Rupak Tala

Rupak Tala (rupak tal) is a
popular tala in Hindustani music
that is common in Bhajans and
Geets.[1] It has seven matras
(beats) in three vibhags
(divisions). Unlike the popular
Tintal, the vibhags of Rupak Tala
are not of equal length. Also,
both the khali and taali of Rupak
Tala fall on the first matra.
Aavartan
The aavaratan (cycle) of Rupak
Tala has three vibhags. The first
vibhag has three matras and both
the second and third vibhags
have two matras. Sam is on the
first matra of the first vibhag. The
aavaratan of Rupak Tala may be
written as follows:
Vibhag One 1 2 3
Vibhag Two 4 5
Vibhag Three 6 7
It is important to note that the
empty 'cells' in the above table
at the end of vibhags two and
three are not rests. Each number
is a whole matra of equal length.
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Clap & wave
Using the 'Clap & Wave' system
can be problematic for Rupak
Tala. Traditionally one claps on
sam, or taali, and waves on khali.
The first matra of Rupak Tala,
however, is both taali and khali.
If the clap were to be present on
sam then Rupak Tala may be
confused for a similar tala of
seven matras, Tivra Tala, that has
identical vibhags but differs in
that the first matra is taali.
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Examples
There a numerous examples of
Rupak Tala that differ based upon
the instrument used. The
following examples apply for the
tabla.
Theka
The most common theka for
Rupak tala contains the bols 'Tin',
'Na', and 'Dhin' (the
transliteration of these bols may
differ quite a lot among
individuals). This theka is
composed in the following
manner by gautam dayal
Prakar
Prakars are fairly open to the
individual performer's flair. That
being said, however, the
following is an example of three
common Rupak Tala prakars.
Tin Tin Na | Dha Dha Tirkit | Dha
Dha Tirkit
Ti Ti na | Dina | Dina