAaroha: सा रे म प ध सां
Avaroha: सां ध प म रे साName the vadi and samvadi of Raag Kafi. Level 1
From the lesson: Raag KafiVadi Pa (Pancham); samvadi Sa (Shadaj).
What is the jati of Raag Kafi? Level 1
From the lesson: Raag KafiSampurna – Sampurna: 7 notes in the aaroha, 7 in the avaroha.
Sing the aaroha and avaroha of Raag Kafi. Level 1
From the lesson: Raag KafiAaroha: सा रे ग॒ म प ध नि॒ सां
Avaroha: सां नि॒ ध प म ग॒ रे साName the vadi and samvadi of Raag Bhimpalasi. Level 1
From the lesson: Raag BhimpalasiVadi Ma (Madhyam); samvadi Sa (Shadaj).
What is the jati of Raag Bhimpalasi? Level 1
From the lesson: Raag BhimpalasiAudav – Sampurna: 5 notes in the aaroha, 7 in the avaroha.
Which swaras are omitted in Raag Bhimpalasi? Level 1
From the lesson: Raag BhimpalasiRe, Dha (in the ascent).
When is Raag Bhimpalasi sung? Level 1
From the lesson: Raag BhimpalasiThird quarter of the day (late afternoon).
Sing the aaroha and avaroha of Raag Bhimpalasi. Level 1
From the lesson: Raag BhimpalasiAaroha: नि॒ (मंद्र) सा ग॒ म प नि॒ सां
Avaroha: सां नि॒ ध प म ग॒ रे साName the vadi and samvadi of Raag Khamaj. Level 1
From the lesson: Raag KhamajVadi Ga (Gandhar); samvadi Ni (Nishad).
What is the jati of Raag Khamaj? Level 1
From the lesson: Raag KhamajShadav – Sampurna: 6 notes in the aaroha, 7 in the avaroha.
Sing the aaroha and avaroha of Raag Khamaj. Level 1
From the lesson: Raag KhamajAaroha: सा ग म प ध नि सां
Avaroha: सां नि॒ ध प म ग रे साName the vadi and samvadi of Raag Bageshree. Level 1
From the lesson: Raag BageshreeVadi Ma (Madhyam); samvadi Sa (Shadaj).
What is the jati of Raag Bageshree? Level 1
From the lesson: Raag BageshreeAudav – Sampurna: 5 notes in the aaroha, 7 in the avaroha.
Which swaras are omitted in Raag Bageshree? Level 1
From the lesson: Raag BageshreeRe, Pa (in the ascent).
Sing the aaroha and avaroha of Raag Bageshree. Level 1
From the lesson: Raag BageshreeAaroha: नि॒ (मंद्र) सा ग॒ म ध नि॒ सां
Avaroha: सां नि॒ ध म प ध ग॒ म ग॒ रे साName the vadi and samvadi of Raag Des. Level 1
From the lesson: Raag DesVadi Re (Rishabh); samvadi Pa (Pancham).
What is the jati of Raag Des? Level 1
From the lesson: Raag DesAudav – Sampurna: 5 notes in the aaroha, 7 in the avaroha.
Sing the aaroha and avaroha of Raag Des. Level 1
From the lesson: Raag DesAaroha: सा रे म प नि सां
Avaroha: सां नि॒ ध प म ग रे साHow many matras and vibhags does Teentaal have? Level 1
From the lesson: Teentaal16 matras in 4 vibhags (4 + 4 + 4 + 4).
Where do the sam, taali and khali fall in Teentaal? Level 1
From the lesson: TeentaalSam on matra 1; taali on 5, 13; khali on 9.
Recite the theka of Teentaal with claps. Level 1
From the lesson: Teentaalधा धिं धिं धा | धा धिं धिं धा | धा तिं तिं ता | ता धिं धिं धा
How many matras and vibhags does Dadra have? Level 1
From the lesson: Dadra6 matras in 2 vibhags (3 + 3).
