Abstract

Laya is an inevitable part of the aesthetics of Hindustani music. 'Layakārī' is the term most often used for various formations and combinations of Laya in most of the song forms. But, the treatises on music give a definite terminology for this usage under the types of Yati. In the K͟hayāla genre of Hindustani music, Yati-s are seen in the structure as well as improvisation - which are collectively called Aṣṭāṅga-s of K͟hayāla. This research paper is to analyze the eight Aṅga-s from the perspective of Yati and reinstate the concept of Yati, which seems to be hidden and forgotten in these improvisational Aṅga-s of K͟hayāla. The paper examines the K͟hayāla from compositional and improvisational aspects. It discovers the Yati-s in various Aṅga-s. It also shows how a conscious use of Yati-s can enhance the beauty of this genre.