avartanam

Avartanam is a term in Indian classical music describing one complete cycle of a tala, the rhythmic cycle that underpins compositions and improvisations in Carnatic music and Indian classical dance. Derived from Sanskrit avartana, meaning rotation or cycle, avartanam marks the repetition unit of the tala. A tala defines a fixed number of beats (matras), and each avartanam completes one full sequence of those beats. In concert performance, musicians and dancers refer to one avartanam or multiples thereof to structure sections of a kriti, improvisations, or dances. The tempo (laya) and the tala selected determine how long an avartanam lasts, ranging from shorter cycles to longer, more complex cycles.

During the percussion portion known as tani avartanam, the accompanying instruments such as mridangam, ghatam, kanjira, or other drums present a rhythmic solo that unfolds over a prescribed number of avartanams, after which a concluding cadence ends the cycle.

The concept is central to Carnatic recitals and to Indian classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, where rhythmic cycles govern movements, tempo changes, and cueing of steps. Avartanam thus serves as a foundational unit for timing, structure, and improvisation in both music and dance. See also tala, laya, tani avartanam, Bharatanatyam, and percussion accompanying traditions in Carnatic music.