Chautal (also Chartal) is the foundational rhythmic cycle of dhrupad. It has twelve beats in six vibhags of two — the same beat-count as Ek Taal, but a wholly different character because it is played on the deep, resonant pakhawaj.
Its theka — Dha Dha / Din Ta / Kit Dha / Din Ta / Tita Kata / Gadi Gana — has a stately, declamatory power suited to dhrupad's grave dignity.
Together with Dhamar, Chautal carries almost the entire dhrupad repertoire, anchoring the bandish after the long unmetred alap.