Dadra
A six-matra cycle used widely in lighter music.
Notes and identity
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Matras (beats) | 6 |
| Vibhags | 2 of 3 (3+3) |
| Sam | matra 1 |
| Tali (clap) | matra 1 |
| Khali (wave) | matra 4 |
| Markers | X · 0 |
| Typical use | thumri, dadra, ghazal, bhajan and other light/semi-classical forms |
Theka
A skeletal pattern for following the cycle; accompaniment and bol choices vary with the performance tradition.
The basic theka, with one bol per matra:
| Vibhag | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| X (1–3) | Dha |
Dhin |
Na |
| 0 (4–6) | Dha |
Tin |
Na |
Dadra has many performance variants; light-music accompaniment elaborates the basic theka freely.
Counting
- Matra 1 (Sam): clap.
- Matra 4 (Khali): wave.
- Remaining Matras: finger counts within each vibhag of three.
Count strip (visual)
1 2 3 | 4 5 6
Dha Dhin Na | Dha Tin Na
X (clap) | 0 (wave)
Laya & repertoire
Usually madhya to drut. Dadra is a mainstay of semi-classical singing — it accompanies the dadra form, thumri, ghazal and bhajan, where its lilting 3+3 gait suits text-led, expressive music.
Variants & common mistakes
- Preserve the tala-vs-form distinction.
- Many regional/stylistic theka variants exist — with different bol patterns.
- Common mistakes: missing the khali at matra 4; letting the two vibhags feel uneven.