Where do the sam, taali and khali fall in Dadra? Level 1
From the lesson: DadraSam on matra 1; khali on 4.
How many matras and vibhags does Keherwa have? Level 1
From the lesson: Keherwa8 matras in 2 vibhags (4 + 4).
Where do the sam, taali and khali fall in Keherwa? Level 1
From the lesson: KeherwaSam on matra 1; khali on 5.
How is a taar saptak note written? Level 2
From the lesson: SaptakWith a dot above it, for example सां.
What is the difference between dhwani and naad? Level 2
From the lesson: NaadDhwani is any sound the ear hears. Naad is a dhwani with regular, steady vibrations that is pleasant and usable in music.
Name the two kinds of naad. Level 2
From the lesson: NaadAahat naad (produced by striking or contact, used in music) and anahat naad (unstruck, inner sound).
How many vikrit swaras are there? Name them. Level 2
From the lesson: SwaraFive: komal रे, ग, ध, नि and tivra म.
How many swaras are there in one saptak? Level 2
From the lesson: SwaraTwelve: 7 shuddha and 5 vikrit.
What is a thaat? Level 2
From the lesson: Thaat (Mel)The parent scale of seven swaras from which a raga draws its notes. It is also called mel.
Define raga. Level 2
From the lesson: RagaA distinctive arrangement of swaras and varnas, born from a thaat, that pleases the listener (ranjakta).
What is jati? Level 2
From the lesson: JatiThe class of a raga by the number of swaras in its aaroha and avaroha: audav (5), shadav (6) or sampurna (7).
What is the jati of Bhupali? Level 2
From the lesson: JatiAudav-audav: five swaras in both aaroha and avaroha (म and नि varjit).
How many jatis are possible? Level 2
From the lesson: JatiNine: three aaroha counts (5, 6, 7) combined with three avaroha counts.
Define vadi. Level 2
From the lesson: Vadi and SamvadiThe most important note of a raga, used most often and with the most weight; the king of the raga.
What is a vivadi swara? Level 2
From the lesson: Vadi and SamvadiA note that clashes with the raga and is normally avoided, though an expert may touch it briefly for beauty.
What is an alankar? What is its other name? Level 2
From the lesson: Alankar (Palta)A systematic pattern of swaras practised in aaroha and avaroha. It is also called palta.
How do you sing an alankar in a raga? Level 2
From the lesson: Alankar (Palta)Apply the same pattern using only the raga's notes, leaving out its varjit swaras.
What is alaap? Level 2
From the lesson: AlaapThe slow, note-by-note elaboration of a raga that shows its mood and movement. It is also called swar vistar.
Give two differences between alaap and taan. Level 2
From the lesson: AlaapAlaap is slow and dwells on notes; taan is fast and runs through them. Alaap shows the raga's mood; taan shows skill and speed.
What is a taan? Level 2
From the lesson: TaanA fast run through the notes of a raga, usually sung in akar.
Name the three main layas. Level 2
From the lesson: LayaVilambit (slow), madhya (medium) and drut (fast).
What is dugun? Level 2
From the lesson: LayaFitting two notes or bols into each matra, so the music moves twice as fast against the same taal.
What is sam? How is it marked? Level 2
From the lesson: TaalThe first matra of the taal, where the cycle begins. Marked X.
What is khali? How is it marked? Level 2
From the lesson: TaalA vibhag shown with a wave of the hand instead of a clap. Marked 0.
What is a theka? Level 2
From the lesson: TaalThe basic bols of a taal, played on the tabla, that identify it.
What is an avartan? Level 2
From the lesson: TaalOne complete cycle of the taal, from sam back to sam.
What is a bandish? Level 2
From the lesson: BandishA fixed composition with words, set in a raga and a taal.
What are the sthayi and antara? Level 2
From the lesson: BandishSthayi: the first part, mostly in the lower and middle range. Antara: the second part, rising to taar सां.
