Welcome to the Tabla Theka blog, your trusted resource for learning tabla.
Exploring the Depths of Badi Sawari Taal
Badi Sawari Taal is a rare and majestic 16-beat taal from the pakhawaj tradition, known for its complexity and grandeur. Unlike the common Tritaal, Badi Sawari features a more intricate system of claps (*taali*) and waves (*khali*), making it a challenge reserved for advanced practitioners. This guide presents a complete Aad Layakari (1.5x speed) composition, designed to test and develop a musician's rhythmic prowess.
The Structure of Badi Sawari Taal
Badi Sawari Taal has several structural interpretations. A common structure is eight divisions with two beats each. For reference, here is a widely accepted structure:
| Beats (Matra) | 16 |
|---|---|
| Divisions (Vibhag) | 8 (of 2 beats each) |
| Clap (Taali) | 5 (On beats 1, 5, 9, 11, 13 - varies) |
| Wave (Khali) | 3 (On beats 3, 7, 15 - varies) |
| First Beat (Sam) | On the 1st beat |
Badi Sawari Taal Layakari Notations
A Basic Theka of Badi Sawari Taal (Reference)
To appreciate the layakari, it's helpful to know a basic theka. This pattern is presented below in four mobile-friendly rows of four beats each.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhi | Na | Dhi | Na |
| X (Sam) | 0 (Khali) | ||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Dhidhi | Dhina | Dhidhi | Dhina |
| 2(Clap) | 0 (Khali) | ||
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| Tatrak | Tuna | Tatrak | Tuna |
| 3(Clap) | 4(Clap) | ||
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| Katta | Trakadhina | Genedhage | Nadhatirkit |
| 5(Clap) | 0 (Khali) | ||
Badi Sawari Taal Aad Layakari Notation
This section presents the complete two-cycle Aad Layakari composition, broken into four mobile-friendly rows of four beats each.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhi.S.Na | S.Dhi.S | Na.S.Dhi | Dhi.Dhi.Na |
| X (Sam) | 0 (Khali) | ||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Dhi.Dhi.Dhi | Na.Ta.Trak | Tun.Na.Ta | Trak.Tun.Na |
| 2(Clap) | 0 (Khali) | ||
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| Kat.S.Trak | Dna.Gna.Dge | Nadha.Trak.Dhi | S.Na.S |
| 3(Clap) | 4(Clap) | ||
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| Dhi.S.Na | S.Dhi.Dhi | Dhi.Na.Dhi | Dhi.Dhi.Na |
| 5(Clap) | 0 (Khali) | ||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ta.Trak.Tun | Na.Ta.Trak | Tun.Na.Kat | S.Trak.Dhina |
| X (Sam) | 0 (Khali) | ||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Ga.Dge.Ndha | Trak.Dhi.S | Na.S.Dhi | S.Na.S |
| 2(Clap) | 0 (Khali) | ||
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| Dhi.Dhi.Dhi | Na.Dhi.Dhi | Dhi.Na.Ta | Trak.Tun.Na |
| 3(Clap) | 4(Clap) | ||
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| Ta.Trak.Tun | Na.Kat.S | Trak.Dna.Gna | Dge.Ndha.Trak |
| 5(Clap) | 0 (Khali) | ||
How to Practice this Layakari
- Recite Slowly (*Padhant*): Due to its complexity, begin by reciting the bols very slowly. Use hand gestures to mark the 16 beats, following the specific clap/wave pattern shown in the tables.
- Use a Metronome: Set a metronome to a slow tempo. Focus on fitting each three-syllable group precisely into one click of the metronome.
- Master One Division at a Time: Break down the composition. Practice one 4-beat division repeatedly until it becomes comfortable before moving to the next.
- Play on Tabla/Pakhawaj: Once the recitation is fluent, transfer the composition to your instrument. Focus on producing clear, powerful strokes (*nikas*) as this composition demands strength and clarity.
Conclusion
Mastering the Aad Layakari of Badi Sawari Taal is a significant achievement for any percussionist. It stretches your understanding of laya and pushes your technical skills to new limits. The journey is challenging, but the rhythmic command you gain is invaluable for performing advanced classical music. This exercise can be compared to the Chautaal Aad Layakari, another excellent practice in a Pakhawaj-style taal.