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{{Short description|Indian pair of hand drums}} | |||
{{About|a musical instrument|the Egyptian tablah|goblet drum|the Singaporean newspaper|tabla!}} | |||
{{Italic title}} | |||
{{Hatnote group| | |||
{{Distinguish|Tablah}} | |||
{{Other uses}} | |||
}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}} | |||
{{Infobox Instrument | {{Infobox Instrument | ||
|name= | | name = ''Tabla'' | ||
|image= |
| image = Prop._Tabla.jpg | ||
|background=percussion | | background = percussion | ||
|classification= ] |
| classification = ] ] | ||
| hornbostel_sachs = 211.12 | |||
|range= Bolt tuned or rope tuned with dowels and hammer </div> | |||
| hornbostel_sachs_desc = Sets of instruments in which the body of the drum is dish- or bowl-shaped | |||
|related= ], ], ], ], ], ], ]}} | |||
| range = One octave (variable)<ref>{{cite book |last1=Abram |first1=David |title=India: The Rough Guide |date=1994 |publisher=Rough Guides |isbn=978-1-85828-104-9 |page=1137 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-wcZAQAAIAAJ |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Ellingham |first1=Mark |title=The Rough Guide to World Music |date=1999 |publisher=Rough Guides |isbn=978-1-85828-636-5 |page=73 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QzX8THIgRjUC&pg=PA73 |language=en}}</ref> | |||
The '''tabla'''{{#tag:ref|In other languages:<!-- please keep languages in alphabetical order, all are equally important --> {{lang-bn|তবলা}}, {{lang-prs|طبلا}}, {{lang-gu|તબલા}}, {{lang-hi|तबला}}, {{lang-kn|ತಬಲಾ}}, {{lang-ml|തബല}}, {{lang-mr|तबला}}, {{lang-ne|तबला}}, {{lang-or|ତବଲା}}, {{lang-ps|طبله}}, {{lang-pa|ਤਬਲਾ}}, {{lang-ta|தபலா}}, {{lang-te|తబలా}}, {{lang-ur|{{nq|طبلہ}}}}|group="nb"|name="nb"}} is a ] percussion instrument originating from the ], consisting of a pair of drums, used in traditional, classical, popular and folk music.<ref>{{cite book|author=Don Michael Randel|title=The Harvard Dictionary of Music|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=02rFSecPhEsC |year=2003|publisher=Harvard University Press|isbn=978-0-674-01163-2|pages=820, 864}}</ref> It has been a particularly important instrument in ] since the 18th century, and remains in use in ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name=brittabla> Encyclopædia Britannica</ref> The name ''tabla'' likely comes from ''tabl'', the Persian and Arabic word for drum.<ref name="EmmertMinegishi1980">{{cite book|author1=Richard Emmert|author2=Yuki Minegishi|title=Musical voices of Asia: report of (Asian Traditional Performing Arts 1978)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hSEKAQAAMAAJ|accessdate=25 December 2012|year=1980|publisher=Heibonsha|page=266}}</ref> However, the ultimate origin of the musical instrument is contested by scholars, some tracing it to ], others tracing it to the evolution of indigenous musical instruments of the ].<ref name="Gottlieb1993p1"/> | |||
| developed = 18th century, ] (modern tabla) | |||
| related = ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] | |||
}} | |||
] | |||
A '''''tabla'''''{{#tag:ref|In other languages:<!-- please keep languages in alphabetical order, all are equally important --> {{langx|as|তবলা}}, {{langx|bn|তবলা}}, {{langx|prs|طبلا}}, {{langx|gu|તબલા}}, {{langx|hi|तबला}}, {{langx|kn|ತಬಲಾ}}, {{langx|ml|തബല}}, {{langx|mr|तबला}}, {{langx|ne|तबला}}, {{langx|or|ତବଲା}}, {{langx|ps|طبله}}, {{langx|pa|ਤਬਲਾ}}, {{Langx|si|තබ්ලාව}}, {{langx|ta|தபலா}}, {{langx|te|తబలా}}, {{langx|ur|{{nq|طبلہ}}}}|group="nb"|name="nb"}} is a pair of ] from the ]. Since the 18th century, it has been the principal percussion instrument in ],<ref>{{cite book|author=Don Michael Randel|title=The Harvard Dictionary of Music|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=02rFSecPhEsC&pg=P864 |year=2003|publisher=Harvard University Press|isbn=978-0-674-01163-2|pages=820, 864}}</ref> where it may be played solo, as an accompaniment with other instruments and vocals, or as a part of larger ensembles. It is frequently played in popular and folk music performances in ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref name="brittabla"> Encyclopædia Britannica</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Baily |first=John |title=Music of Afghanistan : professional musicians in the city of Herat|date=1988|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=0-521-25000-5|location=Cambridgeshire |oclc=17299692}}</ref> The tabla is an essential instrument in the ] devotional traditions of ] and ], such as during '']'' and '']'' singing.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Denise Cush|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3N4mGlbutbgC&pg=PA87|title=Encyclopedia of Hinduism|author2=Catherine Robinson|author3=Michael York|publisher=Routledge|year=2012|isbn=978-1-135-18978-5|pages=87–88}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Derek B. Scott|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eL37scDf0PMC|title=The Ashgate Research Companion to Popular Musicology|publisher=Ashgate Publishing|year=2009|isbn=978-0-7546-6476-5|page=289}}</ref> It is one of the main ] instruments used by ] musicians.<ref>{{cite book|author=Kamal Salhi|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dc5iAgAAQBAJ|title=Music, Culture and Identity in the Muslim World: Performance, Politics and Piety|publisher=Routledge|year=2013|isbn=978-1-317-96310-3|pages=183–184}}</ref> The instrument is also featured in dance performances such as ]. Tabla is a rhythmic instrument. <ref>{{Cite book |editor1-last=Nettl |editor1-first=Bruno |editor2-last=Stone |editor2-first=Ruth M. |editor3-last=Porter |editor3-first=James |editor4-last=Rice |editor4-first=Timothy |title=The Garland encyclopedia of world music |isbn=0-8240-6035-0|location=New York|oclc=36407898}}</ref> | |||
The ''tabla'' consists of two single headed, barrel shaped small drums of slightly different size and shapes: ''daya'' also called ''dahina'' meaning right (also called "tabla"), and ''baya'' also called ''bahina'' meaning left (also called "dagga").<ref name=brittabla/><ref>{{cite book|author=William Alves|title=Music of the Peoples of the World|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=688hCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA252|year=2013|publisher=Cengage Learning|isbn=1-133-30794-9|page=252}}</ref> The ''daya tabla'' is played by the musician's right hand (dominant hand), and is about 15 centimetres (~6 in) in diameter and 25 centimetres (~10 in) high. The ''baya tabla'' is a bit bigger and deep kettledrum shaped, about 20 centimetres (~8 in) in diameter and 25 centimetres (~10 in) in height. Each is made of hollowed out wood or clay or brass, the ''daya'' drum laced with hoops, thongs and wooden dowels on its sides. The dowels and hoops are used to tighten the tension of the membrane. The ''daya'' is tuned to the ground note of the '']'' called ''Sa'' (] in India music).<ref name=brittabla/><ref name="SorrellNarayan1980p40">{{cite book|author1=Neil Sorrell|author2=Ram Narayan|title=Indian Music in Performance: A Practical Introduction|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jNhRAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA40|year=1980|publisher=Manchester University Press|isbn=978-0-7190-0756-9|pages=40–41}}</ref> The ''baya'' construction and tuning is about a fifth to an octave below that of the ''daya'' drum. The musician uses his hand's heel pressure to change the pitch and tone colour of each drum during a performance.<ref name=brittabla/><ref name="SorrellNarayan1980p40"/> | |||
The word ''tabla'' likely comes from ''tabl'', the Arabic word for drum.<ref name="EmmertMinegishi1980">{{cite book|author1=Richard Emmert|author2=Yuki Minegishi|title=Musical voices of Asia: report of (Asian Traditional Performing Arts 1978)|url=https://archive.org/details/musicalvoicesofa00asia|url-access=registration|access-date=25 December 2012|year=1980|publisher=Heibonsha|page=}}</ref> The ultimate origin of the musical instrument is contested by scholars, though earliest evidence trace its evolution from indigenous musical instruments of the ]; drums like structure is mentioned in Vedic-era texts.<ref name="Gottlieb1993p1" /> | |||
] | |||
The playing technique is complex and involves extensive use of the fingers and palms in various configurations to create a wide variety of different sounds and rhythms, reflected in mnemonic syllables ('']''). In the Hindustani style tabla is played in two ways: ''band bol'' and ''khula bol''. In the sense of classical music it is termed "tali" and "khali". It is one of the main '']'' instrument used by ] musicians of Bangladesh, Pakistan and India.<ref>{{cite book|author=Kamal Salhi|title=Music, Culture and Identity in the Muslim World: Performance, Politics and Piety|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dc5iAgAAQBAJ |year=2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-317-96310-3|pages=183–184}}</ref> The ''tabla'' is also an important instrument in the ] devotional traditions of ] and ], such as during '']'' and '']'' singing.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Denise Cush|author2=Catherine Robinson|author3=Michael York|title=Encyclopedia of Hinduism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3N4mGlbutbgC&pg=PA87|year=2012|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-135-18978-5|pages=87–88}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Derek B. Scott|title=The Ashgate Research Companion to Popular Musicology|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eL37scDf0PMC |year=2009|publisher=Ashgate Publishing |isbn=978-0-7546-6476-5|page=289}}</ref> | |||