What is swarlipi? Level 2
From the lesson: Swarlipi (Notation)The method of writing music down with signs for its swaras and taal.
How is a komal swara written in Bhatkhande notation? Level 2
From the lesson: Swarlipi (Notation)With a horizontal line below it, e.g. रे॒.
What is dugun? Level 2
From the lesson: DhrupadSinging the composition at twice the speed of thaah: two bols in each matra.
What is a swarmalika? Level 2
From the lesson: Sargam Geet (Swarmalika)Another name for a sargam geet: a taal-bound composition whose words are the swara names.
Why is a sargam geet usually taught first in a new raga? Level 2
From the lesson: Sargam Geet (Swarmalika)Singing the note names fixes the raga's notes, movement and pakad in the memory before words are added.
How does a sargam geet differ from a lakshan geet? Level 2
From the lesson: Sargam Geet (Swarmalika)A sargam geet is sung in swara names; a lakshan geet has words that describe the raga's rules.
What is a lakshan geet? Level 2
From the lesson: Lakshan GeetA song whose words describe the rules of the raga it is sung in: thaat, jati, varjya swaras, vadi, samvadi and time.
What information does a lakshan geet usually contain? Level 2
From the lesson: Lakshan GeetThe raga's thaat, jati, varjya swaras, vadi, samvadi and time, sometimes its aaroha-avaroha or pakad.
How is a lakshan geet different from a sargam geet? Level 2
From the lesson: Lakshan GeetA lakshan geet has words describing the raga's rules; a sargam geet is sung entirely in swara names.
What is a bhajan? Level 2
From the lesson: BhajanA devotional song in light classical style, with a refrain (sthayi) and several verses (antaras).
Name the vadi and samvadi of Raag Yaman. Level 2
From the lesson: Raag YamanVadi Ga (Gandhar); samvadi Ni (Nishad).
What is the jati of Raag Yaman? Level 2
From the lesson: Raag YamanSampurna – Sampurna: 7 notes in the aaroha, 7 in the avaroha.
When is Raag Yaman sung? Level 2
From the lesson: Raag YamanFirst quarter of the night (early evening).
Sing the aaroha and avaroha of Raag Yaman. Level 2
From the lesson: Raag YamanAaroha: नि (मंद्र) रे ग म॑ प ध नि सां
Avaroha: सां नि ध प म॑ ग रे साSing the pakad of Raag Yaman. Level 2
From the lesson: Raag Yamanनि (मंद्र) रे ग रे सा, प म॑ ग रे सा
How many matras and vibhags does Ektaal have? Level 2
From the lesson: Ektaal12 matras in 6 vibhags (2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2).
Where do the sam, taali and khali fall in Ektaal? Level 2
From the lesson: EktaalSam on matra 1; taali on 5, 9, 11; khali on 3, 7.
Recite the theka of Ektaal with claps. Level 2
From the lesson: Ektaalधिं धिं | धागे तिरकिट | तू ना | क त्ता | धागे तिरकिट | धी ना
How many matras and vibhags does Jhaptaal have? Level 2
From the lesson: Jhaptaal10 matras in 4 vibhags (2 + 3 + 2 + 3).
Where do the sam, taali and khali fall in Jhaptaal? Level 2
From the lesson: JhaptaalSam on matra 1; taali on 3, 8; khali on 6.
Recite the theka of Jhaptaal with claps. Level 2
From the lesson: Jhaptaalधी ना | धी धी ना | ती ना | धी धी ना
How many matras and vibhags does Chautaal have? Level 2
From the lesson: Chautaal12 matras in 6 vibhags (2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2).
Where do the sam, taali and khali fall in Chautaal? Level 2
From the lesson: ChautaalSam on matra 1; taali on 5, 9, 11; khali on 3, 7.
