Question

Ka Latara ka dei —

• A. Haba ka laih sngiñkong ka kem jingsawa bad ka balai, bad ka laih ba ar ka kem jingsawa bad ka basaw
• B. Haba tang ka laih sngiñkong bad lai, ne tang ar bad saw ki ïaaswa kumjuh
• C. Haba ka laih sngiñkong bad saw, ne ar bad lai ki ïaidei jingsawa
• D. Haba ka laih sngiñkong, ar bad lai ki ïaidei jingsawa

Hint:

Remember: Khasi rhythmic music follows a balanced cyclic pattern — each beat resonates symmetrically to maintain harmony.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the concept of “Latara.”
The term “Latara” is associated with traditional Khasi music and rhythmical arrangements used in ceremonial or cultural contexts.
It specifically refers to the beat pattern or rhythmic coordination between various traditional musical instruments such as drums (ka ksing), gongs (ka bom), and cymbals (ka symphiah).
These rhythmic patterns are integral to Khasi cultural festivities, dances, and religious ceremonies.
Step 2: Analyzing the rhythmic pattern.
In traditional Khasi music, beats are often grouped according to distinct rhythmic cycles.
The phrase “ka laih sngiñkong” represents the initial beat or stroke, followed by successive beats that create musical symmetry.
In the correct Latara pattern, the first and second strokes (ka laih sngiñkong and ka laih ba ar) create a balanced resonance with their respective counterbeats (ka balai and ka basaw).
This rhythm ensures harmony and synchronization in musical performance.
Step 3: Interpretation of the correct option.
The first option clearly defines the rhythmic balance:
- “Ka laih sngiñkong ka kem jingsawa bad ka balai” — the first stroke corresponds rhythmically with the fourth.
- “Ka laih ba ar ka kem jingsawa bad ka basaw” — the second stroke resonates with the fifth.
This pattern produces the signature Khasi beat pattern known as “Latara,” characterized by a cyclic rhythm.
Step 4: Elimination of incorrect options.
- (2) Incorrect, as it generalizes the rhythm and ignores the precise pairing of beats.
- (3) Incorrect, because it mismatches the pattern of coordination.
- (4) Incorrect, as it oversimplifies the sequence, omitting the symmetrical relationship between beats.
Step 5: Conclusion.
Hence, the correct representation of “Ka Latara” is when the first beat resonates with the fourth (balai) and the second with the fifth (basaw), as described in option (1).