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Understanding Layakari in Sooltaal
Layakari, the art of rhythmic variation, is a cornerstone of Indian classical music. It involves playing at different speeds relative to the base tempo. This guide explores Ekgun, Dugun, Tigun, and Chaugun layakaris within the framework of Sooltaal, a majestic 10-beat cycle.
The Structure of Sooltaal
Sooltaal (also known as Sultaal or Shooltaal) is a rhythmic cycle of 10 beats (matras). It is divided into 5 equal divisions (vibhags) of 2 beats each. This taal is commonly used in Dhrupad gayaki and is known for its majestic and solemn character.
| Beats (Matra) | 10 |
|---|---|
| Divisions (Vibhag) | 5 (Pattern: 2|2|2|2|2) |
| Clap (Taali) | 3 (On the 1st, 5th, and 7th beats) |
| Wave (Khali) | 2 (On the 3rd and 9th beats) |
| First Beat (Sam) | On the 1st beat |
Sooltaal Layakari Examples
Below are the standard layakari variations for Sooltaal, presented clearly for practice.
1. Sooltaal Ekgun Layakari (Base Speed)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dha | Dha | Din | Ta |
| X (Sam) | 0 (Khali) | ||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Kit | Dha | Tit | Kat |
| 2(Clap) | 2(Clap) | 3(Clap) | 3(Clap) |
| 9 | 10 | ||
| Gadi | Gan | ||
| 0 (Khali) | |||
2. Sooltaal Dugun Layakari (Double Speed)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dha Dha | Din Ta | Kit Dha | Tit Kat |
| X (Sam) | 0 (Khali) | ||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Gadi Gan | Dha Dha | Din Ta | Kit Dha |
| 2(Clap) | 2(Clap) | 3(Clap) | 3(Clap) |
| 9 | 10 | ||
| Tit Kat | Gadi Gan | ||
| 0 (Khali) | |||
3. Sooltaal Tigun Layakari (Triple Speed)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dha Dha Din | Ta Kit Dha | Tit Kat Gadi | Gan Dha Dha |
| X (Sam) | 0 (Khali) | ||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Din Ta Kit | Dha Tit Kat | Gadi Gan Dha | Dha Din Ta |
| 2(Clap) | 2(Clap) | 3(Clap) | 3(Clap) |
| 9 | 10 | ||
| Kit Dha Tit | Kat Gadi Gan | ||
| 0 (Khali) | |||
4. Sooltaal Chaugun Layakari (Quadruple Speed)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| DhaDhaDinTa | KitDhaTitKat | GadiGanDhaDha | DinTaKitDha |
| X (Sam) | 0 (Khali) | ||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| TitKatGadiGan | DhaDhaDinTa | KitDhaTitKat | GadiGanDhaDha |
| 2(Clap) | 2(Clap) | 3(Clap) | 3(Clap) |
| 9 | 10 | ||
| DinTaKitDha | TitKatGadiGan | ||
| 0 (Khali) | |||
How to Practice Sooltaal Layakari
- Master Ekgun (Base Speed): Before attempting faster speeds, ensure you can play the basic Ekgun theka of Sooltaal flawlessly with a steady tempo. This is your foundation.
- Practice Padhant (Recitation): For each layakari, first recite the bols aloud while keeping the 10-beat cycle with hand gestures.
- Use a Metronome: Practice each layakari with a metronome at a slow tempo. For Dugun, fit two bols per click; for Tigun, three bols; for Chaugun, four bols.
- Apply to Your Instrument: Once confident with the recitation and timing, apply the layakari to your instrument, focusing on clear, articulate sounds (nikas).
Conclusion
Sooltaal, with its 10 beats, and its layakari in Indian Classical Music, adds a deep and solemn feeling to a performance. Mastering these variations helps performers showcase their rhythmic expertise. While Sooltaal is a powerful pakhawaj-style taal, the more common 10-beat cycle in Khayal is the graceful Jhaptaal.