Recite the theka of Chautaal with claps. Level 2
From the lesson: Chautaalधा धा | दिं ता | किट धा | दिं ता | तिट कत | गदि गन
What are the three characteristics of naad? Level 3
From the lesson: NaadPitch (ऊँचा-नीचापन), volume (छोटा-बड़ापन) and timbre (जाति or गुण).
What is a shruti? How many are there in a saptak? Level 3
From the lesson: NaadThe smallest interval of pitch the ear can clearly distinguish. There are 22 in a saptak.
What is the difference between a janak and a janya raga? Level 3
From the lesson: Thaat (Mel)The janak is the parent thaat; a janya raga is a raga born from it.
What is a sankirna raga? Give an example. Level 3
From the lesson: RagaA raga formed by mixing two or more ragas. Example: Pilu.
What do graha, amsha and nyaas mean? Level 3
From the lesson: Vadi and SamvadiGraha: the starting note. Amsha: the most prominent note (like the vadi). Nyaas: the note on which phrases come to rest.
What are poorvang and uttarang? Level 3
From the lesson: Aaroha and AvarohaThe two halves of the saptak: poorvang सा रे ग म, uttarang प ध नि सां.
What is a vakra swara? Level 3
From the lesson: Aaroha and AvarohaA note approached with a turn rather than in straight order, as in Bageshree: म प ध ग॒, म ग॒ रे सा.
What is nom-tom? Level 3
From the lesson: AlaapThe style of alaap sung before a dhrupad on syllables like नोम, तोम, रे, ना; especially its later rhythmic part.
In which laya are taans usually sung in a madhya laya bandish? Level 3
From the lesson: TaanDugun or chaugun of the bandish laya, ending so that the mukhda arrives on sam.
What is a bol-taan? Level 3
From the lesson: TaanA taan sung on the words of the bandish instead of on akar.
What is meend? How is it written? Level 3
From the lesson: OrnamentsA smooth, unbroken glide from one note to another. In Bhatkhande notation, an arc over the notes.
What is a kan swar (sparsh swar)? Level 3
From the lesson: OrnamentsA very brief touch of another note just before the main note, written small above and to the left of it.
What is gamak? Level 3
From the lesson: OrnamentsA forceful oscillation of notes, each struck with weight; typical of dhrupad and dhamar.
Write the first vibhag of Teentaal's theka in dugun. Level 3
From the lesson: Layaधाधिं धिंधा धाधिं धिंधा (two bols per matra over matras 1 to 4).
From which matra should a dugun of Teentaal start so that it ends on sam? Level 3
From the lesson: LayaMatra 9.
What is a mukhda? Level 3
From the lesson: BandishThe opening phrase of the sthayi that leads to sam; the singer returns to it after each alaap and taan.
Which parts does a khayal usually have? Level 3
From the lesson: BandishOnly sthayi and antara. Dhrupad has all four.
What is varna? Level 3
From the lesson: VarnaThe act of singing, i.e. the way notes move. There are four varnas.
Name the four varnas with an example of each. Level 3
From the lesson: VarnaSthayi (सा सा सा), arohi (सा रे ग म), avrohi (म ग रे सा), sanchari (सा रे ग रे सा).
What is sanchari varna? Level 3
From the lesson: VarnaA movement that mixes the other varnas, going up and down, e.g. सा रे ग रे सा.
How is a mandra saptak note marked in the Paluskar system? Level 3
From the lesson: Swarlipi (Notation)With a dot above the note (in Bhatkhande, a dot below).
How are sam and khali marked in the two systems? Level 3
From the lesson: Swarlipi (Notation)Bhatkhande: sam X, khali 0. Paluskar: sam 1, khali +.
Who devised the two notation systems used in Hindustani music? Level 3
From the lesson: Swarlipi (Notation)Pt. Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande and Pt. Vishnu Digambar Paluskar.
Name the two main systems of Indian classical music. Level 3
From the lesson: Hindustani and CarnaticHindustani (North Indian) and Carnatic (South Indian).
