Tabla is one of the most commonly played Indian percussion instruments that started with the North Indian Origin. It is widely used to accompany other instruments and vocal performances to add more gravity to it. Its primary purpose is to maintain the metric cycle in musical compositions. Though it is essentially an accompanying element, the diverse sound of the table is well utilized by the soloists. There are vast repertories where tabla has proved its worth. Not only in traditional Indian music but Tabla has spread its influence across the world in the modern music industries too.
Origin
The history of tablas is still unclear however and there are many proofs that explain that the invention was made back in the 17th century. Tracing back to its indigenous origins, tabla has entered India with the Mughal conquerors who spread their dynasty in the Indian subcontinents. The term ‘Tabla’ is derived from the Arabic word ‘Tabl’ which means ‘a flat surface facing upwards’. Some say it is derived from the English term ‘table’ while some claim it came from the Latin term ‘Tabula’.
Structure
Tabla is a set of two drums that are not identical at all. There is a smaller drum named Dayan which is used to create sharp tonal beats and on the other hand, there is a bigger drum named Baya which helps to create bass. Made of a hollow wooden structure, the drums are tightly set with a thin skin membrane that helps to produce beats. The instrument is purely played by different techniques of slapping and poking with bare hands and extensive use of fingers as there is the use of sticks. Thus, the artists are capable of creating different rhythms and mnemonic syllables.
Use and influence
Though the use of tabla started with Classical Indian Music, it soon started enriching the folk, Sufi, kawali, and other traditional music in India. It soon became very popular among the common people. Other percussion instruments like pakhavaj, rabab, etc lost their potential with the tabla being the most convenient percussion instrument that merges with every kind of soundscape. Different gharanas and kyadas took birth with the widespread influence of Tabla, such as Delhi Gharana, Lucknow Gharana, Benaras Gharana, and so on. Each of these gharanas consists of a distinct essence and style that reflects more diversity in the compositions. The popularity of the instruments spread across the world as different bands and artists started using them to craft their tracks. From the golden era of The Beatles to the modern era of Tool, tabla has been a part of the pop to rock and everything. Both in Indian Music and Western music, the tabla is one of the most potent instruments in experimental and traditional music.
Some of the best Tabla Players of all time
After the widespread usage of tabla in different music, some of the legendary artists have appeared in every decade to prove its importance to music enthusiasts worldwide. Some of them are,
- Zakir Hussain
Son of Ustad Allah Rakha, Zakir Hussain has been one of the most influential tabla players of all time who pioneered contemporary styles. Studied at Indira Kala Sangit University and Berkley College of Music, he raised awareness for tabla and tabla players on an international level.
- Rimpa Siva
Rimpa Siva is one of the most talented female tabla players around the world who embraced the Farukhabad Gharana with a bigger approach. Her creative compositions are well renowned and a French documentary film has also been released with the name ‘Rimpa Siva: Princess of Tabla’.
- Tanmoy Bose
Keeping his name out there as a master Indian percussionist, this music player has toured around the world with his sheer individuality and creativity. His band ‘Taalantra’ has taken jazz, Indian classical music, and folk music to a whole new level.
- Trilok Gurtu
This world-class percussionist has spread his musical skills around the world by incorporating tabla in different western genres and fusion music. He was one of the most innovative percussionists who enhanced tabla along with swords, buckets, and other influences.
- Swapan Chaudhuri
Starting playing at the age of five years only, Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri recreated Indian Classical Music with his timeless compositions. Elegant playing and powerful expressions are the key virtues of his musical works.
There are many other tabla players in India and around the world who inspired people to use this musical instrument in a new and more creative way.
Conclusion
Since the pre-historic times, the influence of music and the need for percussion is quite evident. Tabla has been always there to fulfill the needs whether traditional music or modern fusions. The instrument has held its potential through all these decades with its beautiful tonal quality that embraces other tracks as well.