The theka of Dhamar
Each cell is one matra. Sam is highlighted; khali beats are shown softer. Read left to right, then loop back to sam.
Xka1
dhi2
tta3
dhi4
tta5
0dha6
-7
2ga8
ti9
tta10
3ti11
tta12
ta13
-14
About Dhamar
Dhamar is a fourteen-beat pakhawaj taal grouped in an unusual 5 + 2 + 3 + 4 pattern. It gives its name to the dhamar, a dhrupad-family song form traditionally associated with Holi.
The asymmetry of its vibhags makes it one of the more demanding cycles to keep, and its stately tempo (Tirkit caps it at 100 BPM) reflects the grandeur of the repertoire it serves.
How to count Dhamar
Dhamar runs over 14 beats grouped as 5 + 2 + 3 + 4. Keep the cycle by marking sam on beat 1 and khali (the empty section) on beat 6. Everything you play resolves back onto sam.
- Sam — beat 1, the start and resolution of the cycle.
- Khali — beat 6, marked with a wave rather than a clap.
- Vibhags — 5 + 2 + 3 + 4 beats.
Practise Dhamar in Tirkit
Play the Dhamar theka at any tempo from 20 to 100 BPM, in any key, with a tanpura underneath. Free on Google Play.
Dhamar — questions
How many beats (matras) are in Dhamar?
Dhamar has 14 matras, divided into vibhags of 5 + 2 + 3 + 4.
What is the theka of Dhamar?
The theka of Dhamar is: ka dhi tta dhi tta dha - ga ti tta ti tta ta -. Sam falls on beat 1 and khali on beat 6.
What is Dhamar used for?
Dhamar is commonly used in Dhamar, Dhrupad.