How many parent scales does each system use? Level 3
From the lesson: Hindustani and CarnaticHindustani: 10 thaats (Pt. Bhatkhande). Carnatic: 72 melakartas (Venkatamakhi).
Name the Carnatic Trinity. Level 3
From the lesson: Hindustani and CarnaticTyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Shastri.
Which system does the ABGMVM follow? Level 3
From the lesson: Hindustani and CarnaticThe Hindustani system, using Pt. Bhatkhande's ten thaats and both the Bhatkhande and Paluskar notations.
What is a khayal? Level 3
From the lesson: KhayalThe main form of Hindustani classical singing: a bandish in sthayi and antara, developed with alaap, bol-alaap, sargam and taan.
How does a bada khayal differ from a chhota khayal? Level 3
From the lesson: KhayalThe bada khayal is in vilambit laya (vilambit Ektaal, Jhumra, Tilwada); the chhota khayal is in madhya or drut laya (Teentaal, drut Ektaal, Jhaptaal).
Name the four parts of a dhrupad. Level 3
From the lesson: DhrupadSthayi, antara, sanchari and abhog.
In which taal is dhrupad usually sung? Level 3
From the lesson: DhrupadChautaal (12 matras). Sooltaal and Teevra are also used.
How many matras and vibhags does Dhamar taal have? Level 3
From the lesson: Dhamar14 matras in 4 vibhags of 5, 2, 3 and 4.
What is the usual subject of a dhamar? Level 3
From the lesson: DhamarHoli in Braj: Krishna, Radha and the gopis playing with colour.
On which matra does the dugun of a one-avartan dhamar line begin? Level 3
From the lesson: DhamarOn matra 8, so that it ends on sam.
What is a tarana? Level 3
From the lesson: TaranaA composition in a raga sung on meaningless syllables such as ta, na, dere, tom and nadir, usually in drut laya.
How is a tarana different from a sargam geet? Level 3
From the lesson: TaranaA tarana uses syllables like ta, na, dere; a sargam geet uses the names of the swaras.
How does a sargam geet differ from the sargam sung in a khayal? Level 3
From the lesson: Sargam Geet (Swarmalika)A sargam geet is a fixed composition; sargam in a khayal is improvised.
Who wrote many of the lakshan geets taught today? Level 3
From the lesson: Lakshan GeetPt. Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande, under the pen name "Chatur".
Name three poet-saints whose bhajans are sung today. Level 3
From the lesson: BhajanAny three of Meera, Kabir, Surdas, Tulsidas, Narsinh Mehta and Sant Tukaram.
How does a bhajan differ from a khayal? Level 3
From the lesson: BhajanIn a bhajan the words and devotion lead, in light classical style; in a khayal the raga is developed in depth through alaap and taan.
Which thaat does Raag Alhaiya Bilawal belong to? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Alhaiya BilawalBilawal thaat.
Name the vadi and samvadi of Raag Alhaiya Bilawal. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Alhaiya BilawalVadi Dha (Dhaivat); samvadi Ga (Gandhar).
What is the jati of Raag Alhaiya Bilawal? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Alhaiya BilawalShadav – Sampurna: 6 notes in the aaroha, 7 in the avaroha.
Which swaras are omitted in Raag Alhaiya Bilawal? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Alhaiya BilawalMa (in the ascent).
When is Raag Alhaiya Bilawal sung? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Alhaiya BilawalFirst quarter of the day (morning).
Sing the aaroha and avaroha of Raag Alhaiya Bilawal. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Alhaiya BilawalAaroha: सा रे ग प ध नि सां
Avaroha: सां नि ध प, ध नि॒ ध प, म ग म रे साSing the pakad of Raag Alhaiya Bilawal. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Alhaiya Bilawalग रे ग प, ध नि॒ ध प, म ग म रे सा
Which thaat does Raag Vrindavani Sarang belong to? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Vrindavani SarangKafi thaat.
