Theka Explained

A Theka (IAST: Ṭhekā) literally means "support, prop". The term also refers to a musical composition in classical Indian music for percussion instruments that establish a rhythm (Chanda), beats (Matras) and the metric cycle of beats (Tala) in a performance. An example is the theka of Dadra Tal: "Dha Dhi Na / Na Ti Na".

A theka is the basic rhythmic phrase of a particular tala. It is the underlying repeated pattern that shapes the time cycle of a musical expression.^[1] Theka is a term used by the drummers such as the tabla players.

See also

• Raga

References

Bibliography

• Book: Caudhurī, Vimalakānta Rôya. The Dictionary of Hindustani Classical Music. registration. 2000. Motilal Banarsidass. 978-81-208-1708-1.
• Book: Daniélou, Alain . Alain Daniélou

. Alain Daniélou . Northern Indian Music, Volume 1. Theory & technique; Volume 2. The main rāgǎs . C. Johnson . London . 1949. 851080.

• • Book: Martinez, José Luiz. Semiosis in Hindustani Music. 2001. Motilal Banarsidass . 978-81-208-1801-9.
• Book: Mehta, Tarla. Sanskrit Play Production in Ancient India . 1995. Motilal Banarsidass . 978-81-208-1057-0 .
• Book: Monier-Williams, Monier . Monier Monier-Williams

. Monier Monier-Williams. 1899 . A Sanskrit-English Dictionary . London . Oxford University Press .

• • Book: Randel, Don Michael . The Harvard Dictionary of Music. fourth. 2003. Cambridge, MA. Harvard University Press. 978-0-674-01163-2.
• Book: Te Nijenhuis, Emmie. Emmie te Nijenhuis . Indian Music: History and Structure . 1974. BRILL Academic. 90-04-03978-3 .

Notes and References

1. https://www.britannica.com/art/khayal#ref925128 Kayal