The tabla consists of two small drums of slightly different sizes and shapes.<ref name="brittabla" /><ref name=":0">{{cite book|author=William Alves|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=688hCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA252|title=Music of the Peoples of the World|publisher=Cengage Learning|year=2013|isbn=978-1-133-30794-5|page=252}}</ref> Each drum is made of hollowed-out wood, clay or metal. The smaller drum (''dayan/tabla'') is used for creating treble and tonal sounds, while the primary function of the larger drum (''baya/dagga'') is for producing bass. They are laced with hoops, thongs and wooden dowels on its sides. The dowels and hoops are used to tighten the tension of the membranes for tuning the drums.<ref name="SorrellNarayan1980p40">{{cite book|author1=Neil Sorrell|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jNhRAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA40|title=Indian Music in Performance: A Practical Introduction|author2=Ram Narayan|publisher=Manchester University Press|year=1980|isbn=978-0-7190-0756-9|pages=40–41}}</ref> | |||
The playing technique is complex and involves extensive use of the fingers and palms in various configurations to create a wide variety of different sounds and rhythms, reflected in mnemonic syllables ('']''). | |||
==Origins== | ==Origins== | ||
===Traditions=== | |||
] | |||
According to the legends, it was derieved from the ancient barrel drum known as "Mridana" where the deity ] is said to have cut it in half to create the Tabla. <ref>{{Cite book |title=Origins and Development of Musical Instruments |last=Montagu |first=Jeremy |date=2007-10-29 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |year=2007 |isbn=9780810877702 |pages=33 |language=English}}</ref> | |||
The history of ''tabla'' is unclear, and there are multiple theories regarding its origins.<ref name="Gottlieb1993p1">{{cite book|author=Robert S. Gottlieb|title=Solo Tabla Drumming of North India |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f-xk7L_DNcUC&pg=PA1|year=1993|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-1093-8|pages=1–3}}</ref><ref name="Dean2012p104">{{cite book|author=Matt Dean|title=The Drum: A History |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4CdzdFgfV8YC&pg=PA104|year=2012|publisher=Scarecrow|isbn=978-0-8108-8170-9|page=104}}</ref> There are two groups of theories, one that traces its origins to Muslim and Moghul invaders of the Indian subcontinent, the other traces it to indigenous origins.<ref name="Gottlieb1993p1"/> One example of the latter theory is carvings in Bhaje caves.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yogems.com/yopedia/a-complete-guide-to-tabla/|title=The Complete Guide to Tabla|author=|date=29 September 2016|website=yogems.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiamike.com/india/maharashtra-f37/bhaja-caves-and-the-tabla-connection-t227647/|title=Bhaja Caves & the Tabla connection|author=|date=|website=IndiaMike.com}}</ref> However, clear pictorial evidence of the drum emerges only from about 1745, and the drum continued to develop in shape until the early 1800's. <ref name="Kippen 2000">{{cite book|author=James Kippen|title=Hindustani Tala, Garland Encyclopedia of World Music|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Hh03DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT263&dq=kippen+origins+of+tabla&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj4_fXlvorgAhXMneAKHZqZCxoQ6wEIPTAD#v=onepage&q=%20origins%20of%20tabla&f=false|year=1999|publisher=Routledge}}</ref> | |||
The history of the tabla is unclear, and there are multiple theories regarding its origins.<ref name="Gottlieb1993p1">{{cite book|author=Robert S. Gottlieb|title=Solo Tabla Drumming of North India |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f-xk7L_DNcUC&pg=PA1|year=1993|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-1093-8|pages=1–3}}</ref><ref name="Dean2012p104">{{cite book|author=Matt Dean|title=The Drum: A History |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4CdzdFgfV8YC&pg=PA104|year=2012|publisher=Scarecrow|isbn=978-0-8108-8170-9|page=104}}</ref> There are two groups of theories; the first theorizes the instrument had indigenous origins while the other traces its origins to the ] and ] invaders of the Indian subcontinent.<ref name="Gottlieb1993p1"/> While the carvings in ] support the theory that the instrument had indigenous origins, clear pictorial evidence of the drum emerges only from about 1745, and the drum continued to develop in shape until the early 1800s.<ref name="Kippen 2000">{{cite book|author=James Kippen|title=Hindustani Tala, Garland Encyclopedia of World Music|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Hh03DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT263|year=1999|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781351544382}}</ref> | |||
=== |
===Indian origins=== | ||
The origin of tabla is traced back to indigenous ancient civilization. The stone sculpture carvings in Bhaja Caves depict a woman playing a pair of drums, which some have claimed as evidence for the ancient origin of the tabla in India.<ref>{{cite book|author=S Prajnanananda|title=A historical study of Indian music|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=guXibgtWsNwC|year=1981|publisher=Munshiram Manoharlal|page=82|isbn=9788121501774}}</ref><ref name=hilj4>{{cite journal |last=Meshram |first=Pradipkumar S. |date=1981 |title=The tabla in the Bhaja cave sculptures: A note |journal=Indica |volume=18 |page=57}}</ref><ref name=hilj1>Mark Hijleh, 2019, , Routledge</ref> A different version of this theory states that the tabla acquired a new Arabic name during the Islamic rule, having evolved from ancient Indian ''puśkara'' drums. The evidence of the hand-held ''puśkara'' is founded in many temple carvings, such as at the 6th and 7th century ] and Bhuvaneswara temples in India.<ref name="Dean2012p104"/><ref name="Gottlieb1993p2">{{cite book|author=Robert S. Gottlieb|title=Solo Tabla Drumming of North India |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f-xk7L_DNcUC&pg=PA1|year=1993|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-1093-8|pages=2–3}}</ref><ref name="Singh2000p135">{{cite book|author=Pashaura Singh|title=The Guru Granth Sahib: Canon, Meaning and Authority|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HMvXAAAAMAAJ|year=2000|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-564894-2|pages=135–136}}</ref> These arts show drummers who are sitting, with two or three separate small drums, with their palm and fingers in a position as if they are playing those drums.<ref name="Gottlieb1993p2"/> However, it is not apparent in any of these ancient carvings that those drums were made of the same material and skin, or played the same music, as the modern tabla.<ref name="Gottlieb1993p2"/> | |||
The first theory, very common during the colonial period scholarship, is based on the etymological links of the word ''tabla'' to Arabic word ''tabl'' which means "drum". Beyond the root of the word, this proposal points to the abundant documentary evidence that the Muslim armies, as they invaded the Indian subcontinent, had hundreds of soldiers on camels and horses carrying paired drums. They would beat these drums to scare the residents, the non-Muslim armies, their elephants and chariots, that they intended to attack. ], the Turk founder of the ], is known to have used these paired drums carrying battalions in their military campaigns. However, this theory has had the flaw that the war drums did not look or sound anything like ''tabla'', they were large paired drums and were called ''naqqara'' (noise, chaos makers).<ref name="Gottlieb1993p1"/> | |||
The textual evidence for similar material and methods of construction as ''tabla'' comes from ] texts. The earliest discussion of ''tabla''-like musical instrument building methods are found in the Hindu text '']''. This text also includes descriptions of paste-patches (''syahi'') such as those found on a tabla.<ref name="Gottlieb1993p2"/> The ''Natyashastra'' also discusses how to play these drums. The South Indian text '']'', likely composed in the early centuries of 1st millennium CE, describes thirty types of drums along with many stringed and other instruments. These are, however, called ''pushkara''; the name ''tabla'' appears in later periods.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Bruno Nettl|author2=Ruth M. Stone|author3=James Porter |display-authors=etal |title=The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZOlNv8MAXIEC&pg=PA327 |year=1998|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-0-8240-4946-1|page=327}}</ref> | |||
The second version of the Arab theory is that Amir Khusraw, a musician patronized by Sultan ] invented the ''tabla'' when he cut an ''Awaj drum'', which used to be hourglass shaped. This is, however, unlikely, as no painting or sculpture or document dated to his period supports it with evidence. If ''tabla'' had arrived, or had been invented under Arabic influence from the root word ''tabl'', it would be in the list of musical instruments that were written down by Muslim historians, but such evidence is also absent. For example, Abul Fazi included a long list of musical instruments in his ''Ain-i-akbari'' written in the time of the 16th century Mughal Emperor ], the generous patron of music. Abul Fazi's list makes no mention of ''tabla''.<ref name="Gottlieb1993p1"/> | |||
