Talas
/ˈtɑː.ləz/noun
Plural of tala, a recurring rhythmic cycle in Indian classical music.
Did you know?Traditional tala performance can encode rhythm through claps, hand waves, and finger-counting, making the body itself a living timekeeping instrument.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
tāla
“A clap or rhythmic measure; the term developed from physical gestures used to mark musical time.”
Medieval India
Sanskrit
tāla
“A structured rhythmic cycle in Indian music and dance.”
19th Century
English
tala
“A loanword for an Indian rhythmic cycle.”
Modern English
English
talas
“The plural form used for multiple Indian rhythmic cycles.”