Why in news?
Classical music enthusiasts marked the festival of Guru Purnima in July 2025 with performances of chautal, a 12‑beat rhythmic cycle central to the dhrupad tradition of Indian classical music. Many listeners sought to understand its structure and nuances.
Structure of chautal
- Chautal (also spelled “chowtal”) consists of 12 beats divided into six equal parts (vibhags) of two beats each: “dha dha | din ta | ki ta | ta ki | din ta | dha ge”. The syllables are mnemonic bols used to guide percussionists and singers.
- The cycle is played on the pakhawaj, a barrel‑shaped percussion instrument. The repetitive pattern creates a meditative foundation for dhrupad compositions.
- Tempo can vary from slow and grandiose (vilambit) to brisk (drut). Performers often improvise within the cycle, exploring different moods and melodic phrases.
Significance in dhrupad
- Dhrupad is one of the oldest surviving forms of Hindustani classical music. It emphasises austere, devotional singing accompanied by the pakhawaj rather than the tabla.
- Chautal provides a rhythmic canvas on which singers render verses describing deities, nature or heroic deeds. The interplay between voice and percussion creates a powerful musical dialogue.
- The cycle’s symmetry and mathematical beauty make it a favourite among connoisseurs, and its study helps students grasp the fundamentals of tala in Indian music.
