Question

The taals with equal number of divisions (Khand) are :
• [A.] Jhaptaal
• [B.] Sooltaal
• [C.] Dhamar
• [D.] Ektaal
• [E.] Jhumra
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. B, C and A Only
• B. D, B and A Only
• C. A, C and E Only
• D. B, E and D Only

Hint:

Do not confuse total beats (Matras) with structural compartments (Khands). For instance, while Jhaptaal and Sooltaal both contain exactly 10 Matras, Jhaptaal contains 4 divisions whereas Sooltaal contains 5 divisions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: In North Indian (Hindustani) music system notation, a Taal is a structured cyclic pattern of time containing a specific number of total beats (Matras). This cyclic structure is broken down into smaller standard sub-sections or compartments known as Vibhags or Khands (divisions). Each division is explicitly marked by either a clap (Taali) or a wave of the hand (Khali). To find which Taals share an identical quantity of structural divisions, we must systematically inspect their exact distribution profiles. Let us evaluate the basic framework for each listed Taal:
• Jhaptaal (झपताल): Consists of 10 total Matras. It is divided into 4 Khands distributed as $2 + 3 + 2 + 3$.
• Sooltaal (सूलताल): Consists of 10 total Matras. It is divided into 5 Khands distributed evenly as $2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2$.
• Dhamar (धमार): Consists of 14 total Matras. It is divided into 4 Khands distributed as $5 + 2 + 3 + 4$.
• Ektaal (एकताल): Consists of 12 total Matras. It is divided into 6 Khands distributed evenly as $2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2$.
• Jhumra (झुमरा): Consists of 14 total Matras. It is divided into 4 Khands distributed as $3 + 4 + 3 + 4$.

Step 1: Compare the absolute total number of divisions (Khands) for each option.
Now, let us group the Taals based purely on their absolute total count of compartments/divisions:
• 4 Divisions: Jhaptaal (A), Dhamar (C), and Jhumra (E).
• 5 Divisions: Sooltaal (B).
• 6 Divisions: Ektaal (D). Matching this observation against the provided option lists, we find that the combination A, C, and E all perfectly share an identical count of exactly 4 structural divisions. Therefore, option (C) is the logically correct option.