Rela Example in Chautaal (12-Beat CycleChautaal Rela: The Thunder of 12 Beats
If tabla had a battlefield, the Rela in Chautaal would be its war cry—powerful, relentless, and commanding. Among the various taals used in Hindustani classical music, Chautaal holds a special place for its majestic symmetry and bold character. When combined with the fierce velocity of a Rela, this 12-beat rhythmic cycle becomes a showcase of precision, stamina, and raw energy.
What is Chautaal?
Chautaal (also spelled Chartaal or Chowtal) is a 12-beat taal, structured in six divisions of 2 beats each. Unlike the more common tintal (16 beats), Chautaal is not widely used in light or popular music. Instead, it’s deeply rooted in the Dhrupad tradition, where it serves as a strong rhythmic foundation for devotional and meditative compositions.
The structure of Chautaal is simple yet forceful:
- Clapping Pattern: Clap – Clap – Wave – Clap – Wave – Clap
- Beat Division: 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2
- Theka (basic phrase):
Dha Dha | Dhin Ta | Kita Dha | Tin Ta | Kita Dha | Dhin Ta
Each phrase in the theka has a distinctive identity, contributing to a cycle that feels both balanced and intense.
What is a Rela?
A Rela is a rapid, flowing composition in tabla solo performance. The word “rela” literally means “rush” or “flow.” It’s a flurry of repetitive bols (syllables) that build in speed and complexity. In tabla solos, relas are often used to display a player’s technical prowess and rhythmic control.
A typical Rela might begin with a phrase like:
Dha Tita Tita Dha Tita Tita Dha Tita Tita Dha Tita Tita
This phrase is then repeated with subtle variations, increasing in speed and intricacy, until it becomes a rhythmic cyclone.
Why is Chautaal Rela So Powerful?
Combining a rigid, symmetrical cycle like Chautaal with the fluid, explosive nature of a Rela creates a unique contrast. The tabla player must stay anchored to the taal while letting the energy of the rela take over. It’s a high-wire act of both discipline and improvisation.
In performance, Chautaal relas are often saved for the climax. The audience hears a steady rhythmic base, then suddenly, the tabla bursts into a storm of sound—a thunderous explosion of bols racing through 12 beats at lightning speed, only to land perfectly on sam (the first beat) every time. This interplay of chaos and control is what makes Chautaal Rela so exhilarating.
Physical and Mental Demands
Executing a fast-paced rela in Chautaal isn’t just about speed. It requires:
- Muscle memory: To deliver complex bol patterns cleanly.
- Endurance: To maintain speed and clarity over multiple cycles.
- Mathematical precision: To land perfectly on the sam.
- Creative thinking: To introduce variations without losing the structure.
For seasoned tabla players, mastering the Chautaal rela is often considered a rite of passage.
A Traditional Showcase in Modern Times
Though rooted in ancient tradition, the Chautaal rela has found its way into modern tabla solos and experimental collaborations. Whether performed solo or as part of a jugalbandi (duet), it never fails to ignite the stage. Young artists are now blending it with contemporary elements, giving this traditional form new life.
Final Thoughts
The Chautaal Rela is more than just a fast piece—it’s a statement of mastery. It demands the discipline of a monk and the aggression of a warrior. For the listener, it is a rollercoaster of tension and release, power and grace. For the player, it’s a test of everything they’ve learned—technique, timing, and the spirit of rhythm itself.
If you’ve ever wondered what tabla sounds like when it roars, listen to a Chautaal Rela. You’ll feel it in your bones.
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