Chapu tala
A rhythmic cycle felt in unequal groups of smaller, even units.
Chapu talas combine shorter and longer groups. Their distinctive gait is heard in the relationship between those groups.
Two common cycles
- Khanda Chapu: five units, commonly grouped
2 + 3. - Misra Chapu: seven units, commonly grouped
3 + 4, often felt as3 + 2 + 2.
The small units are even; the groups have unequal durations. Keep that distinction when clapping. Chapu is counted separately from the laghu–drutam construction of the Suladi talas.