TABLA, A Popular Percussion Instrument Of India

Tabla is a common "Taal Vaadya" (percussion) in India. It is found everywhere in India. Though it is not a part of classical music of south India, it has a unique place in modern music including film and folk music.

With the advent of "Khyal" in north Indian music Tabla became an essential part of it. During Mughal period it came on the classical stage. Ustad Sidhar Khan is believed to be the first exponent of this instrument. Attractive face of the compositions and sweetness in sounds made Tabla a very popular instrument..The tradition of  Tabla is prevalent in the form of "GURU-SHISHYA PARAMPARA" for centuries. The special feature of this instrument is the sounds are produced with the help of fingers. Very rarely the arms are raised to create a syllable. From right fingers the sounds (Varna) produced mainly are 'Na', 'Tu', 'Tat', 'Ta', 'Tit' etc. On the left drum the common Varnas are 'Ghe' and  'Kat'. The combination of both right and left is very attractive with Varnas like 'Dha', Dhin', 'Tin', 'Tirkit' and much more!

 Written by Nandan Herlekar