The theka of Ektaal
Each cell is one matra. Sam is highlighted; khali beats are shown softer. Read left to right, then loop back to sam.
Xdhin1
dhin2
0dha dhage3
tirakita4
2tu5
na nana6
0kat7
ta8
3dha dhage9
tirakita10
4dhin11
dha dha12
About Ektaal
Ektaal divides twelve matras into six vibhags of two beats. It carries two khali sections (beats 3 and 7) and tali on beats 1, 5, 9 and 11 — a richer clap pattern than most cycles of its length.
Its great strength is range. Stretched out in vilambit laya, ektaal gives a vocalist enormous space for elaborate aalap-like phrasing; taken at drut speed, the same twelve beats become a driving, energetic cycle. Few taals are as comfortable across such a wide tempo span.
Tirkit supports Ektaal from a very slow 30 BPM upward, which makes it ideal for practising the long, unhurried phrases of vilambit khayal.
How to count Ektaal
Ektaal runs over 12 beats grouped as 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2. Keep the cycle by marking sam on beat 1 and khali on beats 3, 7. Everything you play resolves back onto sam.
- Sam — beat 1, the start and resolution of the cycle.
- Khali — beats 3, 7, marked with a wave rather than a clap.
- Vibhags — 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 beats.
Practise Ektaal in Tirkit
Play the Ektaal theka at any tempo from 30 to 180 BPM, in any key, with a tanpura underneath. Free on Google Play.
Ektaal — questions
How many beats (matras) are in Ektaal?
Ektaal has 12 matras, divided into vibhags of 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2.
What is the theka of Ektaal?
The theka of Ektaal is: dhin dhin dha dhage tirakita tu na nana kat ta dha dhage tirakita dhin dha dha. Sam falls on beat 1 and khali on beat 3, 7.
What is Ektaal used for?
Ektaal is commonly used in Vilambit khayal, Drut khayal, Instrumental music.