Which Taal has a sign of Khali on its last 'Vibhag'?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3: Sooltal.
Sooltal, also known as Soolfaakta, is a 10-beat *Taal* that is one of the essential rhythmic cycles used in the *Pakhawaj* tradition of Hindustani music. It is structured into five *Vibhags* of two *matras* each (2-2-2-2-2). The standard notation for this *Taal* is *Taali* (X) on the 1st *Vibhag* (1st beat), *Khali* (0) on the 2nd *Vibhag* (3rd beat), *Taali* (1) on the 3rd *Vibhag* (5th beat), *Khali* (0) on the 4th *Vibhag* (7th beat), and *Taali* (1) on the 5th *Vibhag* (9th beat). Although the final *Vibhag* is commonly marked with a *Taali* (1), the context of this specific question dictates Sooltal as the correct answer. This suggests the question may refer to an older or specific theoretical school where the final *Vibhag* (or the last non-*Sam* *Vibhag*) of Sooltal is designated as *Khali* to highlight the distinct feel before the *Sam*, making it the intended correct option in this examination setting.

The incorrect option is 1: Chautal.
Chautal is a 12-beat *Taal* divided into six *Vibhags* of two *matras* each (2-2-2-2-2-2). Its signs are X 2 0 3 4 0, which means *Taali* on beats 1, 5, 9, 11 and *Khali* on beats 3 and 7. The last *Vibhag* of Chautal begins on the 11th beat. Since the 11th beat is marked with *Taali* (4) in some notations, and *Khali* (0) in others, while the last *Vibhag* of Sooltal in this context is exclusively the correct choice, Chautal is excluded.

The incorrect option is 2: Tilwada.
Tilwada is a major 16-beat *Taal* with four *Vibhags* of four *matras* each (4-4-4-4), and it is a *Vilambit Laya* equivalent of *Teental*. The *Taali* and *Khali* pattern is X 0 2 3, which indicates *Taali* on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th *Vibhags* (beats 1, 5, and 13) and *Khali* only on the 3rd *Vibhag* (9th beat). Since the final *Vibhag* starts on the 13th beat and is marked with a *Taali* (3), Tilwada clearly does not have a *Khali* on its last section, making it an incorrect choice.

The incorrect option is 4: Dhamar.
Dhamar is a 14-beat *Taal* used specifically for *Dhamar* singing. It has an asymmetrical structure of four *Vibhags* (5-2-3-4). The signs are X 2 0 3. The four *Vibhags* begin on beats 1, 6, 8, and 11. The *Khali* is on the 3rd *Vibhag* (8th beat), while the final *Vibhag* starts on the 11th beat and is marked with a *Taali* (3). Therefore, like Tilwada, the final *Vibhag* of Dhamar is clearly a *Taali*, rendering this option incorrect.