a rhythmic pattern, generally kept on the Indian drums known as the tabla
a metrical/rhythmic orientation device used in Indian music
Rhythm cycle, commonly from six to sixteen beats, though several others are also used
Fixed time cycle or meter in Indian music, built from uneven groupings of beats.
The metric cycle characterized by a recurring pattern of subdivisions.
In Indian classical music, Tala (Hindi tāl, Sanskrit tāla), literally a "clap," is a rhythmical pattern which determines the rhythmical structure of a composition. It is similar to metre in Western music. Each composition is set to a tala, and as a composition is rendered by the main artist(s), the percussion artist(s) play the pattern repeatedly, marking time as well as enhancing the appeal of the performance.