Terah Taal

The rich folk music of Rajasthan reflects the spectrum of cultural growth and the civilization’s highly honed art. A study of the folk art of this state is incomplete without the reverberating beats of Terah Taal or Tera Tali, a dance form. Manjeeras or Cymbals are commonly used as accompanying instruments in the Indian musical scenario especially in folk music recitals and devotional songs.

The Manjeera consists of a pair of metallic discs made usually of bronze, brass, copper or zinc. A copper wire or a thread is tied to these discs through a hole or an opening in the center of the discs. The sound produced by the Manjeeras is a distinct metallic clang that compliments the heavy percussions and vocals well. The quality of the clang or the timber can be varied by the person who plays the Manjeera. This is done by bringing the discs together at various points and at various angles.

Terah Taal is practiced and professionally performed especially by members of the Kamada tribe, the traditional snake charmers of the state. Other clans among whom this rich folk art is common are Mirasi, Bhand, Dholi, Bhat and Nat. The areas of the state inhabited by these tribes are well known to cultivate this art and Deedwana and Pokaran are the two main hubs of Terah Taal practice. It is performed as a ritual art at the Baba Ramdev temple at Runecha.

While the women of the state of Rajasthan actually perform the Terah Taal vocal support is lent by the men who play the Ektara, a one stringed instrument or the four-stringed Chau-Tara and sing lilting folk melodies. The women don colorful, embroidered ghagras and the Manjeeras are ties up to thirteen different parts of the body such as hands, legs and forehead. In the course of the dance, these women sway and twist their bodies bringing together the discs to the beats of the melody thus producing the clang or the taal. This is why the dance form is known as Terah Taal or thirteen beats. Sometimes these performers hold a sword between their teeth to introduce an element of risk into the dance. Such precision and accuracy and the spirited performance always earns these tribal womenfolk their due applause.

Last Updated on 01 December 2011