What is "manodharma"

Manodharma is a form of improvised music and is created on the spot during the performance, but within the confines of strict grammar of music, as codified in the raga and/or the tala. It can be likened to speakers resorting to impromptu speech while reading from their prepared texts. Every carnatic concert has one or many music pieces that showcases the singer's prowess and intellect in the form of Manodharma sangeetham. It serves as an important and integral aspect of Carnatic music.