===Muslim and Mughal origins=== | |||
The third version of the Arab theory credits the invention of ''tabla'' to the 18th century musician, with a similar sounding name Amir Khusru, where he is suggested to have cut a '']'' into two to create ''tabla''. This is not an entirely unreasonable theory, and miniature paintings of this era show instruments that sort of look like ''tabla'', but this would mean that ''tabla'' emerged from within the Muslim community of Indian subcontinent and were not an Arabian import.<ref name="Gottlieb1993p1"/><ref name="Lavezzoli2006p37">{{cite book|author=Peter Lavezzoli|title=The Dawn of Indian Music in the West|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OSZKCXtx-wEC&pg=PA37|year=2006|publisher=Bloomsbury Academic|isbn=978-0-8264-1815-9|pages=37–39}}</ref> However, scholars such as Neil Sorrell and Ram Narayan state that this legend of cutting a ''pakhawaj'' drum into two to make ''tabla'' drums "cannot be given any credence".<ref name="SorrellNarayan1980p40"/> | |||
This theory is based on the etymological links of the word ''tabla'' to Arabic word ''tabl'' which means "drum". Beyond the root of the word, this proposal points to the documentary evidence that the Muslim armies had hundreds of soldiers on camels and horses carrying paired drums as they invaded the Indian subcontinent. They would beat these drums to scare the residents, the non-Muslim armies, their elephants and chariots, that they intended to attack. However, the war drums did not look or sound anything like ''tabla'', they were large paired drums and were called '']'' (noise, chaos makers).<ref name="Gottlieb1993p1"/> | |||
Another version states that Amir Khusraw, a musician patronized by Sultan ] invented the ''tabla'' when he cut an ''Awaj'' drum, which used to be hourglass shaped, into two parts. However, no painting or sculpture or document dated to his period supports it with this evidence nor it was found in the list of musical instruments that were written down by Muslim historians. For example, Abul Fazi included a long list of musical instruments in his ''Ain-i-akbari'' written in the time of the 16th century Mughal Emperor ], the generous patron of music. Abul Fazi's list makes no mention of ''tabla''.<ref name="Gottlieb1993p1"/> | |||
===Indian origins=== | |||
] | |||
The Indian theory traces the origin of ''tabla'' to indigenous ancient civilization. This version states that this musical instrument acquired a new Arabic name during the Islamic rule, but it is an evolution of the ancient Indian ''puskara'' drums. The evidence of the hand held ''puskara'' is founded in many temple carvings, such as at the 6th and 7th century Muktesvara and Bhuvaneswara temples in India.<ref name="Dean2012p104"/><ref name="Gottlieb1993p2">{{cite book|author=Robert S. Gottlieb|title=Solo Tabla Drumming of North India |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f-xk7L_DNcUC&pg=PA1|year=1993|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-1093-8|pages=2–3}}</ref><ref name="Singh2000p135">{{cite book|author=Pashaura Singh|title=The Guru Granth Sahib: Canon, Meaning and Authority|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HMvXAAAAMAAJ|year=2000|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-564894-2|pages=135–136}}</ref> These arts show drummers who are sitting, with two or three separate small drums, with their palm and fingers in a position as if they are playing those drums.<ref name="Gottlieb1993p2"/> However, it is not apparent in these carvings that those drums were made of the same material and skin, or played the same music, as the modern ''tabla''.<ref name="Gottlieb1993p2"/> | |||
The third version credits the invention of ''tabla'' to the 18th century musician, with a similar sounding name Amir Khusru, where he is suggested to have cut a '']'' into two to create ''tabla''. Miniature paintings of this era show instruments that sort of look like ''tabla''. This theory implies that ''tabla'' emerged from within the Muslim community of Indian subcontinent and were not an Arabian import.<ref name="Gottlieb1993p1"/><ref name="Lavezzoli2006p37">{{cite book|author=Peter Lavezzoli|title=The Dawn of Indian Music in the West|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OSZKCXtx-wEC&pg=PA37|year=2006|publisher=Bloomsbury Academic|isbn=978-0-8264-1815-9|pages=37–39}}</ref> However, scholars such as Neil Sorrell and Ram Narayan state that this legend of cutting a ''pakhawaj'' drum into two to make ''tabla'' drums "cannot be given any credence".<ref name="SorrellNarayan1980p40"/> | |||
The textual evidence for similar material and methods of construction as ''tabla'' comes from Sanskrit texts. The earliest discussion of ''tabla''-like musical instrument building methods, including paste-patches, are found in the Hindu text '']''.<ref name="Gottlieb1993p2"/> The ''Natyashastra'' also discusses how to play these drums. The South Indian text '']'', likely composed in the early centuries of 1st millennium CE, describes thirty types of drums along with many stringed and other instruments. These are named as Pushkara - name Tabla comes in later periods<ref>{{cite book|author1=Bruno Nettl|author2=Ruth M. Stone|author3=James Porter et al|title=The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZOlNv8MAXIEC&pg=PA327 |year=1998|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-0-8240-4946-1|page=327}}</ref> | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
], ], India showing a woman playing a pair of drums and another dancer performing.<ref>{{cite |
], ], India showing a woman playing a pair of drums and another dancer performing.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Meshram |first=Pradipkumar S. |year=1981 |title=The tabla in the Bhaja cave sculptures: A note |journal=Indica |volume=18 |pages=57–59}}</ref>]] | ||
Drums and ] are mentioned in the ] era texts.<ref>, Sadanand Naimpalli, Popular Prakashan</ref><ref>{{cite book|pages=66–68 |first=Lewis |last= Rowell|title=Music and Musical Thought in Early India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h5_UCgAAQBAJ |year=2015|publisher=University of Chicago Press|isbn=978-0-226-73034-9}}</ref> A percussion musical instrument with two or three small drums, held with strings, called ''Pushkara'' (also spelled ''Pushkala'') were in existence in pre-5th century Indian subcontinent along with other drums such as the ], but these are not called ''tabla'' then.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Sir Monier Monier-Williams|author2=Ernst Leumann|author3=Carl Cappeller|title=A Sanskrit-English Dictionary: Etymologically and Philologically Arranged with Special Reference to Cognate Indo-European Languages|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zUezTfym7CAC| year=2002| publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|isbn= 978-81-208-3105-6|pages=638–639}}</ref> The pre-5th century paintings in the ], for example, show a group of musicians playing small tabla-like upright seated drums, a kettle-shaped ''mridang'' drum and cymbals.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Anil de Silva-Vigier |
Drums and ] are mentioned in the ] era texts.<ref name=":2">, Sadanand Naimpalli, Popular Prakashan</ref><ref>{{cite book|pages=66–68 |first=Lewis |last= Rowell|title=Music and Musical Thought in Early India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h5_UCgAAQBAJ |year=2015|publisher=University of Chicago Press|isbn=978-0-226-73034-9}}</ref> A percussion musical instrument with two or three small drums, held with strings, called ''Pushkara'' (also spelled ''Pushkala'') were in existence in pre-5th century Indian subcontinent along with other drums such as the ], but these are not called ''tabla'' then.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Sir Monier Monier-Williams|author2=Ernst Leumann|author3=Carl Cappeller|title=A Sanskrit-English Dictionary: Etymologically and Philologically Arranged with Special Reference to Cognate Indo-European Languages|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zUezTfym7CAC| year=2002| publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|isbn= 978-81-208-3105-6|pages=638–639}}</ref> The pre-5th century paintings in the ], for example, show a group of musicians playing small tabla-like upright seated drums, a kettle-shaped ''mridang'' drum and cymbals.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Anil de Silva-Vigier |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8dczAQAAIAAJ |title=Music |author2=Otto Georg von Simson |publisher=New York Graphic Society |year=1964 |series=Man through his art |volume=2 |page=22 |oclc=71767819}}, '''Quote''': "To her left are two girls standing with cymbals in their hands, and two seated playing drums, one with a pair of upright drums like the modern Indian dhol, and the other, sitting cross-legged, with a drum held horizontally, like the modern mirdang." | ||
Tabla a quest, (Volume 1) by <nowiki>]</nowiki> and Debasish Talukdar. Pub. Anshiak Publication 2022. ]</ref> Similar artwork with seated musicians playing drums, but carved in stone, are found in the ],<ref>{{cite book|author=Lisa Owen|title=Carving Devotion in the Jain Caves at Ellora|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vHK2WE8xAzYC&pg=PA24|year=2012|publisher=BRILL Academic|isbn=978-90-04-20629-8|pages=24–25}}</ref> and others.<ref>{{cite book|author=Pia Brancaccio|title=The Buddhist Caves at Aurangabad: Transformations in Art and Religion|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m_4pXm7dD78C|year=2010|publisher=BRILL Academic|isbn=978-90-04-18525-8|page=21}}</ref> | |||
