Sapta Taal

In olden days, Talas were classified as Margi Tala and Desi Tala. Ancient texts have mentioned five (5) Margi and one-hundred-twenty (120) Desi Talas. There are references to other classifications also; like One-hundred-eight (108) Talas (which includes the longest Tala, Simhanandana consisting of 18 Angas, 32 Matras and 128 Aksharas), Seventy-two (72) Talas (based on Seventy-two Melakartas), Navasandhi (9) Talas, Chhanda Talas etc. These classifications are however almost obsolete today and are confined to the demonstrations only. However, seven Talas known as Saptatala are prevalent now-a-days. Saptatala is classified as Thirty-five (35) Talas according to the Jaatibheda and again sub-classified as One hundred seventy-five (175) Talas according to the Gatibheda.

Saptatala, also referred to as Saptasuladi Talas, are the main Talas prevalent today. They represent a convenient and workable selection from out of the numerous Talas mentioned in various texts. Saptatala is a common name for the most popular Talas in Carnatic music. A chart explaining the symbols and Angas of each Tala is furnished hereunder.

Courtesy:
Gyanendra Bajpai, Lecturer - Bharatanatyam
Office: Bhatkhande Music University,
1, Qaiserbagh, Lucknow - 226 001. India