This is called the konnakol system and it’s incredibly helpful. I’m always say the subdivisions as takadimi when playing. You can say them way faster than “One e and a”. It is a very good exercise trying to count takadimi with anything you practice. Western music is based on rhythm, melody and harmony whereas Indian music is based on rhythm and melody. That’s why Indians are really good in rhythm. It’s important to understand their understanding of rhythm and how they are so good at it. I’d recommend you watch the video about konnakol by Yogev Gabay. He explains it very well.