Jatiswaras are musical compositions that consist of swaras (notes) without lyrics. The swaras are rendered in rhythmic patterns that often represent different jatis. They are primarily taught to students to help them understand the relationship between swara (note) and tala (rhythm). They emphasize both melody and rhythmic precision. They usually have pallavi and chitte-swaras called by some as charanas. Pallavi is rendered after every Chitte-swara or charana in this form.

The word "Chitte" (ಚಿಟ್ಟೆ) in Kannada, meaning butterfly. Metaphorically, just like a butterfly is delicate and adds color and beauty to its surroundings, chitte-swaras are ornamental and bring a similar grace to the musical composition, fluttering with melody and rhythm. A butterfly's light, free movement can be compared to the flowing and rhythmic nature of chitte-swaras, which often move effortlessly through the notes of a raga, creating a sense of liveliness in the music.

Chitte-Swara, also called Chittaswara, refers to a set of swaras (musical notes) that are composed and inserted between the lines of a composition, typically in a Kriti or a Varnam, to enhance its aesthetic appeal. These are melodic sequences of swaras that do not have lyrics and are purely instrumental in nature.