The theka of Chachar
Each cell is one matra. Sam is highlighted; khali beats are shown softer. Read left to right, then loop back to sam.
Xdha1
-2
dhin3
2-4
dha5
dha dha6
tin7
3-8
0ta9
-10
4tin11
-12
dha13
dha dha14
5dhin15
tirakita16
About Chachar
Chachar carries sixteen matras in an uneven 3-4-3-4-2 grouping, giving it a rolling, spacious feel akin to deepchandi stretched over a longer cycle.
It belongs to the semi-classical world of thumri, where the open gaps in its theka let a vocalist stretch and ornament freely. Tirkit provides Default, Basic and two variations.
How to count Chachar
Chachar runs over 16 beats grouped as 3 + 4 + 3 + 4 + 2. Keep the cycle by marking sam on beat 1 and khali (the empty section) on beat 9. Everything you play resolves back onto sam.
- Sam — beat 1, the start and resolution of the cycle.
- Khali — beat 9, marked with a wave rather than a clap.
- Vibhags — 3 + 4 + 3 + 4 + 2 beats.
Practise Chachar in Tirkit
Play the Chachar theka at any tempo from 40 to 160 BPM, in any key, with a tanpura underneath. Free on Google Play.
Chachar — questions
How many beats (matras) are in Chachar?
Chachar has 16 matras, divided into vibhags of 3 + 4 + 3 + 4 + 2.
What is the theka of Chachar?
The theka of Chachar is: dha - dhin - dha dha dha tin - ta - tin - dha dha dha dhin tirakita. Sam falls on beat 1 and khali on beat 9.
What is Chachar used for?
Chachar is commonly used in Thumri, Semi-classical.