In Indian classical music, what does 'tala' refer to?

The melodic framework of a pieceCorrect answerYour answerThe opening unmetred section of a pieceCorrect answerYour answerThe drone that runs under a pieceCorrect answerYour answerThe rhythmic cycle of a pieceCorrect answerYour answer

Show the answer and explanation

CorrectNot quiteAnswer D

Correct answer: D

Tala is the rhythmic cycle — the pattern of beats the piece is set in.
Raga is the melodic framework, the set of notes and the rules for moving between them.
The two are independent: the same raga may be sung in several talas.

Worth noting

The drone is supplied by the tanpura, and the unmetred opening is the alap. Four different words for four different things, and the question is which is which.

Concept: Raga against tala
Typical timeTypical: 30 s
Your timeYours: —

The rule this testsHindustani and Carnatic music

Practise this chapter →

Ten questions from Art, Culture & Heritage, at your own pace.

In Indian classical music, what does 'tala' refer to?

Explanation