Name the vadi and samvadi of Raag Vrindavani Sarang. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Vrindavani SarangVadi Re (Rishabh); samvadi Pa (Pancham).
What is the jati of Raag Vrindavani Sarang? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Vrindavani SarangAudav – Audav: 5 notes in the aaroha, 5 in the avaroha.
Which swaras are omitted in Raag Vrindavani Sarang? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Vrindavani SarangGa, Dha.
When is Raag Vrindavani Sarang sung? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Vrindavani SarangSecond quarter of the day (midday).
Sing the aaroha and avaroha of Raag Vrindavani Sarang. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Vrindavani SarangAaroha: नि (मंद्र) सा रे म प नि सां
Avaroha: सां नि॒ प म रे साSing the pakad of Raag Vrindavani Sarang. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Vrindavani Sarangनि (मंद्र) सा रे, म रे, प म रे, नि (मंद्र) सा
Name the vadi and samvadi of Raag Bhairav. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag BhairavVadi Komal Dha (Dhaivat); samvadi Komal Re (Rishabh).
What is the jati of Raag Bhairav? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag BhairavSampurna – Sampurna: 7 notes in the aaroha, 7 in the avaroha.
When is Raag Bhairav sung? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag BhairavDawn (a sandhiprakash, or twilight, raga).
Sing the aaroha and avaroha of Raag Bhairav. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag BhairavAaroha: सा रे॒ ग म प ध॒ नि सां
Avaroha: सां नि ध॒ प म ग रे॒ साSing the pakad of Raag Bhairav. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Bhairavसा ग म प ध॒ ध॒ प, ग म रे॒ रे॒ सा
Name the vadi and samvadi of Raag Bihag. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag BihagVadi Ga (Gandhar); samvadi Ni (Nishad).
What is the jati of Raag Bihag? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag BihagAudav – Sampurna: 5 notes in the aaroha, 7 in the avaroha.
Which swaras are omitted in Raag Bihag? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag BihagRe, Dha (in the ascent).
Sing the aaroha and avaroha of Raag Bihag. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag BihagAaroha: नि (मंद्र) सा ग म प नि सां
Avaroha: सां नि ध प, म॑ प ग म ग, रे साName the vadi and samvadi of Raag Kedar. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag KedarVadi Ma (Madhyam); samvadi Sa (Shadaj).
What is the jati of Raag Kedar? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag KedarAudav – Shadav: 5 notes in the aaroha, 6 in the avaroha.
Which swaras are omitted in Raag Kedar? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag KedarRe, Ga (in the ascent); Ga (in the descent).
When is Raag Kedar sung? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag KedarFirst quarter of the night (early evening).
Sing the aaroha and avaroha of Raag Kedar. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag KedarAaroha: सा म, म प, ध प, नि ध सां
Avaroha: सां नि ध प, म॑ प ध प, म, रे साWhich thaat does Raag Tilak Kamod belong to? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Tilak KamodKhamaj thaat.
Name the vadi and samvadi of Raag Tilak Kamod. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Tilak KamodVadi Re (Rishabh); samvadi Pa (Pancham).
What is the jati of Raag Tilak Kamod? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Tilak KamodShadav – Sampurna: 6 notes in the aaroha, 7 in the avaroha.
Which swaras are omitted in Raag Tilak Kamod? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Tilak KamodDha (in the ascent).
When is Raag Tilak Kamod sung? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Tilak KamodSecond quarter of the night.
Sing the aaroha and avaroha of Raag Tilak Kamod. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Tilak KamodAaroha: सा रे ग सा, रे म प नि सां
Avaroha: सां प ध म ग, सा रे ग सा नि (मंद्र)Sing the pakad of Raag Tilak Kamod. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Tilak Kamodप (मंद्र) नि (मंद्र) सा रे ग सा, रे प म ग, सा रे ग सा नि (मंद्र)
Name the vadi and samvadi of Raag Asavari. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag AsavariVadi Komal Dha (Dhaivat); samvadi Komal Ga (Gandhar).
