Indian Classical Music And Sikh Kirtan by Gobind Singh Mansukhani (M.A., LL.B, Ph.D.) © 1982 Other Kinds of Laya |
| Other Kinds of Laya There are other kinds of laya (tempo) in addition to vilambit, madhya, and drut laya mentioned. They give great joy to the listeners, especially in dhrupad, dhamar, and in instrumental music. These are as follows: dugan (1/2), tigan (1/3), chaugan (1/4), aar (2/3), kunvaar (7/4), athagan (1/8) Some of the layas which are popular are explained below: Thhah Laya: In this laya, each anka takes one matra. It is also called Brabar Laya. Dugan: In this laya there are two parts or anka in one matra: 1 2 3 1.2 3.4 5.6 Tigar: In this laya, there are three parts (anka) in one matra: 1 2 3 4 123 456 789 10 11 12 Chungan: In this laya, there are four parts (anka) in one matra: 1 2 3 4 1234 5678 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Aar: In this laya, two matras are split into three matras. First the matras are divided into three parts and each is doubled up. “S” is used to complete the sequence: 1 S S 2 S S 3 S S 4 S S Kunvaar: In this laya, five matras are split up into four parts. First the matras are divided into fourth parts and then grouped into five each. 1 S S S 2 S S S S 3 S S S 4 S S S 5 S S S Beaar laya and athagam lays are not common and hence are omitted. |