Adi Tala

Sanskrit

The eight-beat cycle, the most common in the repertoire.

RhythmBharatanatyam

Meaning

Adi tala is a cycle of eight beats, counted as a group of four followed by two groups of two. It is by far the most frequently used tala in Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music, and most students learn to keep it before any other.

Also written: aadi talam, adi talam

Related words

LayaTempo — the speed at which the cycle moves.TalaThe rhythmic cycle a piece is set in.JathiA passage of pure rhythmic dance.TihaiA phrase repeated three times to land on the first beat.KorvaiA rhythmic composition, usually stated three times.SamThe first beat of the rhythmic cycle.

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