Technical Definitions Flashcards
Taal
Measurement calculating the number of beats utilised in a certain amount of time.
Aavartan
One cycle of any taal.
Laya
Rhythm, tempo or pulse. Determined by the duration of time between two beats.
Three types:
- Vilambit: Slow
- Madhya: Moderate
- Drut: Fast
Taali
Taali means clap. It is the beat where you clap.
Khaali
Khaali means empty. It the rest point of the taal. The tabla player hardly ever plays the tabla on this beat. It is shown by the wave of a hand
Matra
Matra means the set of beats in a Vibhag
Vibhag
Subdivisions of a taal. Denoted by a small vertical line. Each Vibhag has a certain number of matras.
Sam
The first beat of all Taals. The dancer must return to the sam after an avartan. this is an accented beat and is denoted by an x
Theka
Thekas are the syllables of a taal played on the tabla. Eg:- Dha, Dhin Dhin, Dha
Lehra
The melody played on an instrument representing a taal cycle as an accompaniment. Can be played in different Raags.
Tatkar
Basic footwork of any Kathak for a taal. It is considered to have been derived from Natwari Bols
Tihai
Tihai is an intricate footwork composition that is repeated thrice and which ends on the Sam.
Tukra
Tukra means piece. Tukras are small compositions are usually spread over a single aavartan. Generally has less matras.
Todas
Similar to tukras, but more elaborate compositions.
Thaat
Means decoration/graceful attitude. Dancer uses gentle movements of eyes, waist, wrists etc. while performing. Minimum accompaniment from tabla.
Uthaan
Performed after thaat. Can start on any beat but ends on Sam. Means ‘uthke aana’
Aamad
Means entrance. Previously used to mark a dancer’s entrance on stage but now performed after thaat and uthan. Composed of patterns of Natwari bols. First introduction of bols into the performance.
Paran
Composition comprising of pakhawaj bols instead of dance or tabla only. Eg:- Dhum Kita, Dhage Ti Ta
Paran-aamad / Paran judi Aamad
When an aamad is joined after a paran
Chakkardaar Paran (only definition, not types)
Paran compositions that have a repetitive pattern
Chakkardaar Pharmaishi Paran
- First dha of first cycle’s tihai comes to the Sam
- Second dha of second cycle’s tihai comes to the sam
- Thirs dha of third cycle’s tihai comes to the sam
Kamali Chakkardaar Paran
The tihai should include 3 dhas.
Kavitta
Poem set on time cycle. Narrates mythological episodes like kaliya daman or Krishna Leela. Dancer expresses the meaning of Kavitta through gesture & movement
Gat Nikas
Gat = walk
Shows abstract and beautiful scenes of everyday life with chakkar paltas in between. No bols. Only theka and lehra
Gat Bhav
Dancer uses dramatic gat to portray mundane daily events. Dancer plays all the characters in the story and switches betw/ them using paltas.
Mix of Abhinaya (expressions), Nritta (Movement of body w/ rhythm) and Natya (Dance). No accompaniment of songs or words, only mime.
Ladi
Sequence of bols repeating in different combinations. Footwork composition. Ends in a Tihai
Tarana
Type of composition in Hindustani classical music and dance. Contains words based on Arabic phonemes. Invented by Aamir Khusro
Bhajan
Means sharing. Bhajans are any songs with a religious/spiritual theme sung in a regional folk language. Based on Raags. Belongs to Bhakti Rasa and ideas stem from scriptures, legendary epics etc.
Genre examples: Nirguni, Gorakhnathi
Thumri
Word is derived from thumkana or ‘walk with dancing steps to make anklet bells tinkle’. It is a common genre of Semi classical Indian Music. Lyrics in Awadhi, Hindi or Brij Bhasha
The form is associated with love poetry, dramatic gestures, dance etc. The text is devotional/romantic in nature and often revolves around a girl’s love for Krishna
Paramelu
Para = Different and melu = Union
Composition with different sound syllables of different percussion instruments - manjira, nagada, Jhanja, Pakhawaj as well as Natwari bols.
Other syllables: Jhanak, Dhivang, Thudang
Jaati
A particular group of a specific number of bols/words
Types:
- Tishra Jati: 3
- Chatushra: 4
- Khanda: 5
- Mishra: 7
- Sankeerna: 9
All betw/ 2 matras ^