Laghu can have 3, 4, 5, 7 or 9 beats, depending on the jaati (beat type). It is a fundamental part of Carnatic talam, helping define rhythmic cycles and maintain tempo in compositions.
Class 6 NCERT Arts Chapter 8 Taal or Talam and Raga or Ragam in Indian Music solutions
Class 6 Visual Arts Textbook chapter 8 Taal or Talam and Raga or Ragam in Indian Music question answer
In Carnatic music, Laghu is a rhythmic unit that consists of a clap followed by counting fingers. The number of beats in a Laghu depends on the jaati:
o Tishra Jaati – 3 beats
o Chaturashra Jaati – 4 beats
o Khanda Jaati – 5 beats
o Mishra Jaati – 7 beats
o Sankeerna Jaati – 9 beats
These variations help structure talam cycles, ensuring rhythmic diversity and balance in Carnatic compositions.