The Brass Cymbals Bihu Taal is one of the five types of Taal Vadya found in Assam and is largely used in Bihu Geet. Taal Vadya in Assam is widely used in Classical as well as many folk musics of Assam. Bhor Taal, a rare of Taal Vadya not found in other parts of India consists of two cymbals generally made of Bronze or Brass. Mostly used in Naam Prasanga (religious recitation), it is also used in puja-Archana, Gaya-Bayan with Khol, Dhuliya- Bhawara etc.

The remaining three types of Taal -Vadya are found in Assam.

The instrument Taal is a pair of metallic cymbals made out of Bell metal and is used for the rhythmic purpose. Generally, the musical term of the word Taal means rhythm; hence the name of this musical instrument Taal is obviously related to rhythm or time measure. It is found in two pieces and a sound is produced either by rubbing or striking two discs. The sound can also be produced in various other ways according to the necessity of the music. These various types of sounds can be produced by striking the discs, by its flat side face to face, by the striking rim to rim or by one side of the circular rim to the flat face of the other disc. The centre portions of the disc are raised into a bowl. The disc is normally played by means of grasping a cord fixed through a hole made at the centre of the boss of the instrument.

The main parts of Taal -Vadya can be classified in Assamese as:

• Betu
• Bindha
• Paat


Betu, Bindha and Paat.

Cymbals, known as Taal are of all sizes and are used for different purposes according to their sweetness and depth of tone. The instrument Taal of Assam can be classified into five categories.

These are:

• Bhor Taal
• Pati- Taal (or kherengital)
• Bihu- Taal
• Khuti- Taal
• Mandira (or Manjira)


Bhor-Taal.


Taal and Dhol.