The theka of Rupak
Each cell is one matra. Sam is highlighted; khali beats are shown softer. Read left to right, then loop back to sam.
Xtin1
tin2
na na3
1dhin4
na na5
2dhin6
dha dha7
About Rupak
Rupak is a seven-beat cycle grouped 3 + 2 + 2. Its defining quirk is that sam — the first beat — is also a khali, an empty beat played on the softer tin bols. Landing decisively on an "empty" sam gives rupak a subtle, understated pull that no other common taal shares.
Tali falls on beats 4 and 6. Because the count is short and the swing is unusual, rupak sharpens a musician's sense of the cycle; it is a favourite for bhajans and medium-tempo khayal where its lilt drives the melody forward.
Tirkit offers Rupak in Default, a Variation and a Jhoomra Ang style, from a steady 60 up to 200 BPM.
How to count Rupak
Rupak runs over 7 beats grouped as 3 + 2 + 2. Keep the cycle by marking sam on beat 1 and khali (the empty section) on beat 1. Everything you play resolves back onto sam.
- Sam — beat 1, the start and resolution of the cycle.
- Khali — beat 1, marked with a wave rather than a clap.
- Vibhags — 3 + 2 + 2 beats.
Practise Rupak in Tirkit
Play the Rupak theka at any tempo from 60 to 200 BPM, in any key, with a tanpura underneath. Free on Google Play.
Rupak — questions
How many beats (matras) are in Rupak?
Rupak has 7 matras, divided into vibhags of 3 + 2 + 2.
What is the theka of Rupak?
The theka of Rupak is: tin tin na na dhin na na dhin dha dha. Sam falls on beat 1 and khali on beat 1.
What is Rupak used for?
Rupak is commonly used in Khayal, Bhajan, Semi-classical, Devotional.