All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

In Indian classical music theory, how many swarasthanas (semitone positions) are physically present within one octave?

This question was previously asked in
UPTET 2026 Paper 2 Social Studies Question Paper (3-Jul-2026) (Shift 1)
The correct answer is

12

While an octave in Indian classical music is commonly described using the 7 basic swaras (Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni), several of these swaras also have shuddha, komal, or tivra variants.

When all these physically distinct pitch positions within one octave are counted, they total 12 swarasthanas, matching the 12 semitone positions found in an octave.

This is why 12, not 7, is the count of actual physical semitone positions in one octave.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. In Indian classical music, how many matras (beats) are present in Teental, a rhythmic cycle commonly used in raga accompaniment and divided into four equal sections (vibhags)?

  2. According to the concept "Swayam Rajate Iti Swaraha," under what condition is a sound considered a swar in Indian classical music?

  3. In Hindustani classical music, the swara Pa is known as _____.

  4. Which element in Indian music acts as a repeating time cycle to keep the performer synchronized with the Sam?

  5. Which of the following correctly identifies the Achal swaras in Indian classical music, known for having fixed pitch positions without any altered forms?

  6. In Indian classical music, which term is used to describe a note (swara) that appears rarely or only in select phrases rather than being frequently employed in a raga?

  7. In Hindustani classical music, which swara can be sung as a Tivra (sharp) swara?


Important Questions from Music

  1. Which of the following pair of type – instrument is correct?

    I. Tata – Flute

    II. Sushira – Table

  2. Kajri is known to be a deranged, nostalgic song sung by women during long periods of _______ when their husbands are away from home for a long time.

  3. ‘Burrakatha’ is regional music of which of the following Indian States?

  4. "Jhuri" music is associated with which of the following state?

  5. With which of the following state is Mand folk music associated?

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
MH SET
October 25, 2026
CTET
December 12, 2026
Test Series
UP TET img
Teaching
UPTET 2026 (Paper 1 & 2) Mock Test Series
257 Tests 16 Tests Free
2141 Attempts
4.6(18)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App