Tandav in Ten: A Thunderous Jhaptal Kayda of Dhati Dha, Tirkit, and Tak-10 beat,Tandav in Ten: A Thunderous Jhaptal Kayda of Dhati Dha, Tirkit, and Tak – 10 Beat Explosion
Introduction
The tabla is not just an instrument—it’s a storyteller, a dancer, and a warrior, all rolled into one. And when the 10-beat rhythm of Jhaptal collides with the explosive energy of Dhati Dha, Tirkit, and Tak, what emerges is a composition that doesn’t just speak—it roars. We call it “Tandav in Ten”, a powerful kayda designed to evoke the fierce cosmic dance of Shiva, the destroyer and transformer in Indian mythology. This is not a soft, flowing melody. This is a storm of rhythm—controlled, calculated, and commanding.
The Essence of the Title
Tandav is the mythical dance of destruction and creation, a symbol of cosmic energy. Pairing that with Jhaptal, a rhythmic cycle of 10 beats, gives us a metaphorical battlefield where sound plays the role of sword and shield. The bols—Dhati Dha, Tirkit, Tak, Tuna, Kitak—form the armor of this composition. They strike, spin, attack, and retreat like warriors locked in rhythmic combat.
Understanding Jhaptal – The 10-Beat Taal
Jhaptal is a rarely used but deeply expressive taal in the world of classical tabla and dance. Unlike the symmetrical Tintal (16 beats), Jhaptal is asymmetrical with a 2-3-2-3 structure, offering both challenge and creative freedom.
Jhaptal Theka:
nginxCopyEditDha - Dhin | Na - Tin - Na | Dhin - Na | Tin - Na
- Beat count: 10
- Tali-Khali structure: Clap – Clap – Wave – Clap
- Mood: Formal, majestic, and occasionally dramatic
In dance, especially Kathak, Jhaptal is often used to convey intensity and gravitas.
Kayda Breakdown: Dhati Dha, Tirkit, Tak
Now let’s explore the core phrase of this kayda:
Dhati Dha | Tirkit Tak | Tuna Kitak
- Dhati Dha: A bold, open stroke combination that commands attention
- Tirkit Tak: Rapid-fire strokes designed to dazzle
- Tuna Kitak: Graceful yet punchy, adding agility to the composition
The kayda alternates between open sounds (Dha, Dhati) and closed, sharp bols (Tirkit, Kitak), creating a tension-and-release feel that mimics movement, conflict, and resolution.
Structure of the Kayda
A kayda is a compositional form where the theme (mukh) is followed by multiple variations (paltas), all adhering to specific rules of symmetry and clarity.
- Mukh (theme): Dhati Dha Tirkit Tak Tuna Kitak
- Paltas (variations): Develop this theme using different combinations and improvisations, while keeping the rhythmic cycle intact.
- Tihai (closing phrase): A rhythmic cadence repeated three times to conclude on the sam (first beat).
This format allows a tabla player to showcase technical prowess while staying deeply connected to the thematic essence—in this case, the raw power of Tandav.
Watch & Listen: Powerful Jhaptal in Action
Here are a few examples of powerful Jhaptal performances that share the same bold spirit:
A thunderous performance that uses tirkit and kitak extensively in variations.
Often incorporates such dynamic bols in his improvisations, transforming traditional compositions into rhythmic sagas.
Cultural Symbolism: Rhythm as Cosmic Energy
The title “Tandav in Ten” isn’t just catchy—it reflects the symbolic power of rhythm. In Indian mythology, the sound of the damaru (a small two-headed drum associated with Lord Shiva) is said to have given birth to language and music. The tabla, as a more refined descendant, carries forward that legacy.
This kayda becomes a spiritual metaphor: the universe is created and dissolved through rhythm. Each bol—whether explosive like Dha or subtle like Kitak—is a syllable in this ancient language of motion and emotion.
Try It Yourself: Mini Interactive Exercise
🧠 Challenge: Can you clap out this bol structure in 10 beats?
Dha – Ti | Dha – Tirkit | Tak – Tuna | Kitak – Dha
Use a metronome or tabla app and try counting 1 to 10 while playing or clapping.
Conclusion: Why “Tandav in Ten” Matters
In a world of fast digital beats and synthetic drums, the raw organic power of tabla still holds its own. Compositions like “Tandav in Ten” remind us that rhythm isn’t just background—it’s the heartbeat of music and the soul of movement. Through this kayda, we tap into both tradition and innovation, technique and emotion, form and fire.
So the next time you hear the tabla, listen for the Tandav hidden within the bols—because every Dha, every Tak, carries centuries of rhythm waiting to awaken.
