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Origin of the Tabla
Tabla like many other classical
instruments holds diverse opinions about its origin. Some
associated it with oldest percussion instrument - the Damru of
Lord Shiva. According to modern believe tabla has its origin in
the two-faced drum called mridangam (used in South Indian music)
and the pakhawaj (used in the accompaniment of the north Indian
genres dhrupad and dhamar). Amir khusrau a courtier of Allauddin
Khilzi is believed to be the inventor of tabla. It also said to
be derived from a kind of Arabian drum called Tabl. Though many
different views are associated with the origin and past of tabla
the earliest depictions the tabla in Indian literature does not
occur until the 18th century. The instrument in its current form
is probably less than a century old. But, today Tabla is a part
of the standard Indian musical society.
Description of the Tabla
The Tabla consists of two drums – Dayan (right) or the Tabla and
the Bayan (left) or the Duggi. Dayan or tabla is a cylindrical,
wooden drum made of black wood and played with the right hand.
The Dayan is usually carved of toon or rosewood wood. It is
approximately 9-10 inches tall and has a head diameter of 6
inches. The base of the drum has a slightly larger diameter that
the open head. Bayan or duggi- the left hand drum is slightly
conical and bowl shaped. This drum can be made of metal, wood, or
ceramic. It is approximately 10 inches high and has a head
diameter of roughly 10 inches. Both the drums are hollowed from
inside and covered with multi layer goatskin called puddi. The
skin is fastened to the leather straps which are stretched over
the body of the drums by means of leather braces. These straps
are pulled to raise or lower the pitch. There is a black spot on
both the drums near the centre of the head. Known as siyahi, this
black raised area is usually made of rice, glue, graphite, and
iron fillings. The siyahi is essential to the sound of the tabla.
Playing the
Tabla
The playing technique for both the drums- tabla and duggi
involves extensive use of the fingers and palm movement. The
sound is generated by beating the upper most surface of drums
with hands. The ideal position to play tabla is to sit
cross-legged (yoga position) on floor with the drums in front of
you. Woman player prefer to keep the legs together and off to one
side while playing. Place the Dayan or tabla to your right and
Duggi or bayan to your left. Both the drums are placed in their
cushions known as chutta or adharas. The drums are usually
positioned evenly in front, tilted slightly away from the body
and towards each other. Drums should be close to your body as it
allows the wrist to be straight and comfortable and keeps the
drums from slipping forward while playing. Keep your back
straight and shoulders square while playing.
Care and Caution
1.The black spot or syahi on the drums is very important for sound.
This syahi should not be allowed to become damp, as it will
loosen the layers.
Once the siyahi has been damaged the drum must
be re-headed.
2.Tabla skins are
very delicate so never hit a tabla with a stick or any other
thing except your hands.
3.Tabla must be
protected against moisture as it leaves adverse effect on tabla.
4.Try to keep the
tabla heads covered with the cloth pads when not playing. This
will protect them from fluctuations in its tuning and unwanted
tampering as well.
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