The theka of Chautaal
Each cell is one matra. Sam is highlighted; khali beats are shown softer. Read left to right, then loop back to sam.
Xdha1
dha2
2dhin3
ta4
3ki ta5
dha6
4dhin7
ta8
0ti ta9
ka ta10
5ga di11
ga na12
About Chautaal
Chautaal is a twelve-beat cycle of six two-beat vibhags, traditionally played on the pakhawaj rather than the tabla. Its resonant, weighty theka is the rhythmic foundation of dhrupad, the oldest surviving form of Hindustani vocal music.
The strokes are broad and open — dha, dhin, kita — matching the austere, powerful character of the dhrupad style. Tirkit renders it across a wide 30–160 BPM range.
How to count Chautaal
Chautaal runs over 12 beats grouped as 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 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 — 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 beats.
Practise Chautaal in Tirkit
Play the Chautaal theka at any tempo from 30 to 160 BPM, in any key, with a tanpura underneath. Free on Google Play.
Chautaal — questions
How many beats (matras) are in Chautaal?
Chautaal has 12 matras, divided into vibhags of 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2.
What is the theka of Chautaal?
The theka of Chautaal is: dha dha dhin ta ki ta dha dhin ta ti ta ka ta ga di ga na. Sam falls on beat 1 and khali on beat 9.
What is Chautaal used for?
Chautaal is commonly used in Dhrupad, Pakhawaj solo.