Dadra
6 matrasMatraOne unit of time within a taal. Matras locate beats and rhythmic events inside the cycle; their duration depends on the tempo.Source: N3 §3.3.2, pp. 22–23.More in the glossary · Divisions: 3 + 3
ThekaThekaA basic pattern of percussion bols that helps identify a taal. The pattern supports accompaniment and can be elaborated.Source: N3 §§3.3.4–3.3.5, p. 23. and 1 moreMore in the glossary · bolsBolA spoken syllable, such as Dha or Dhin, used to remember and communicate percussion sounds. Sequences of these syllables help teach and recite rhythmic patterns.Source: N3 §§3.3.4–3.3.5, p. 23. and 1 moreMore in the glossary and notation
A matraMatraOne unit of time within a taal. Matras locate beats and rhythmic events inside the cycle; their duration depends on the tempo.Source: N3 §3.3.2, pp. 22–23.More in the glossary is one beat; a vibhagVibhagA smaller division of matras within a taal. Divisions make the cycle easier to follow and need not all contain the same number of units.Source: N3 §3.3.6, pp. 23–24. and 1 moreMore in the glossary is a group of beats. Read one matraMatraOne unit of time within a taal. Matras locate beats and rhythmic events inside the cycle; their duration depends on the tempo.Source: N3 §3.3.2, pp. 22–23.More in the glossary per column. Follow the vibhagsVibhagA smaller division of matras within a taal. Divisions make the cycle easier to follow and need not all contain the same number of units.Source: N3 §3.3.6, pp. 23–24. and 1 moreMore in the glossary in order, then return to samSamThe first matra of a taal cycle, a key point of rhythmic return. Sam can coincide with khali, as in Rupak, so it does not always mean a clap.Source: N3 §§3.3.7–3.3.9, p. 24. and 1 moreMore in the glossary at beat 1.
| Matra 1, sam | Matra 2 | Matra 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Dha | Dhi | Na |
| Matra 4 | Matra 5 | Matra 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Dha | Ti | Na |
Chart: NIOS
- NIOS, printed p.38, Dadra description and Theka of Dadra chart
X marks sam and 0 marks khaliKhaliA wave-marked position or division in a taal’s hand-counting pattern. Khali is shown with 0 in Bhatkhande notation; it does not require silence.Source: N3 §§3.3.7–3.3.9, p. 24. and 1 moreMore in the glossary, shown with a wave. Other marker numbers count the clapped divisions, not beats. In Rupak the NIOS chart writes X on sam, but the hand gesture there is a wave. A dash means no new stroke, not khaliKhaliA wave-marked position or division in a taal’s hand-counting pattern. Khali is shown with 0 in Bhatkhande notation; it does not require silence.Source: N3 §§3.3.7–3.3.9, p. 24. and 1 moreMore in the glossary. Grouped bols such as DhaGe or Tirakita stay within one matraMatraOne unit of time within a taal. Matras locate beats and rhythmic events inside the cycle; their duration depends on the tempo.Source: N3 §3.3.2, pp. 22–23.More in the glossary.
How to read this notation · DigiTablaCatalogue references
- Hindustani Music (242), Practical Book 2, ch.4: Description of Talas · National Institute of Open Schoolinghttps://nios.ac.in/media/documents/Hindustani_Music_242/hindustanimusicpracticalbook2/ch_HMB2-4.pdf
- Hindustani Music (242), Book 1, ch.3: Elements of Tala · National Institute of Open Schoolinghttps://nios.ac.in/media/documents/Hindustani_Music_242/hindustanimusictheorybook1/HMB1Ch3.pdf
- Rhythm · AUTRIM: NCPA and University of Amsterdamhttps://autrimncpa.wordpress.com/rhythmic-concepts/
- Music 428: Some commonly used Thekas · University of Washington Music 428 (hosted on Ramesh Gangolli's faculty site)https://sites.math.washington.edu/~gangolli/Music428Thekas.html
- The Influence of Hindustani Classical Music on Indian Cinema: A Rasa-Rāga-Tāla Approach (December 2024) · Newcastle University; Punit Jaipal Shahhttps://theses.ncl.ac.uk/jspui/bitstream/10443/6760/1/Shah%20P%20J%202025.pdf
- Tabla / Pakhawaj syllabus: Bhushan · Pracheen Kala Kendrahttps://pracheenkalakendra.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1_Tabla-Pakhawaj-Bhushan.pdf
Decision: □ Approve this form □ Corrections needed □ Needs more evidence
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