A type of small Indian drums, along with many other musical instruments, are also mentioned in Tibetan and Chinese memoirs written by Buddhist monks who visited the Indian subcontinent in the 1st millennium CE. The ''pushkala'' are called ''rdzogs pa'' (pronounced dzokpa) in Tibetan literature.<ref>, Tibetan English Dictionary (2011)</ref> The ''pushkara'' drums are also mentioned in many ancient Jainism and Buddhism texts, such as ''Samavayasutra'', ''Lalitavistara'' and ''Sutralamkara''.<ref>{{cite book|author=Radha Kumud Mookerji|title=Ancient Indian Education: Brahmanical and Buddhist|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mjFfqpq7HhkC&pg=PA354 |year=1989|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-0423-4|pages=354–355}}</ref> | |||
]A type of small Indian drums, along with many other musical instruments, are also mentioned in Tibetan and Chinese memoirs written by Buddhist monks who visited the Indian subcontinent in the 1st millennium CE. The ''pushkala'' are called ''rdzogs pa'' (pronounced dzokpa) in Tibetan literature.<ref>, Tibetan English Dictionary (2011)</ref> The ''pushkara'' drums are also mentioned in many ancient Jainism and Buddhism texts, such as ''Samavayasutra'', ''Lalitavistara'' and ''Sutralamkara''.<ref>{{cite book|author=Radha Kumud Mookerji|title=Ancient Indian Education: Brahmanical and Buddhist|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mjFfqpq7HhkC&pg=PA354 |year=1989|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-0423-4|pages=354–355}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
Various Hindu and Jain temples, such as the Eklingaji in Jaipur, Rajasthan show stone carvings of a person playing tabla-like small pair of drums. Small drums were popular during the ] (1210 to 1247) in the south, at the time when ] was written by ]. There is recent iconography of the tabla dating back to 1799.<ref>]<span>, </span>''A Collection of Two Hundred and Fifty Coloured Etchings'' (1799)</ref> This theory is now obsolete with iconography carvings found in Bhaje caves providing solid proof that the tabla was used in ancient India. There are ] temple carvings of double hand drums resembling the tabla that date back to 500 BCE.<ref>web.mit.edu/chintanv/www/tabla/class_material/Introduction%20to%20Tabla.ppt</ref> The tabla was spread widely across ancient India. A Hoysaleshwara temple in ] shows a carving of a woman playing a tabla in a dance performance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.persee.fr/web/revues/home/prescript/article/befeo_0336-1519_1988_num_77_1_1741|title=Persée|publisher=|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref> | |||
Various Hindu and Jain temples, such as the Eklingji in Udaipur, Rajasthan show stone carvings of a person playing tabla-like small pair of drums. Small drums were popular during the ] (1210 to 1247) in the south, at the time when ] was written by ]. ], 14th century ] poet and writer of ], lists several instruments in his version of ''"Ramayana"'', such as tabal, ], ], ], ], ], etc. (meaning that these instruments existed since his time in 14th century or earlier).There is recent iconography of the drum like structure dating back to 1799.<ref> ], ''A Collection of Two Hundred and Fifty Coloured Etchings.'' (1799)</ref> There are ] temple carvings of double hand drums resembling the tabla that date back to 500 BCE.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.web.mit.edu/chintanv/www/tabla/class_material/Introduction%20to%20Tabla.ppt |format=Microsoft PowerPoint |title=Introduction to Tabla, the Ancient Indian Drums |author1=Chintan Vaishnav |author2=Collin Joye |website=MIT |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090902141104/http://web.mit.edu/chintanv/www/tabla/class_material/Introduction%20to%20Tabla.ppt |archive-date=2 September 2009}}</ref> The tabla was spread widely across ancient India. A Hoysaleshwara temple in ] shows a carving of a woman playing a tabla in a dance performance.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.persee.fr/web/revues/home/prescript/article/befeo_0336-1519_1988_num_77_1_1741|title=Persée|journal=Bulletin de l'École Française d'Extrême-Orient|date=1988 |volume=77 |issue=1 |pages=57–68 |doi=10.3406/befeo.1988.1741 |access-date=20 February 2015 |last1=Deloche |first1=Jean }}</ref> | |||
The tabla uses a "complex finger tip and hand percussive" technique played from the top unlike the Pakhawaj and mridangam which mainly use the full palm, and are sideways in motion and are more limited in terms of sound complexity.<ref name="britannica1">{{cite web|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/579723/tabla |title=tabla (musical instrument) – |date= September 2015}}</ref> | |||
According to classifications of musical instruments defined in the '']'', Tabla is classified in the ''Avanadha Vadya'' category of rhythm instruments which are made by capping an empty vessel with a stretched skin.<ref name=":2" /> | |||
The origins of tabla repertoire and technique may be found in all three, and in physical structure there are also similar elements: the smaller pakhawaj head for the dayan, the naqqara kettledrum for the bayan, and the flexible use of the bass of the dholak.<ref>Stewart R. Unpublished thesis, UCLA, 1974</ref> | |||
==Construction and features== | ==Construction and features== | ||
{{ |
{{More citations needed section|date=June 2009}} | ||
The tabla consists of two single-headed, barrel-shaped small drums of slightly different sizes and shapes: ''baya'' and ''daya'' for left and right drums, respectively.<ref name="brittabla" /><ref name=":0" /> | |||
The smaller drum, played with the dominant hand, is sometimes called dayan (literally "right" side ), dāhina, siddha or chattū, but is correctly called the "tabla." It is made from a conical piece of mostly ] and ] hollowed out to approximately half of its total depth. The drum is tuned to a specific note, usually either the ], ] or ] of the soloist's key and thus complements the ]. The tuning range is limited although different dāyāñs are produced in different sizes, each with a different range. Cylindrical wood blocks, known as gatta, are inserted between the strap and the shell allowing tension to be adjusted by their vertical positioning. Fine tuning is achieved while striking vertically on the braided portion of the head using a small, heavy hammer. | |||
] performing at ], ]. This illustrates the common sitting position used by tabla players.]] | |||
The larger drum, played with the other hand, is called bāyāñ (literally "left") duggī or dhāmā (correctly called "dagga"), has a much deeper ] ], much like its distant cousin, the ]. The bāyāñ may be made of any of a number of materials. Brass is the most common, copper is more expensive, but generally held to be the best, while aluminum and steel are often found in inexpensive models. Sometimes wood is used, especially in old bāyāñs from the Punjab. Clay is also used, although not favored for durability; these are generally found in the North-East region of Bengal. | |||
The smaller drum, played with the dominant hand, is called dayan (literally "right" side), dāhina, siddha or chattū, but is correctly called the "tabla." It is made from a conical piece of mostly ] and ] hollowed out to approximately half of its total depth. The ''daya tabla'' is played by the musician's right hand (dominant hand), and is about 15 centimetres (~6 in) in diameter and 25 centimetres (~10 in) high. The drum is tuned to a specific note, usually either the ], ] or ] of the soloist's key and thus complements the ]. This is the ground note of the '']'' called ''Sa'' (the tonic in Indian music).<ref name="brittabla" /> The tuning range is limited although different dāyāñs are produced in different sizes, each with a different range. Cylindrical wood blocks, termed Gatta, are inserted between the strap and the shell allowing tension to be adjusted by their vertical positioning. Fine tuning is achieved while striking vertically on the braided portion of the head using a small, heavy hammer. While tabla usually features two drums, a ] may consist of 10-16 dayas to perform melodies based on several ]. | |||
The ''baya tabla'' is a bit bigger and deep kettledrum shaped, about 20 centimetres (~8 in) in diameter and 25 centimetres (~10 in) in height. It played with the non-dominant hand, is called bāyāñ (literally "left") duggī or dhāmā (correctly called "dagga"), has a much deeper ] ], much like its distant cousin, the ]. The bāyāñs can be found to be made up of many different types of materials. Brass is the most common, copper is more expensive, but generally held to be the best, while aluminum and steel are often found in inexpensive models. Sometimes wood is used, especially in old bāyāñs from the Punjab. Clay is also used, although not favored for durability; these are generally found in the North-East region of Bengal. The ''baya'' construction and tuning is about a fifth to an octave below that of the ''daya'' drum. The musician uses their hand's heel pressure to change the ] and ] of each drum during a performance.<ref name="brittabla" /><ref name="SorrellNarayan1980p40" /> | |||
The name of the head areas are: | |||
* chat, chanti, kinar, kinar, | |||
* sur, maidan, lao, luv, medan | |||
* center: syahi, siaahi, gab | |||
