Pancha Tala - An Analytical Study

Abstract

The Talas of Karnatic music has a an ancient origin, We can understand their tala or rhythmic knowledge through the Pãnars of Sangam period with the enormous musical instruments they have used. Sangitaratnakara of 12th century shows evidences of raga and tala and relates the structure, technique and reasoning behind ragas and talas. Later Thirupugazh of Arunagirinadhar is the only text which gives details about many talas which was written in Tamil belonged to 15th century. The first 5 talas in the 108 talas are known as Marga talas. The first five talas of 108 are also called Pancha tala. As they are five in number they are called Pancha talas. They have only combination of three angaslagu, guru and pluta. The angas like kãkapadam, anudrutham and drutham are not used in this Pancha talas. The texts Sangita Chandrikai and Tala Deepika completely differs with all the texts in their names. In Bootha Vedhala Vaguppu, one of the Thiru Vaguppu Arunagirinadhar spoke about this Pancha tala. Pancha marabu explains this Pancha tala which are originated from the jathis of the tãndavam of Shiva Nataraja. This is an analytical study based on the information already available. A critical evaluation is made with the materials already in use.