Tala Theory and Practical Theka (Teental, Jhaptal, Ektaal, Rupak, Kaharwa, Dadra)
What the exam tests
Tala Theory and Practical Theka tests the six prescribed cycles and your ability to recite their theka with correct tali, khali and sam.
Core rules
- Teental: 16 matras, 4+4+4+4; tali 1,5,13; khali 9. Theka: dha dhin dhin dha | dha dhin dhin dha | dha tin tin ta | ta dhin dhin dha.
- Jhaptal: 10 matras, 2+3+2+3; tali 1,3,8; khali 6. Theka: dhi na | dhi dhi na | ti na | dhi dhi na.
- Ektaal: 12 matras, six vibhags of 2; tali 1,5,9,11; khali 3,7. Rupak: 7 matras, 3+2+2; khali on sam 1; tali 4,6; theka tin tin na | dhin na | dhin na.
- Kaharwa: 8 matras, 4+4; tali 1, khali 5; dha ge na ti | na ka dhi na. Dadra: 6 matras, 3+3; tali 1, khali 4; dha dhi na | dha tu na.
Worked example
Recite Jhaptal at 60 matras per minute. Clap on 1, clap on 3, wave on 6, clap on 8. Count 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10, keeping vibhags 2,3,2,3. At sam 1 the next avartan begins. If you clap on 6, you have converted khali into tali and lost marks in practical recitation.
Traps
Do not assume sam is always tali; Rupak proves otherwise. Do not make all vibhags equal. Do not recite theka bol without hand positions. Do not confuse Dhamar tala with Dhamar style.