Question

Which finger is counted after the initial beat in reckoning a Laghu

• A. Thumb
• B. Middle Finger
• C. Little Finger
• D. Index Finger

Hint:

Remember that the counting of a Laghu is a cumulative process. The beat itself is the first count, and the finger counts follow. The finger counting always starts from the little finger.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks about the specific procedure for counting the beats ('aksharas') of a 'Laghu', one of the 'angas' (limbs) of a Carnatic tala.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
A Laghu is represented by a vertical line and consists of a fixed beat followed by a variable number of finger counts. The process of reckoning a Laghu is as follows:
1. An initial beat or clap ('ghata') on the lap.
2. This is followed by counting the fingers, starting with the Little Finger, then the Ring Finger, then the Middle Finger, and finally the Index Finger.
The Jati of the Laghu determines how many finger counts are used after the initial beat. For example, a Chaturashra Jati Laghu would be: 1 beat + 3 finger counts (Little, Ring, Middle).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The finger counted immediately after the initial beat of a Laghu is the Little Finger.