Correct option is C
The correct answer is (c) Tala.
· Tala refers to the cyclic arrangement of time units or beats in Hindustani classical music.
· It is a rhythmic pattern or cycle that forms the backbone of a musical performance, providing structure and timing.
· A tala can vary in length, from simple cycles like Teentaal (16 beats) to more complex ones like Jhumra or Rupak.
· The beats in a tala are organized into segments called matras, and the pattern is marked by stresses on certain beats.
Other Options:
· Alap: Alap is the free-form, improvisational introduction to a raga. It is a slow, non-rhythmic exploration of the raga’s notes but does not involve a time cycle like Tala.
· Raga: A raga is a melodic framework used in classical music, consisting of a specific set of notes, moods, and rules of progression, but it is not a time unit or cycle.
· Jati: Jati refers to the classification of ragas based on the number of notes used and the patterns followed. It relates more to the melodic structure of a raga rather than the rhythmic cycle.