Tilwada

A 16-matra taal favored in vilambit khayal for its spacious, flowing character and gentle rhythmic pulse.

Matras: 16
Vibhag: 4 + 4 + 4 + 4
Theka: Dha Tira Kita Dhin | Na Dhin Dhin Na | Tin Tira Kita Dhin | Na Dhin Dhin Na
Clap pattern: Clap on 1, 5, 13; wave on 9.

Taal cycle

The 16-matra cycle grouped into vibhag sections. Clap (tali) on numbered beats, wave (khali) on the open beat.

Tali (Clap)

DhaTiraKitaDhin

Tali (on)

NaDhinDhinNa

Tali (1,)

TinTiraKitaDhin

Tali (5,)

NaDhinDhinNa

Sam (X) — first beat, clapTali — clap beatKhali (0) — wave (no clap)

How to hear it

A 16-matra taal favored in vilambit khayal for its spacious, flowing character and gentle rhythmic pulse.

Start by clapping along: clap on the sam (first beat) and on each tali marker. Wave your hand on the khali. As you practice, you will begin to feel the cycle even without counting.

Learner notes

Often used at very slow tempos where the detailed theka ornamentation becomes audible and expressive. Shares the same matra count as Teentaal but has a different internal feel.