Chautal
A twelve-matra cycle associated with dhrupad and pakhawaj.
Notes and identity
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Matras | 12 |
| Vibhags | 6 of 2 (2+2+2+2+2+2) |
| Sam | matra 1 |
| Tali (claps) | matras 1, 5, 9, 11 |
| Khali (wave) | matras 3, 7 |
| Instrument | Primarily associated with pakhawaj and dhrupad; not an exclusive instrument rule |
| Typical use | dhrupad |
Theka (illustrative)
A skeletal pattern for following the cycle; accompaniment and bol choices vary with the performance tradition.
| Matra | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bol | Dha |
Dha |
Din |
Ta |
KiTa |
Dha |
Din |
Ta |
Tita |
Kata |
Gadi |
Gene |
| Mark | X |
0 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
4 |
Differentiation
- vs Ektal — both 12 matras in 2×6, but Chautal is a pakhawaj/dhrupad tala (weighty, open bols) while Ektal is a tabla/khayal tala. Hearing them side by side is a good lesson in how the same count feels different by instrument and repertoire.