Tala is the rhythmic framework in Carnatic music that governs the timing and structuring of compositions. It consists of specific time cycles marked by hand gestures.
Basic Structure of Tala:
Tala consists of angas (units) like laghu, dhrutam, and anudhrutam.
The total number of aksharas (beats) varies based on jaathi and tala type.
Varieties of Tala (Suladi Sapta Tala):
\begin{enumerate
Dhruva Tala
Matya Tala
Rupaka Tala
Jhampa Tala
Triputa Tala
Ata Tala
Eka Tala
\end{enumerate
Each tala above can be rendered in 5 jaathis:
Tisra (3), Chaturasra (4), Khanda (5), Misra (7), Sankeerna (9)
Hence, 7 talas × 5 jaathis = 35 total variations.