Rupak is a seven-beat taal with two peculiarities. First, it groups 3 + 2 + 2. Second — and this surprises newcomers — its sam, the first beat, is a khali (wave), not a clap. Most taals announce the sam with a strong clap; Rupak withholds it.
The theka is Tin Tin Na / Dhi Na / Dhi Na. Because the downbeat is understated, Rupak has a gentle, flowing quality well suited to medium-tempo and semi-classical material.
Its short, odd-numbered cycle makes layakari and tihai especially intricate, prized by rhythmically adventurous artists.