The ] of each drum has a central area of "tuning paste" called the ] (lit. "ink"; a.k.a. ''shāī'' or ''gāb''). This is constructed using multiple layers of a paste made from starch (rice or wheat) mixed with a black powder of various origins. The precise construction and shaping of this area is responsible for modification of the drum's natural overtones, resulting in the clarity of pitch (see ]) and variety of tonal possibilities unique to this instrument which has a bell-like sound. The skill required for the proper construction of this area is highly refined and is the main differentiating factor in the quality of a particular instrument. | The ] of each drum has a central area of "tuning paste" called the ] (lit. "ink"; a.k.a. ''shāī'' or ''gāb''). ''Syahi'' is common in many drums of Indian origin. This method allows these drums to produce ] and is responsible for their unique sound.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Raman|first1=C. V.|last2=Kumar|first2=Sivakali|s2cid=4159476|date=1920|title=Musical Drums with Harmonic Overtones|journal=Nature|language=en|volume=104|issue=2620|pages=500|doi=10.1038/104500a0|bibcode=1920Natur.104..500R|issn=0028-0836|doi-access=free|url=https://zenodo.org/record/1429634}}</ref> ''Syahi'' is constructed using multiple layers of a paste made from starch (rice or wheat) mixed with a black powder of various origins. The precise construction and shaping of this area is responsible for modification of the drum's natural overtones, resulting in the clarity of pitch (see ]) and variety of tonal possibilities unique to this instrument which has a bell-like sound. The skill required for the proper construction of this area is highly refined and is the main differentiating factor in the quality of a particular instrument. The earliest discussion of these paste-patches are found in the Hindu text '']''.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Gottlieb, Robert S.|title=Solo tabla drumming of North India : its repertoire, styles, and performance practices|date=1993|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publishers|isbn=81-208-1095-3|edition=1st Indian|location=Delhi|oclc=30620399}}</ref> | ||
For stability while playing, each drum is positioned on a ]al bundle called ''chutta'' or ''guddi'', consisting of plant fiber or another malleable material wrapped in cloth. | For stability while playing, each drum is positioned on a ]al bundle called ''chutta'' or ''guddi'', consisting of plant fiber or another malleable material wrapped in cloth. They are commonly played while sitting cross-legged on the floor. | ||
==Musical notation== | ==Musical notation== | ||
{{ |
{{More citations needed section|date=March 2018}} | ||
] Notation. The ] are written in both Latin and Devanagari. The ] (beat measure) are specified using numerals. 'X' indicates Sum (first beat) and 'O' serves as an indicator for Khaali.]] | |||
Indian music is traditionally practice-oriented and until the 20th century did not employ written notations as the primary media of instruction, understanding, or transmission. The rules of Indian music and compositions themselves are taught from a guru to a shishya, in person. Thus oral notation, such as the tabla stroke names, is very developed and exact. However, written notation is regarded as a matter of taste and is not standardized. Thus there is no universal system of written notation for the rest of the world to study Indian music. | |||
Indian music is traditionally practice-oriented and until the 20th century did not employ written notations as the primary media of instruction, understanding, or transmission. The rules of Indian music and compositions themselves are taught from a guru to a shishya, in person. Thus oral notation for playing tabla strokes and compositions is very developed and exact. These are made up of ] syllables and are known as ]. | |||
Written notation is regarded as a matter of taste and is not standardized. Thus there is no universal system of written notation for the rest of the world to study Indian music. The two popular systems for writing notations were created by ] and ].<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|last=Naimpalli, Sadanand.|title=Theory and practice of tabla|date=2005|publisher=Popular Prakashan|isbn=81-7991-149-7|location=Mumbai|pages=71–73|oclc=61285249}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> These notations are named after their respective creators. Both these systems have bols written down in a script such as ] or ]. The differences arise in representation of various concepts of a compositions, such as ''Taali, Khaali, Sum'' (the first beat in a rhythmic cycle''),'' and ''Khand'' (divisions). Another difference is the use of numerals in the Vishnu Narayan Bhatkande system to represent '']'' and beat measures, whereas more sophisticated symbols are used in the Vishnu Digambar Paluskar system to denote one ''matra'', its fractions and combinations.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
Maula Bakhsh (born as Chole Khan in 1833) was an Indian musician, singer and poet. His grandfather was ], founder of Universal Sufism. He developed the "first system of notation for Indian music". He also founded the "first Academy of Music in India" in 1886, based in Baroda that encompassed both Eastern and Western musical cultural traditions.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o8Qs7TD4n4sC&pg=PA68&lpg=PA68&dq=indian+classical+notation+system&source=bl&ots=-KHKSwF4jg&sig=EbOof4YvukGosWMnpuCJbojxaxA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=sJ3RUZOkI6n20gXDkIHoCw&ved=0CHUQ6AEwCTgK#v=onepage&q&f=false |title=Two Men and Music : Nationalism in the Making of an Indian Classical ... – Janaki Bakhle Assistant Professor of History Columbia University – Google Books |publisher=Books.google.co.uk |date=2005-09-17 |accessdate=2013-07-01}}</ref> | |||
==Basic strokes== | ==Basic strokes== | ||
Tabla's repertoire and techniques borrow many elements from ] and ], which are played sideways using one's palms. The physical structure of these drums also share similar components: the smaller pakhavaj head for the dayan, the naqqara kettledrum for the bayan, and the flexible use of the bass of the ].<ref>Stewart R. Unpublished thesis, UCLA, 1974</ref> Tabla is played from the top and uses "finger tip and hand percussive" techniques allowing more complex movements.<ref name="britannica1">{{cite web|date=September 2015|title=tabla (musical instrument) –|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/579723/tabla}}</ref> The rich language of tabla is made up of permutations of some basic strokes. These basic strokes are divided into five major categories along with a few examples:<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |last=Beronja |first=Srdjan |title=The art of the Indian tabla|date=2008|publisher=Rupa & Co|isbn=978-81-291-1431-0|location=New Delhi|pages=127|oclc=318093440}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Courtney|first=Todd A. Dombrowski, David|title=Basic Technique of Tabla bols: Dhaa, Dhin, Ga, Ka, Naa, Na, Taa, Tak,TiRaKiTa, Tin, Tu, etc.|url=http://chandrakantha.com/tablasite/bsicbols.htm#Tu|website=chandrakantha.com}}</ref> | |||
] performing at ], ]]] | |||
# Bols played on the ''daya'' (right / treble drum) | |||
Some basic strokes with the dayan on the right side and the bayan on the left side are: | |||
#* ''Na:'' striking the edge of the syahi with the last two fingers of the right hand | |||
#* ''Ta'' or ''Ra:'' striking sharply with the index finger against the rim while simultaneously applying gentle pressure to the edge of the syahi with the ring finger to suppress the fundamental vibration mode | |||
#* ''Tin:'' placing the last two fingers of the right hand lightly against the ] and striking on the border between the syahi and the maidan (resonant) | |||
#* ''Te:'' striking the center of the syahi with the middle finger in Delhi gharana, or using middle, ring, and little fingers together in Varanasi style (non resonant) | |||
#* ''Ti:'' striking the center of the syahi with the index finger (non resonant) | |||
#* ''Tun'': striking the center of the syahi with the index finger to excite the fundamental vibration mode (resonant) | |||
#* ''TheRe:'' striking of syahi with palm | |||
# Bols played on ''baya'' (left / bass drum) | |||
#* ''Ghe:'' holding wrist down and arching the fingers over the syahi; the middle and ring-fingers then strike the maidan (resonant) | |||
#* ''Ga:'' striking the index finger | |||
#* ''Ka'', ''Ke'', or ''Kat:'' (on bayan) striking with the flat palm and fingers (non resonant) | |||
# Bols played on both the drums on unison | |||
#* ''Dha:'' combination of ''Na'' and (''Ga'' or ''Ghe'') | |||
#* ''Dhin:'' combination of ''Tin'' and (''Ga'' or ''Ghe'') | |||
# Bols played one after another in a successive manner | |||
#* ''Ti Re Ki Ta'' | |||
#* ''TaK'' = ''Ta'' + ''Ke'' | |||
# Bols played as ] | |||
#* ''Ghran'': ''Ge'' immediately followed by ''Na'' | |||
#* ''TriKe'': ''Ti'' immediately followed by ''Ke'' and ''Te'' | |||
==Tabla Talas== | |||
*Ta: (on dayan) striking sharply with the index finger against the rim while simultaneously applying gentle pressure to the edge of the syahi with the ring finger to suppress the fundamental vibration mode | |||