What is the jati of Raag Asavari? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag AsavariAudav – Sampurna: 5 notes in the aaroha, 7 in the avaroha.
Which swaras are omitted in Raag Asavari? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag AsavariGa, Ni (in the ascent).
When is Raag Asavari sung? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag AsavariSecond quarter of the day (late morning).
Sing the aaroha and avaroha of Raag Asavari. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag AsavariAaroha: सा रे म प ध॒ सां
Avaroha: सां नि॒ ध॒ प, म प ध॒ म प, ग॒ रे साSing the pakad of Raag Asavari. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Asavariरे म प, नि॒ ध॒ प, म प ध॒ म प, ग॒ रे सा
Name the vadi and samvadi of Raag Bhairavi. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag BhairaviVadi Ma (Madhyam); samvadi Sa (Shadaj).
What is the jati of Raag Bhairavi? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag BhairaviSampurna – Sampurna: 7 notes in the aaroha, 7 in the avaroha.
When is Raag Bhairavi sung? Level 3
From the lesson: Raag BhairaviMorning (by convention also sung to close a concert at any hour).
Sing the aaroha and avaroha of Raag Bhairavi. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag BhairaviAaroha: सा रे॒ ग॒ म प ध॒ नि॒ सां
Avaroha: सां नि॒ ध॒ प म ग॒ रे॒ साSing the pakad of Raag Bhairavi. Level 3
From the lesson: Raag Bhairaviम ग॒ सा रे॒ सा, ध॒ (मंद्र) नि॒ (मंद्र) सा
How many matras and vibhags does Roopak have? Level 3
From the lesson: Roopak7 matras in 3 vibhags (3 + 2 + 2).
Where do the sam, taali and khali fall in Roopak? Level 3
From the lesson: RoopakSam on matra 1, which is also the khali; taali on 4, 6.
How many matras and vibhags does Dhamar have? Level 3
From the lesson: Dhamar14 matras in 4 vibhags (5 + 2 + 3 + 4).
Where do the sam, taali and khali fall in Dhamar? Level 3
From the lesson: DhamarSam on matra 1; taali on 6, 11; khali on 8.
Recite the theka of Dhamar with claps. Level 3
From the lesson: Dhamarक धि ट धि ट | धा ऽ | ग ति ट | ति ट ता ऽ
What decides the pitch of a naad? Level 4
From the lesson: NaadThe number of vibrations per second (frequency). More vibrations give a higher pitch; a shorter string vibrates faster.
Name the ten thaats of Pt. Bhatkhande. Level 4
From the lesson: Thaat (Mel)Bilawal, Kalyan, Khamaj, Bhairav, Poorvi, Marwa, Kafi, Asavari, Bhairavi, Todi.
How many thaats are mathematically possible, and why? Level 4
From the lesson: Thaat (Mel)- सा and प are fixed, and each of रे ग म ध नि has two forms: 2⁵ = 32.
Give two differences between a raga and a thaat. Level 4
From the lesson: RagaA thaat has exactly seven notes and only an aaroha; a raga has at least five notes and both aaroha and avaroha. A thaat is not sung, while a raga must have ranjakta.
What is the usual interval between vadi and samvadi? Level 4
From the lesson: Vadi and SamvadiA fourth or a fifth (षड्ज-मध्यम or षड्ज-पंचम भाव), so one is in the poorvang and the other in the uttarang.
What is chalan? Level 4
From the lesson: Aaroha and AvarohaThe characteristic overall movement of a raga through its notes, its phrases, turns and resting points.
Name the five types of taan in the Madhyama syllabus. Level 4
From the lesson: TaanSaral (shuddha), koot, mishra, sapaat and vakra.
What is a koot taan? Level 4
From the lesson: TaanA taan in which the notes are deliberately sung out of sequence, without a regular pattern.
