The theka of Jhoomra
Each cell is one matra. Sam is highlighted; khali beats are shown softer. Read left to right, then loop back to sam.
Xdhin1
dha2
tirakita3
0dhin4
dhin5
dha dhage6
tirakita7
2tin8
ta9
tirakita10
3dhin11
dhin12
dha dhage13
tirakita14
About Jhoomra
Jhoomra spreads fourteen matras across vibhags of 3, 4, 3 and 4, with a filigree theka full of tirakita phrases. It is almost always played very slowly, which is why Tirkit caps it at a meditative 80 BPM.
That deliberate pace, combined with its ornate filler bols, makes jhoomra a canvas for the most elaborate vilambit khayal — the tabla weaving delicate patterns beneath a vocalist's long, unhurried phrases.
How to count Jhoomra
Jhoomra runs over 14 beats grouped as 3 + 4 + 3 + 4. Keep the cycle by marking sam on beat 1 and khali (the empty section) on beat 4. Everything you play resolves back onto sam.
- Sam — beat 1, the start and resolution of the cycle.
- Khali — beat 4, marked with a wave rather than a clap.
- Vibhags — 3 + 4 + 3 + 4 beats.
Practise Jhoomra in Tirkit
Play the Jhoomra theka at any tempo from 20 to 80 BPM, in any key, with a tanpura underneath. Free on Google Play.
Jhoomra — questions
How many beats (matras) are in Jhoomra?
Jhoomra has 14 matras, divided into vibhags of 3 + 4 + 3 + 4.
What is the theka of Jhoomra?
The theka of Jhoomra is: dhin dha tirakita dhin dhin dha dhage tirakita tin ta tirakita dhin dhin dha dhage tirakita. Sam falls on beat 1 and khali on beat 4.
What is Jhoomra used for?
Jhoomra is commonly used in Vilambit khayal.