Ada Chautaal Is The Beautiful 14 Beats Cycle
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Introduction Ada Chautaal
Ada Chautaal is a very popular taal in Indian classical music having 14 beats in its cycle. It is widely employed in the classical and some semi-classical forms of Indian music mainly the Dhrupad, Khayal, instrumental, etc., and serves principally as a rhythmic framework for compositions.
Structure of Ada Chautaal
Ada chautaal includes 14 beats differently classified into two beats of seven vibhags each.
- 1. First Vibhag (2 beats): Tap (Taali)
- 2. Second Vibhag (2 beats): Clap or tap ((Taali))
- 3. Third Vibhag consists of two beats Wave (Khaali).
- 4. Fourth Vibhag (2 beats): Taali: Clap
- 5. Fifth Vibhag (2 beats): Creed (Khaali)
- 6. Sixth Vibhag (2 beats): Slap (Taali)
- 7. Seventh Vibhag (2 beats): Khaali (Wave)
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Taal/Theka | Ada Chautaal |
| Beats/Matra | 14 |
| Divisions/Vibhag | 7(2|2|2|2|2|2|2) |
| Clap/Tali | 4 On 1st,3rd,7th,11st(beats) |
| Sam | On 1st beat |
| Wave/Khali | 3 On 5th,9th,,13th(beats) |
| Tempo/Laya | Medium |
Theka of Ada Chautaal 14 Beats
The theka of Ada Chautaal is simple yet aesthetic. A typical theka can be notated as:
Usage of Ada Chautaal
Ada Chautaal is often used in:
- Concert of Dhrupad and Dhamar
- It enhances voice singing, enriches its tone, and gives an accompaniment to the voice melody.
- The other percussive element is what you call the pitched percussive instruments like tabla, pakhawaj and so on.
Conclusion
Ada chautaal – with 14 beats and quite an unconventional structure has its significance in classical Ragas. Both vocal and instrumental versions of this taal are entertaining and mesmerizing with great rhythmic movement.
Taal Sign Explanation
Understanding the Taal notation symbols is crucial:
- 'Sam': (x) Cross.
- 'Clap': Numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.).
- 'Pause': (S).
- 'Divisions': (|) Bar.
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