] defines the musical meter of a composition. It is characterized by groups of ] in a defined time cycle.<ref name=":2" /> Talas are composed of basic elements, ]. ''Matra'' defines the number of beats within a rhythm. Talas can be of 3 to 108 matras. They are played in repeated cycles. The starting beat of each cycle is known as ''Sum''. This beat is often represented by a special symbol such as 'X'. This is the most emphasized beat of the cycle. Other emphasized parts of the tala which are represented by ''Taali'' (clap), while ''Khali'' (empty) portions are played in a relaxed manner. They are represented by a 'O' in Vishnu Narayanan Bhatkhande notation. Tali is often marked by a numeral representing its beat measure. Separate sections or stanzas of a tala are called ''Vibhagas''. | |||
*Ghe or ga: (on bayan) holding wrist down and arching the fingers over the syahi; the middle and ring-fingers then strike the maidan (resonant) | |||
*gha (on bayan) striking the index finger | |||
*Thin: (on dayan) placing the last two fingers of the right hand lightly against the syahi and striking on the border between the syahi and the maidan (resonant) | |||
*Dha: combination of Na and (Ga or Gha) | |||
*Dhin: combination of Tin and (Ga or Gha) | |||
*Ka or kath: (on bayan) striking with the flat palm and fingers (non resonant) | |||
*Na: (on dayan) striking the edge of the syahi with the last two fingers of the right hand | |||
*Te: (on dayan) striking the center of the syahi with the middle finger (non resonant) | |||
*Tu | Tun:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chandrakantha.com/tablasite/bsicbols.htm#Tu|title=Basic Technique of Tabla bols: Dhaa, Dhin, Ga, Ka, Naa, Na, Taa, Tak,TiRaKiTa, Tin, Tu, etc.|first=Todd A. Dombrowski, David|last=Courtney|date=|website=chandrakantha.com}}</ref> (on dayan) striking the center of the syahi with the index finger to excite the fundamental vibration mode (resonant) | |||
*Dhere dhere (on dayan) striking of syahi with palm | |||
Three main types of ] or ''layas'' are used in playing Tabla talas: 1) Slow ''(vilambit)'' or half speed, 2) Medium ''(madhya)'' or reference speed, and 3) Fast ''(drut)'' or double speed. Keeping these three tempos as reference other variations of these tempos are also defined such as ''Aadi laya'' where bols are played at one and a half speed of medium tempo. Others such as ''Ati Ati drut laya'' stands for very very fast tempo.<ref name=":3" /> Modern tabla players often use beats per minute measures as well.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rhythm (taal) in Indian Classical Music - Raag Hindustani|url=https://raag-hindustani.com/Rhythm.html|access-date=17 August 2020|website=raag-hindustani.com}}</ref> | |||
===Tabla Taals=== | |||
] | |||
Some taals, for example Dhamaar, Ek, Jhoomra and Chau tals, lend themselves better to slow and medium tempos. Others flourish at faster speeds, pratham bhagati like Jhap or Rupak talas. Trital or Teental is one of the most popular, since it is as aesthetic at slower tempos as it is at faster speeds. | |||
There are many talas in Hindustani music. ] or Trital is one of the most popular tala played on Tabla. It has 16 beat measures or ''matras,'' and can be written down as 4 sections of 4 ''matras'' each. Teental can be played at both slow and fast speeds. Other talas such as Dhamaar, Ek, Jhoomra and Chau talas are better suited for slow and medium tempos. While some flourish at faster speeds, such as like Jhap or Rupak talas. Some of the popular Talas in Hindustani Classical music include: | |||
There are many taals in Hindustani music. Some of the more popular ones are: | |||
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" | {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" | ||
|+ | |+ | ||
Line 95: | Line 115: | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ] (or Trital or |
| ] (or Trital or Tintal) | ||
| 16 | | 16 | ||
| 4+4+4+4 | | 4+4+4+4 | ||
Line 121: | Line 141: | ||
| X 0 2 0 3 4 | | X 0 2 0 3 4 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] (or Japtal) | ||
| 10 | | 10 | ||
| 2+3+2+3 | | 2+3+2+3 | ||
Line 142: | Line 162: | ||
|} | |} | ||
===Rare Hindustani |
===Rare Hindustani talas=== | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 152: | Line 172: | ||
| Adachoutal | | Adachoutal | ||
| 14 | | 14 | ||
| 2+2+2+2+2+2+2 | | 2+2+2+2+2+2+2 | ||
| X 2 0 3 0 4 0 | | X 2 0 3 0 4 0 | ||
Line 175: | Line 196: | ||
| x 0 2 3 0 | | x 0 2 3 0 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| |
| Teevra | ||
| 7 | | 7 | ||
| 3+2+2 | | 3+2+2 | ||
Line 195: | Line 216: | ||
| x 2 0 3 | | x 2 0 3 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Gaj |
| Gaj Jhampa | ||
| 15 | | 15 | ||
| 5+5+5 | | 5+5+5 | ||
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|} | |} | ||
== Tabla Gharanas == | |||
Tabla ]s are responsible for the development of variety of new bols, characteristic playing techniques, composition styles and rhythmic structures. Gharanas acted as a means of preserving these styles between generations of tabla players. First recorded history of gharanas is in the early 18th century. Delhi gharana is considered to be the first and the oldest traditional tabla tradition. Its students were responsible for the spawn of other gharanas as well. Each of these gharanas include a handful of prominent players and maestros. They carry the honorific title ']' and ']' for Hindus and Muslim tabla players, respectively. Modernization and accessible means of travel have reduced the rigid boundaries between these gharanas in recent times.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" /> | |||
===The different Gharanas in Tabla=== | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
==Kayda== | |||
A '''Kayda''' or '''Kaida''' is a type of Tabla composition. There are major two types of tabla compositions, fixed (pre-composed) and improvised (composed and improvised at the time of the practicing or performing). A rhythmic seed (theme) is introduced, which is then used as a basis for elaboration through improvisation and/or composition. The word '''Kayda''' is an Arabic or Hindi word which means 'rule' or 'a system of rules'.<ref>{{Cite web|title=कायदा - Meaning in English - Shabdkosh|url=https://www.shabdkosh.com/dictionary/english-hindi/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BE-meaning-in-hindi|access-date=9 December 2020|website=Shabdkosh.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://carnatic-circle.com/tabla-lessonsnotes/kaidapaltas/|title=Kaida/Paltas -|website=Carnatic-circle.com|access-date=19 April 2021}}</ref> The rules for playing a kayda are complex, but in short, one must only use the bols that are in the original theme. This original theme is known as a Mukh. The kayda form originated in the ] of tabla playing and serves three fundamental and very important roles for tabla players.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tabla|url=https://www.melbournetablaschool.com/tabla.html|access-date=9 December 2020|website=Melbourne Tabla School|language=en}}</ref> The Dayan (Right side tabla - also known as '''Dagga''') and Bayan (Left side tabla - just known as '''Tabla''') of the Tabla are used in synchronization to form a Kayda. Kaydas can be played in any Tala. But in most of the concerts Teental and their Kaydas are played very often. Note that in ]s like ] and ] or in {{transliteration|hi|italic=no|thekas}} like ]i, {{transliteration|hi|italic=no|laggis}} are played, {{transliteration|hi|italic=no|kaydas}} are not played. The reason for this is that these {{transliteration|hi|italic=no|talas/thekas}} mentioned in the previous line are specifically played for Semi-Classical and light music (], ], ], etc.) and not for Hindustani classical music. Different Gharanas have their own Kaydas. | |||
Basic structure of a kayda - | |||
#Mukh - Basic bol which is called as '''Mukh''' that means face of the particular Kayda.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.enghindi.com/english-word-for-mukh.html|title=English Word for mukh - मुख का अंग्रेजी में अर्थ - EngHindi.com|website=Enghindi.com|access-date=19 April 2021}}</ref> The kayda's bols are structured out of the Mukh. | |||
#Dohara - '''Dohara''' is the repetition of the Mukh 3 times. Dohara means to repeat. In Hindi it is called Doharana that means to repeat.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hindi2dictionary.com/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE-meaning-english.html|title=(Doharana) दोहराना meaning in English | Matlab | Definition|website=Hindi2dictionary.com|access-date=19 April 2021}}</ref> | |||
#Adha Dohara - '''Adha Dohara''' is the repetition of the first bol of the Mukh. | |||
#Vishram - '''Vishram''' means taking rest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://shabdkosh.raftaar.in/Meaning-of-%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE-in-English|title=Meaning of विश्राम in English | विश्राम का अर्थ (विश्राम ka Angrezi Matlab)|website=Shabdkosh.raftaar.in|access-date=19 April 2021}}</ref> As the name suggests, a minute of pause is taken from the bol. | |||
#Adha Vishram - '''Adha Vishram''' is the repetition of taking a pause i.e. repetition of the bol that was repeated in Vishram. | |||
