Laghu is a rhythmic component in Carnatic talam that consists of a clap followed by counting fingers. It can have 3, 4, 5, 7 or 9 beats, depending on the jaati (beat group).
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Laghu is an essential part of Carnatic talam, defined as a clap followed by counting fingers. The number of beats in a laghu varies based on jaati classifications:
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
Laghu helps define the total length of a tala, ensuring rhythmic structure and variation.