Twelve Beats of Brilliance: A Kamali Chakradar Masterpiece – 12

The world of tabla is a universe of rhythmic architecture—intricate, dynamic, and rich with tradition. Among its most dazzling constructs stands the Kamali Chakradar Paran, a high-voltage composition performed in the regal Chautaal, a 12-beat cycle. In this blog, we take a deep dive into the artistry and brilliance of this powerful composition: a Kamali Chakradar Paran performed in Chautaal, often regarded as a “crown jewel” in a tabla solo performance.

🪘 What is a Kamali Chakradar Paran?

To appreciate this composition, let’s break it down.

Paran: A type of tabla composition derived from the Pakhawaj tradition, rich in bols like Dha, Dhin, Ghe, Ta, Tita, and Kita.
Chakradar: A composition repeated three times, usually ending on sam (the first beat of the cycle).
Kamali: A specific type of chakradar known for its power, speed, and complexity, often involving interlocking bols, rhythmic symmetry, and mathematical precision.

A Kamali Chakradar Paran is both a technical marvel and a thunderous rhythmic climax. It’s not merely played—it’s delivered, often bringing the audience to the edge of their seat.

🕉️ The Foundation: Chautaal – The 12-Beat Cycle

Chautaal (or Chartaal) is a 12-matra (beat) rhythmic cycle, structured into 6 vibhags (sections) of 2 beats each:

Dha Dha | Dhin Ta | Kita Dha | Tun Na | Kat Ta | Dha – Ge

Chautaal is considered majestic and symmetrical, often used in dhrupad, pakhawaj, and tabla solo traditions. It’s a slow, expansive taal that gives space for complex compositions like chakradars to unfold.

🌪️ The Structure of a Chakradar

In a chakradar, a phrase (or composition) is played three times, carefully arranged to land on sam.

The most impressive part? Timing it perfectly, such that the third and final stroke of the last repetition coincides with sam—an essential skill that separates an amateur from a maestro.

Now add Kamali style to this: the phrases are fast, thunderous, with gati (speed) changes, bol layering, and sometimes tihais inside each chakra. A Kamali Chakradar is tabla artistry at its highest level.

💥 Kamali Chakradar Masterpiece – 12

Here’s a breakdown of a Kamali Chakradar Paran in Chautaal (12 beats):

plaintextCopyEditDha - Ka Ta | Dha S Ta Ka | Ta Ka Ta Ka | Gadi Gena |

Dha - Ka Ta | Dha S Ta Ka | Ta Ka Ta Ka | Gadi Gena ||

Dha - Ka Ta | Dha S Ta Ka | Ta Ka Ta Ka | Gadi Gena |||

(3x Chakradar begins here)

In this case, each line is built of a rhythmic unit. The entire structure is timed meticulously so that after three repetitions of the whole phrase (the “chakradar”), the final Gena lands squarely on sam (first beat of the 37th matra, accounting for 3 cycles + space).

This version is fast, thunderous, and requires exact bol clarity. It’s typically performed toward the climax of a tabla solo in Chautaal.

Twelve Beats of Brilliance: A Kamali Chakradar Masterpiece-12