#Palta - '''Palta''' is a variation of various bols but these bols are stuck or are only from the bols which are there in the Mukh. This Palta is a section of the whole Kayda.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://forum.chandrakantha.com/post/creating-paltas-for-kaidas-8674634|title=Creating Paltas for Kaidas|website=Forum.chandrakantha.com|access-date=19 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://52kaidas.blogspot.com/2010/02/uthan-palta-theka.html|title=52 Kaidas: Uthan, Palta Theka|website=52kaidas.blogspot.com|date=22 February 2010|access-date=19 April 2021}}</ref> Now what it means that Palta is a section. It means that like Mukh, Dohara, Adha Dohara, Vishram, Adha Vishram, these 4 names are not or cannot be repeated. So there is no duplications of all the 4 names taken. So all of the 4 names taken above, there are played only once. But a Palta, as said it is a section. joining various bols many such Palte (plural form of Palta) can be created. | |||
#Tihai - The musical phrase sung or played thrice to arrive at the Sam/Sum is called a '''Tithai'''. It is the last part of a Kayda. The Mukh's last part is played thrice i.e. 3 times and then the particular Kayda is ended.<ref name="Ranade2006">{{cite book|author=Ashok Damodar Ranade|title=Music Contexts: A Concise Dictionary of Hindustani Music|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cFwbGi3oBHgC&pg=PA167|access-date=16 October 2012|date=1 January 2006|publisher=Bibliophile South Asia|isbn=978-81-85002-63-7|pages=167–}}</ref> | |||
Just like Kaydas, there are Relas and Ravs (or Raus). | |||
==Carnatic Variations of Tabla== | |||
Carnatic Music is one of the two main forms of music in India, and is considered very classical. It is usually performed in relation to god, or to honor one of the gods from the Hindu Mythology. While the percussion for accompaniment of Carnatic music is most often the ], the Tabla is also used in some cases, due to its musical tone and versatility. Carnatic Tabla is very similar to Hindustani, and the only changes are the names of beat-cycles and individual notes. | |||
== Famous players == | |||
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* ] MBE | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
{{Portal|India|Music}} | |||
{{portal|Indian classical music}} | |||
*] | * ] | ||
*] | * ] | ||
* ] – Arabian drum also known in Egypt as "tabla", "Egyptian tabla", or "Alexandrian tabla". | |||
*] | |||
* ] | |||
*] – Arabian drum also known in Egypt as "tabla", "Egyptian tabla", or "Alexandrian tabla". | |||
*] | * ] | ||
*] | * ] | ||
*] | * ] | ||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
{{ |
{{Reflist|group=nb}} | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
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* ''The Major Traditions of North Indian Tabla Drumming: A Survey Presentation Based on Performances by India's Leading Artists'', by Robert S. Gottlieb. Pub. Musikverlag E. Katzbichler, 1977. {{ISBN|978-3-87397-300-8}}. | * ''The Major Traditions of North Indian Tabla Drumming: A Survey Presentation Based on Performances by India's Leading Artists'', by Robert S. Gottlieb. Pub. Musikverlag E. Katzbichler, 1977. {{ISBN|978-3-87397-300-8}}. | ||
* ''The tabla of Lucknow: a cultural analysis of a musical tradition'', by James Kippen. ], 1988. {{ISBN|0-521-33528-0}}. | * ''The tabla of Lucknow: a cultural analysis of a musical tradition'', by James Kippen. ], 1988. {{ISBN|0-521-33528-0}}. | ||
* '''', by Robert S. Gottlieb, ] Publ., 1993. {{ISBN|81-208-1093-7}}. | * '''', by Robert S. Gottlieb, ] Publ., 1993. {{ISBN|81-208-1093-7}}. | ||
* ''Fundamentals of Tabla'' |
* ''Fundamentals of Tabla'' (Volume 1), by ]. Pub. Sur Sangeet Services, 1995. {{ISBN|0-9634447-6-X}}. | ||
* ''Advanced Theory of Tabla'' |
* ''Advanced Theory of Tabla'' (Volume 2), by ]. Pub. Sur Sangeet Services, 2000. {{ISBN|0-9634447-9-4}}. | ||
* ''Manufacture and Repair of Tabla'' |
* ''Manufacture and Repair of Tabla'' (Volume 3), by ]. Pub. Sur Sangeet Services, 2001. {{ISBN|1-893644-02-2}}. | ||
* ''Focus on the Kaidas of Tabla'' |
* ''Focus on the Kaidas of Tabla'' (Volume 4), by ]. Pub. Sur Sangeet Services, 2002. {{ISBN|1-893644-03-0}}. | ||
* '''', by Sadanand Naimpalli. Popular Prakashan, 2005. {{ISBN|81-7991-149-7}}. | * '''', by Sadanand Naimpalli. Popular Prakashan, 2005. {{ISBN|81-7991-149-7}}. | ||
* ''Tabla: A Quest: A Theoretical & Practical Guide'' (Volume 1) by ] and Debasish Talukdar. Anshiak Publication, 2022. {{ISBN|978-93-5967-999-0}}. | |||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
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{{Commons category|Tabla}} | ||
* , Chapter XXXII of the Nāṭyaśāstra | * , Chapter XXXII of the '']'' | ||
* at the | |||
{{Indian musical instruments}} | {{Indian musical instruments}} | ||
{{Percussion}} | |||
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{{Musical instruments of Nepal}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 22:43, 27 December 2024
Indian pair of hand drumsNot to be confused with Tablah. For other uses, see Tabla (disambiguation).
Percussion instrument | |
---|---|
Classification | Membranophone percussion instrument |
Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 211.12 (Sets of instruments in which the body of the drum is dish- or bowl-shaped) |
Developed | 18th century, North India (modern tabla) |
Playing range | |
One octave (variable) | |
Related instruments | |
Pakhavaj, mridangam, khol, dholak, nagara, madal, tbilat, jori, bongos |
A tabla is a pair of hand drums from the Indian subcontinent. Since the 18th century, it has been the principal percussion instrument in Hindustani classical music, where it may be played solo, as an accompaniment with other instruments and vocals, or as a part of larger ensembles. It is frequently played in popular and folk music performances in India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The tabla is an essential instrument in the bhakti devotional traditions of Hinduism and Sikhism, such as during bhajan and kirtan singing. It is one of the main qawwali instruments used by Sufi musicians. The instrument is also featured in dance performances such as Kathak. Tabla is a rhythmic instrument.
The word tabla likely comes from tabl, the Arabic word for drum. The ultimate origin of the musical instrument is contested by scholars, though earliest evidence trace its evolution from indigenous musical instruments of the Indian subcontinent; drums like structure is mentioned in Vedic-era texts.
The tabla consists of two small drums of slightly different sizes and shapes. Each drum is made of hollowed-out wood, clay or metal. The smaller drum (dayan/tabla) is used for creating treble and tonal sounds, while the primary function of the larger drum (baya/dagga) is for producing bass. They are laced with hoops, thongs and wooden dowels on its sides. The dowels and hoops are used to tighten the tension of the membranes for tuning the drums.
The playing technique is complex and involves extensive use of the fingers and palms in various configurations to create a wide variety of different sounds and rhythms, reflected in mnemonic syllables (bol).
Origins
Traditions
According to the legends, it was derieved from the ancient barrel drum known as "Mridana" where the deity Krishna is said to have cut it in half to create the Tabla. The history of the tabla is unclear, and there are multiple theories regarding its origins. There are two groups of theories; the first theorizes the instrument had indigenous origins while the other traces its origins to the Muslim and Mughal invaders of the Indian subcontinent. While the carvings in Bhaja Caves support the theory that the instrument had indigenous origins, clear pictorial evidence of the drum emerges only from about 1745, and the drum continued to develop in shape until the early 1800s.
Indian origins
The origin of tabla is traced back to indigenous ancient civilization. The stone sculpture carvings in Bhaja Caves depict a woman playing a pair of drums, which some have claimed as evidence for the ancient origin of the tabla in India. A different version of this theory states that the tabla acquired a new Arabic name during the Islamic rule, having evolved from ancient Indian puśkara drums. The evidence of the hand-held puśkara is founded in many temple carvings, such as at the 6th and 7th century Muktesvara and Bhuvaneswara temples in India. These arts show drummers who are sitting, with two or three separate small drums, with their palm and fingers in a position as if they are playing those drums. However, it is not apparent in any of these ancient carvings that those drums were made of the same material and skin, or played the same music, as the modern tabla.
The textual evidence for similar material and methods of construction as tabla comes from Sanskrit texts. The earliest discussion of tabla-like musical instrument building methods are found in the Hindu text Natyashastra. This text also includes descriptions of paste-patches (syahi) such as those found on a tabla. The Natyashastra also discusses how to play these drums. The South Indian text Silappatikaram, likely composed in the early centuries of 1st millennium CE, describes thirty types of drums along with many stringed and other instruments. These are, however, called pushkara; the name tabla appears in later periods.
Muslim and Mughal origins
This theory is based on the etymological links of the word tabla to Arabic word tabl which means "drum". Beyond the root of the word, this proposal points to the documentary evidence that the Muslim armies had hundreds of soldiers on camels and horses carrying paired drums as they invaded the Indian subcontinent. They would beat these drums to scare the residents, the non-Muslim armies, their elephants and chariots, that they intended to attack. However, the war drums did not look or sound anything like tabla, they were large paired drums and were called naqqara (noise, chaos makers).
