thari
Rhythmic syllable; percussive sound in dance and music.
Meaning
Thari is a mnemonic syllable used in rhythmic patterns (solkattu or jatis) in Indian classical dance and music. It represents a specific percussive sound, often played on instruments like the mridangam or recited vocally. Dancers encounter it as part of rhythmic phrases that describe the sound of anklets, percussion, or the overall musical accompaniment.
In the songs
Thaam thari jhanu isaiyum, naarananin thalamudan
To the music of 'Thaam thari jhanu' and the rhythm played by Lord Narayana (Vishnu)
Aadal Nayagan · Madurai R. Muralidharan
Maadham sadhange oli, thajam thari thajjam thari thakita endru
The great sound of anklets saying 'thajam thari thajjam thari thakita'
Aadal Nayagan · Madurai R. Muralidharan
Nandhi mirudhangam adhu thom thari ena vinnavarudan paada
As Nandi plays the Mridangam sounding 'thom thari' and the celestials sing along
Aadal Nayagan · Madurai R. Muralidharan
Thaka dhiku thari kita thom
Mukthai (Ending rhythmic phrase) - Part 1.
Sankarabharanam Jathiswaram · Tanjore Quartet