How is a khatka written in Bhatkhande notation? Level 4
From the lesson: OrnamentsThe main note in brackets, for example (सा), sung as रेसाऩिसा.
Distinguish khatka and murki. Level 4
From the lesson: OrnamentsBoth are quick clusters of notes. A khatka is forceful and distinct; a murki is lighter, faster and more delicate.
In Chautaal, on which matra does the dugun of a one-avartan line begin? Level 4
From the lesson: DhrupadOn matra 7, so that it ends on sam.
How many matras and vibhags does Jhoomra have? Level 4
From the lesson: Jhoomra14 matras in 4 vibhags (3 + 4 + 3 + 4).
Where do the sam, taali and khali fall in Jhoomra? Level 4
From the lesson: JhoomraSam on matra 1; taali on 4, 11; khali on 8.
Recite the theka of Jhoomra with claps. Level 4
From the lesson: Jhoomraधिं ऽधा तिरकिट | धिं धिं धागे तिरकिट | तिं ऽता तिरकिट | धिं धिं धागे तिरकिट
How many matras and vibhags does Tilwada have? Level 4
From the lesson: Tilwada16 matras in 4 vibhags (4 + 4 + 4 + 4).
Where do the sam, taali and khali fall in Tilwada? Level 4
From the lesson: TilwadaSam on matra 1; taali on 5, 13; khali on 9.
Recite the theka of Tilwada with claps. Level 4
From the lesson: Tilwadaधा तिरकिट धिं धिं | धा धा तिं तिं | ता तिरकिट धिं धिं | धा धा धिं धिं
How many matras and vibhags does Sooltaal have? Level 4
From the lesson: Sooltaal10 matras in 5 vibhags (2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2).
Where do the sam, taali and khali fall in Sooltaal? Level 4
From the lesson: SooltaalSam on matra 1; taali on 5, 7; khali on 3, 9.
Recite the theka of Sooltaal with claps. Level 4
From the lesson: Sooltaalधा धा | दिं ता | किट धा | तिट कत | गदि गन
Who is traditionally credited with creating the tarana? Level 5
From the lesson: TaranaAmir Khusrau.
How many matras and vibhags does Deepchandi have? Level 5
From the lesson: Deepchandi14 matras in 4 vibhags (3 + 4 + 3 + 4).
Where do the sam, taali and khali fall in Deepchandi? Level 5
From the lesson: DeepchandiSam on matra 1; taali on 4, 11; khali on 8.
Recite the theka of Deepchandi with claps. Level 5
From the lesson: Deepchandiधा धिं ऽ | धा धा तिं ऽ | ता तिं ऽ | धा धा धिं ऽ
Who composed many of the bada khayals sung today? Level 6
From the lesson: KhayalNiyamat Khan "Sadarang" and Firoz Khan "Adarang", at the 18th-century court of Muhammad Shah in Delhi.
How is a dhamar different from a hori? Level 6
From the lesson: DhamarA dhamar is a dhrupad-style composition in Dhamar taal with pakhawaj; a hori is a semi-classical Holi song in thumri style, often in Deepchandi.
How many matras and vibhags does Aada Chautaal have? Level 6
From the lesson: Aada Chautaal14 matras in 7 vibhags (2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2).
Where do the sam, taali and khali fall in Aada Chautaal? Level 6
From the lesson: Aada ChautaalSam on matra 1; taali on 3, 7, 11; khali on 5, 9, 13.
Recite the theka of Aada Chautaal with claps. Level 6
From the lesson: Aada Chautaalधिं तिरकिट | धिं ना | तू ना | क त्ता | तिरकिट धिं | ना धिं | धिं ना
Name the four banis of dhrupad. Level 7
From the lesson: DhrupadGauhar (Gobarhari), Khandar, Dagur and Nauhar.
Learning this with a teacher
These pages will take you a long way on theory. The singing needs a guru — live online classes, one level at a time, with exam preparation built in.