Introducing the-“Unlock the Magic of Dadra Taal: Complete Guide to Theka, Paltas, Mohra, Mukhda & Tihai
Unlock the Magic of Dadra Taal: Complete Guide to Theka, Paltas, Mohra, Mukhda & Tihai
Introduction
Dadra Taal—simple, sweet, and irresistibly musical—is one of the most popular rhythmic cycles in Indian music. Whether you’ve heard it in ghazals, thumri, bhajans, or Bollywood classics, this 6-beat rhythm has a charm of its own. What makes Dadra so captivating is its combination of soft grace and rhythmic depth, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned tabla lovers.
Today, we’ll explore Dadra Taal step-by-step—from its theka to paltas, mohras, mukhdas, and the grand finale, the tihai. By the end, you’ll understand why this taal is cherished across musical traditions.
DADRĀ TĀL
(दादरा ताल)
1– DHĀऽDHI NA, GIT DHĀTIRKIṬ | TĀऽTI NA, GIT DHĀTIRKIṬ |
X 0
2– DHĀTIRKIṬ DHĀऽGIN | DHĀऽGIN | TĀTIRKIṬ TĀऽGIN TĀऽGIN |
X ०
3– DHĀTIRKIṬ DHĀऽGIN | DHĀTIRKIṬ | TĀTIRKIṬ TĀऽGIN TĀTIRKIṬ |
X ०
4– TIRKIṬTAK DHĀऽGIN | TIRKIṬTAK | TIRKIṬTAK TĀऽGIN TIRKIṬTAK |
X ०
5– DHĀTIRKIṬ DHĀऽGIN | DHĀऽDHITĀ | TĀTIRKIṬ TĀऽGIN DHĀऽDHITĀ |
X ०
MUKHḌĀ
(मुखड़ा)
1– DHETETETEE DHĀऽGETETEE | KRADHĀऽLEṬEE DHĀऽGETETEE | GADIGAN DHĀऽDHĀ |
X ०
2– GADIGAN NĀऽGEṬEṬE | DHĀऽVAJHAAN DHĀऽDHĀ | KAḌĀऽNADHĀ DHĀऽVAJHAAN |
X ०
3– KRADHEऽNN KRADHĀऽTEṬE | DHĀऽGEṬEṬE | TĀऽGEṬEṬE KRADHĀऽTEṬE DHĀऽDHĀ |
X ०
MOHARĀ
(मोहरा)
1– DHĀTIRKIṬDHĀ | TIRKIṬTAKATĀ | DHĀTIRKIṬTAK |
X
Understanding Dadra Taal (6 Beats)
Dadra Taal has 6 beats, divided into two equal vibhags:
| 3 + 3 |
Dha Dhi Na | Dha Tu Na
Its light, lilting swing makes it ideal for semi-classical styles such as thumri, dadra, kajri, bhajan, and modern fusion music.
Theka of Dadra Taal
Basic Theka
Dha Dhi Na | Dha Tu Na
1 2 3 | 4 5 6
This theka is the heartbeat of countless songs. Its flow is smooth, with balanced bols on both vibhags.
Audio Demonstration
(Click to listen)
🎧 Dadra Theka Sample
🔗 [Audio Clip Placeholder]
(You can upload your own audio file later to replace the placeholder.)
Paltas (Variations)
Paltas add flavor and improvisation to theka. Here are a few beginner-to-intermediate variations:
Palta 1
Dha TirakiTa Na | Dha TirakiTa Na
Palta 2
Dha Ge Na | Dha Tun Na
Palta 3
Dha Dhi Na | Dha Dhi Na (Doubling Speed)
Palta 4
Dha - Ghe Na | Dha Tun Na
These paltas help a player build speed, clarity, and tonal variety—especially useful in semi-classical accompaniment.
Mohra (A Rhythmic Passage)
A mohra is a short, decorative phrase used to transition into the next section, often performed before a tihai.
Here’s a simple and elegant mohra for Dadra:
Dha - TirakiTa Dha - | TirakiTa Dha - TirakiTa Dha -
A mohra should feel like a “breath” in rhythm—smooth, graceful, and flowing.
Mukhda (The Entry Phrase)
A mukhda gives the composition a recognizable identity. It is the musical “face” of the rhythm. Here’s a commonly used mukhda in Dadra:
Dha Ge TirakiTa | Dha - Na
You’ll often hear mukhdas like this during thumri or light classical performances.
Tihai (The Grand Ending)
The tihai is a rhythmic phrase repeated three times and ending precisely on sam (beat 1). In Dadra Taal, tihais add excitement and closure to the composition.
Simple Tihai
Dha TirakiTa Dha | Dha TirakiTa Dha | Dha TirakiTa Dha (Sam)
Medium Tihai
Dha Ge Na Dha Ge Na | Dha Ge Na Dha Ge Na | Dha Ge Na Dha Ge Na (Sam)
A well-crafted tihai showcases timing, precision, and creativity.
Popular Songs Featuring Dadra Taal
While tabla-specific Dadra compositions are rooted in classical music, the taal is widely used in popular music too. Here are a few songs where you can feel the 6-beat Dadra swing:
1. “Lag Ja Gale” – Lata Mangeshkar
A timeless romantic classic where Dadra’s subtle swing elevates the melody.
2. “Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo” – Farida Khanum / Arijit Singh versions
A perfect example of Dadra Taal used in ghazal style.
3. “Mohe Panghat Pe” (2021) – Shreya Ghoshal
A modern orchestral version with Dadra-inspired rhythmic patterns.
4. “Jhule Jhule Lal” – Various Artists
A devotional number performed worldwide with a Dadra beat.
(Embed YouTube links or audio samples as needed.)
Cultural Significance of Dadra Taal
Dadra Taal is more than just a 6-beat cycle—it’s a cultural bridge connecting traditional Indian music to today’s global fusion genres. According to 2024 music learning statistics, tabla learning interest grew by 28% worldwide, with taals like Dadra and Keharwa topping beginner preferences.
As tabla maestro Zakir Hussain once said:
“Rhythm is not just mathematics—it is emotion.”
Dadra Taal perfectly embodies that emotion.
Interactive Corner
Quick Quiz
1. How many beats are in Dadra Taal?
a) 8 b) 6 c) 10
Answer: b) 6
2. Which bol starts Dadra Taal?
a) Dha b) Dhin c) Na
Answer: a) Dha
Poll: What’s Your Favorite Part of Dadra Taal?
- Theka
- Paltas
- Mukhda
- Tihai
Learn Tabla:
📘 Beginner Tutorial: [Link Placeholder]
📙 Dadra Taal Practice Track: [Link Placeholder]
Conclusion
Dadra Taal may seem simple, but its beauty lies in the details—theka, paltas, mohras, mukhdas, and tihais all blend to create rhythmic magic. Whether you’re a student, performer, or listener, mastering Dadra opens the door to expressive, soulful music.
Ready to dive deeper?
Try playing the theka today—and discover the rhythm that has captivated musicians for generations.
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