Dhamar (tala)
A fourteen-matra cycle associated with the dhamar repertoire.
Notes and identity
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Matras | 14 |
| Vibhags | 5 + 2 + 3 + 4 |
| Sam | matra 1 |
| Tali (claps) | matras 1, 6, 11 |
| Khali (wave) | matra 8 |
| Instrument | pakhawaj |
| Typical use | dhamar and hori (Holi-themed) compositions |
Its uneven 5+2+3+4 grouping gives Dhamar a swinging, asymmetrical feel suited to the playful hori repertoire.
Differentiation
- vs the dhamar form — the tala is a 14-beat cycle; the form is a composition type (often set to this tala) with Holi/hori themes. Don't conflate.
- vs Chautal — both pakhawaj/dhrupad-family; Chautal is 12 (even 2×6), Dhamar is 14 (uneven 5+2+3+4).
A common bol pattern
| Matra | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bol | Kat | Dhi | Ta | Dhi | Ta | Dha | — | Ga | Ti | Ta | Ti | Ta | Ta | — |
| Marker | X | 2 | 0 | 3 |
Each cell is one matra. X marks sam, other numbers mark claps, and 0 marks khali. — is a position without a new stroke; keep counting that matra. Joined bols fall within their cell.