A bol is a standardized mnemonic syllable used in North Indian classical music to define the tala, or rhythmic pattern.
[1] Bol is derived from the Hindi word bolna (बोलना), which means "speak.
"[2] One who learns to play the tabla or pakhavaj (or pakhawaj) drum is taught to recite the rhythms as bols, which can be quite complex.
[3] Bol is analogous to konnakol, which is used to recite rhythms for the mridangam drum in Carnatic music, which is South Indian classical music.