Taal Aksharas / Maathraas

Carnatic tala theory is built on the six classical limbs called the Shadangas:

The Six Classical Angas:

• Anudhrutham (U): 1 Akshara (1 beat)
• Dhrutham (O): 2 Aksharas (1 beat + 1 wave)
• Laghu (I): Variable (1 beat + finger counts determined by the Jathi)
• Guru (8): 8 Aksharas
• Plutam (12): 12 Aksharas
• Kakapadam (16): 16 Aksharas

The 5 Laghu Jathis: The length of a Laghu is determined by its Jathi: Tisra (3), Chatusra (4), Khanda (5), Misra (7), Sankeerna (9).

Aksharas vs. Maathraas: An Akshara is the fundamental count of the tala. Each akshara is further divided into micro-pulses called Maathraas according to the active Nadai (e.g., in Chatusra Nadai, 1 Akshara = 4 Maathraas; Adi Tala with 8 aksharas contains 32 maathraas).