Did you know how the tabla originated?
It’s tough to specifically credit any one person with developing the much loved Indian percussion instrument – the tabla. There are many interesting historical facts and legends about the origin of the tabla. We are going to look at some of these theories today. While it may not be possible to say that any single person was alone responsible for creating the tabla, it’s certain that diverse influences led to its development, including Arabic, Turkish and Persian and indigenous Indian drums.
What is the earliest historical proof of the tabla?
The Bhaja caves of Maharastra were excavated in 1799. They had Buddhist carvings estimated to be from 200 BC. Among other instruments, they showed a woman playing two small drums that looked like the table, while another woman danced. It means Indians enjoyed drums, music and dancing even centuries ago! The dholak, dhukkar or duggi and pakhwaj were classical Indian instruments that have been around for centuries too. Army bands played at all ancent battles, including the wars of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Older texts such as vedas and puranas also mention drums. In medieval India, Muslim invaders also marched to the music of drums such as the naggara. In fact, the word ‘tabla’ has probably come from the Arabian word ‘tabl’ which means drum.
Who was the earliest master table player?
Famous 13th century Sufi poet and musician Amir Khusro is credited to have thought of splitting the pakhwaj into two to create and master the modern tabla. While this legend may be a myth, Khusro was greatly patronised by Sultan Alauddin Khalji, and was the first legendary table maestro. It seems the teacher-student gharana of learning the instrument and playing it in a certain style also evolved around that time.
Who are some of the top table players?
Ustad Ahmed Jan Thirakwa Khan (1892-1976) was one of the earlier players renowned for his table skills. Another maestro, Anokhelal Mishra, specialised in the Benares gharana. The legendary Allah Rakha popularised tabla all over the world. His son, Ustad Zakir Hussain has followed in his footsteps. Pakistan’s Ustad Tari Khan is famous across all Asia for his skilful playing.