NCERT Class 6 Arts Kriti-I: Chapter 8 — Tala and Raga in Indian Music
This chapter introduces students to the fundamental concepts of Tala (rhythm) and Raga (melodic framework) in Indian classical music, covering both Hindustani and Carnatic traditions. It explains the structure of Tala, including its divisions (Vibhag), beats (Matra), and signs for clapping (Tali) and waving (Khali). Specific examples like Dadra, Keharva, and Teen Taal are presented with their matra counts and bols. The chapter also delves into Talam in Carnatic music, detailing its angams (Laghu, Dhrutam, Anudhrutam) and their representations. It highlights the importance of Tala in maintaining the beat and the concept of the Talam cycle (Avartanam). The text briefly touches upon the significance of Raga in Hindustani music and introduces the concept of rhythmic support provided by instruments like the Mridangam, mentioning maestros like Thanjavur Vaidyanatha Iyer.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti-I |
| Chapter | Chapter 8 — Taal or Talam and Raga or Ragam in Indian Music |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 360 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of Tala (rhythm) in Indian music.
- Identify different Talas like Dadra, Keharva, and Teen Taal.
- Learn about the components of Talam in Carnatic music (Angams).
- Differentiate between Tali and Khali.
- Appreciate the role of rhythm in classical music.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tala | Rhythm or rhythmic cycle in Indian music. |
| Raga | Melodic framework or mode in Indian classical music. |
| Matra | Beat or unit of time in a Tala. |
| Tali | Clap, indicating a stressed beat in a Tala. |
| Khali | Wave of the hand, indicating an unstressed beat in a Tala. |
| Bols | Syllables or rhythmic phrases used to denote specific strokes or patterns. |
| Vibhag | Division or section within a Tala cycle. |
| Talam | Rhythmic cycle in Carnatic music. |
| Angam | Part or component of a Talam. |
| Laghu | An Angam in Carnatic music, represented by a clap followed by finger counts. |
| Dhrutam | An Angam in Carnatic music, represented by a clap followed by a wave. |
| Anudhrutam | An Angam in Carnatic music, represented by a single clap. |
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Practice questions
- What is the difference between Tali and Khali in Tala? Answer: Tali is a clap indicating a stressed beat, while Khali is a wave indicating an unstressed beat.
- Name three Talas mentioned in the chapter. Answer: Dadra Taal, Keharva Taal, and Teen Taal.
- What are the three main Angams of Talam in Carnatic music? Answer: The three main Angams are Laghu, Dhrutam, and Anudhrutam.
- How many beats are there in Teen Taal? Answer: Teen Taal has 16 beats.
- What is the significance of 'Matra' in Indian music? Answer: Matra is the basic unit of time or a beat within a rhythmic cycle (Tala).
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is a stressed beat in Tala?
Explanation: Tali represents a clap, which signifies a stressed beat in the rhythmic cycle of Tala.
Q2. How many beats are there in Keharva Taal?
Explanation: Keharva Taal is a rhythmic cycle consisting of 8 beats.
Q3. In Carnatic music, what is 'Dhrutam' represented by?
Explanation: Dhrutam is an Angam in Carnatic music that consists of a clap followed by a wave of the hand.
Q4. What does 'Bols' refer to in Indian music?
Explanation: Bols are mnemonic syllables used to represent specific rhythmic patterns or strokes in Indian classical music.
Q5. Which Taal has 16 beats?
Explanation: Teen Taal is a widely used rhythmic cycle in Hindustani music that comprises 16 beats.
Q6. What is the first beat of a Tala called in Hindustani music?
Explanation: The first beat of a Tala in Hindustani music is referred to as VDP (Sam).
Frequently asked questions
What is the main purpose of Tala in Indian music?
Tala is used to keep the beat and organize musical time into cycles, providing a rhythmic framework for the music.
What is the difference between Hindustani and Carnatic music regarding rhythm?
While both have complex rhythmic systems, Hindustani music uses Talas like Teen Taal, while Carnatic music uses Talam with Angams like Laghu and Dhrutam.
How is the first beat of a Tala indicated?
The first beat of a Tala is usually indicated by a 'Tali' (clap) and is often referred to as the 'Sam'.
What does 'Avartanam' mean in Carnatic music?
Avartanam refers to a complete cycle of a Talam, which is repeated throughout the musical performance.
What are the different types of Laghu mentioned?
The chapter mentions Chaturashra Jaati (4 beats), Sankerna Jaati (5 beats), Khanda Jaati (7 beats), Mishra Jaati (9 beats), and Tisra Jaati (3 beats) for Laghu.
What is the role of a Mridangam maestro like Thanjavur Vaidyanatha Iyer?
Mridangam maestros provide rhythmic support and often introduce rhythmic phrases, enhancing the musical performance.
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 6 Arts — Kriti-I — Chapter 8 — Taal or Talam and Raga or Ragam in Indian Music. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 10 Aug 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.