Another version states that Amir Khusraw, a musician patronized by Sultan Alauddin Khalji invented the tabla when he cut an Awaj drum, which used to be hourglass shaped, into two parts. However, no painting or sculpture or document dated to his period supports it with this evidence nor it was found in the list of musical instruments that were written down by Muslim historians. For example, Abul Fazi included a long list of musical instruments in his Ain-i-akbari written in the time of the 16th century Mughal Emperor Akbar, the generous patron of music. Abul Fazi's list makes no mention of tabla.
The third version credits the invention of tabla to the 18th century musician, with a similar sounding name Amir Khusru, where he is suggested to have cut a Pakhawaj into two to create tabla. Miniature paintings of this era show instruments that sort of look like tabla. This theory implies that tabla emerged from within the Muslim community of Indian subcontinent and were not an Arabian import. However, scholars such as Neil Sorrell and Ram Narayan state that this legend of cutting a pakhawaj drum into two to make tabla drums "cannot be given any credence".
History
Drums and Talas are mentioned in the Vedic era texts. A percussion musical instrument with two or three small drums, held with strings, called Pushkara (also spelled Pushkala) were in existence in pre-5th century Indian subcontinent along with other drums such as the Mridang, but these are not called tabla then. The pre-5th century paintings in the Ajanta Caves, for example, show a group of musicians playing small tabla-like upright seated drums, a kettle-shaped mridang drum and cymbals. Similar artwork with seated musicians playing drums, but carved in stone, are found in the Ellora Caves, and others.
A type of small Indian drums, along with many other musical instruments, are also mentioned in Tibetan and Chinese memoirs written by Buddhist monks who visited the Indian subcontinent in the 1st millennium CE. The pushkala are called rdzogs pa (pronounced dzokpa) in Tibetan literature. The pushkara drums are also mentioned in many ancient Jainism and Buddhism texts, such as Samavayasutra, Lalitavistara and Sutralamkara.
Various Hindu and Jain temples, such as the Eklingji in Udaipur, Rajasthan show stone carvings of a person playing tabla-like small pair of drums. Small drums were popular during the Yadava rule (1210 to 1247) in the south, at the time when Sangita Ratnakara was written by Sarangadeva. Madhava Kandali, 14th century Assamese poet and writer of Saptakanda Ramayana, lists several instruments in his version of "Ramayana", such as tabal, jhajhar, dotara, vina, bīn, vipanchi, etc. (meaning that these instruments existed since his time in 14th century or earlier).There is recent iconography of the drum like structure dating back to 1799. There are Hindu temple carvings of double hand drums resembling the tabla that date back to 500 BCE. The tabla was spread widely across ancient India. A Hoysaleshwara temple in Karnataka shows a carving of a woman playing a tabla in a dance performance.
According to classifications of musical instruments defined in the Natyashastra, Tabla is classified in the Avanadha Vadya category of rhythm instruments which are made by capping an empty vessel with a stretched skin.
Construction and features
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The tabla consists of two single-headed, barrel-shaped small drums of slightly different sizes and shapes: baya and daya for left and right drums, respectively.
The smaller drum, played with the dominant hand, is called dayan (literally "right" side), dāhina, siddha or chattū, but is correctly called the "tabla." It is made from a conical piece of mostly teak and rosewood hollowed out to approximately half of its total depth. The daya tabla is played by the musician's right hand (dominant hand), and is about 15 centimetres (~6 in) in diameter and 25 centimetres (~10 in) high. The drum is tuned to a specific note, usually either the tonic, dominant or subdominant of the soloist's key and thus complements the melody. This is the ground note of the raga called Sa (the tonic in Indian music). The tuning range is limited although different dāyāñs are produced in different sizes, each with a different range. Cylindrical wood blocks, termed Gatta, are inserted between the strap and the shell allowing tension to be adjusted by their vertical positioning. Fine tuning is achieved while striking vertically on the braided portion of the head using a small, heavy hammer. While tabla usually features two drums, a tabla tarang may consist of 10-16 dayas to perform melodies based on several ragas.
The baya tabla is a bit bigger and deep kettledrum shaped, about 20 centimetres (~8 in) in diameter and 25 centimetres (~10 in) in height. It played with the non-dominant hand, is called bāyāñ (literally "left") duggī or dhāmā (correctly called "dagga"), has a much deeper bass tone, much like its distant cousin, the kettle drum. The bāyāñs can be found to be made up of many different types of materials. Brass is the most common, copper is more expensive, but generally held to be the best, while aluminum and steel are often found in inexpensive models. Sometimes wood is used, especially in old bāyāñs from the Punjab. Clay is also used, although not favored for durability; these are generally found in the North-East region of Bengal. The baya construction and tuning is about a fifth to an octave below that of the daya drum. The musician uses their hand's heel pressure to change the pitch and tone colour of each drum during a performance.
The head of each drum has a central area of "tuning paste" called the syahi (lit. "ink"; a.k.a. shāī or gāb). Syahi is common in many drums of Indian origin. This method allows these drums to produce harmonic overtones and is responsible for their unique sound. Syahi is constructed using multiple layers of a paste made from starch (rice or wheat) mixed with a black powder of various origins. The precise construction and shaping of this area is responsible for modification of the drum's natural overtones, resulting in the clarity of pitch (see inharmonicity) and variety of tonal possibilities unique to this instrument which has a bell-like sound. The skill required for the proper construction of this area is highly refined and is the main differentiating factor in the quality of a particular instrument. The earliest discussion of these paste-patches are found in the Hindu text Natyashastra.
For stability while playing, each drum is positioned on a toroidal bundle called chutta or guddi, consisting of plant fiber or another malleable material wrapped in cloth. They are commonly played while sitting cross-legged on the floor.
Musical notation
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Indian music is traditionally practice-oriented and until the 20th century did not employ written notations as the primary media of instruction, understanding, or transmission. The rules of Indian music and compositions themselves are taught from a guru to a shishya, in person. Thus oral notation for playing tabla strokes and compositions is very developed and exact. These are made up of onomatopoetic syllables and are known as bols.
Written notation is regarded as a matter of taste and is not standardized. Thus there is no universal system of written notation for the rest of the world to study Indian music. The two popular systems for writing notations were created by Vishnu Digambar Paluskar and Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande. These notations are named after their respective creators. Both these systems have bols written down in a script such as Latin or Devanagari. The differences arise in representation of various concepts of a compositions, such as Taali, Khaali, Sum (the first beat in a rhythmic cycle), and Khand (divisions). Another difference is the use of numerals in the Vishnu Narayan Bhatkande system to represent matras and beat measures, whereas more sophisticated symbols are used in the Vishnu Digambar Paluskar system to denote one matra, its fractions and combinations.
Basic strokes
Tabla's repertoire and techniques borrow many elements from Pakhavaj and Mridangam, which are played sideways using one's palms. The physical structure of these drums also share similar components: the smaller pakhavaj head for the dayan, the naqqara kettledrum for the bayan, and the flexible use of the bass of the dholak. Tabla is played from the top and uses "finger tip and hand percussive" techniques allowing more complex movements. The rich language of tabla is made up of permutations of some basic strokes. These basic strokes are divided into five major categories along with a few examples:
- Bols played on the daya (right / treble drum)
- Na: striking the edge of the syahi with the last two fingers of the right hand
- Ta or Ra: striking sharply with the index finger against the rim while simultaneously applying gentle pressure to the edge of the syahi with the ring finger to suppress the fundamental vibration mode
- Tin: placing the last two fingers of the right hand lightly against the syahi and striking on the border between the syahi and the maidan (resonant)
- Te: striking the center of the syahi with the middle finger in Delhi gharana, or using middle, ring, and little fingers together in Varanasi style (non resonant)
- Ti: striking the center of the syahi with the index finger (non resonant)
- Tun: striking the center of the syahi with the index finger to excite the fundamental vibration mode (resonant)
- TheRe: striking of syahi with palm
- Bols played on baya (left / bass drum)
- Ghe: holding wrist down and arching the fingers over the syahi; the middle and ring-fingers then strike the maidan (resonant)
- Ga: striking the index finger
- Ka, Ke, or Kat: (on bayan) striking with the flat palm and fingers (non resonant)
- Bols played on both the drums on unison
- Dha: combination of Na and (Ga or Ghe)
- Dhin: combination of Tin and (Ga or Ghe)
- Bols played one after another in a successive manner
- Ti Re Ki Ta
- TaK = Ta + Ke
- Bols played as flam
- Ghran: Ge immediately followed by Na
- TriKe: Ti immediately followed by Ke and Te
Tabla Talas
Tala defines the musical meter of a composition. It is characterized by groups of matras in a defined time cycle. Talas are composed of basic elements, bols. Matra defines the number of beats within a rhythm. Talas can be of 3 to 108 matras. They are played in repeated cycles. The starting beat of each cycle is known as Sum. This beat is often represented by a special symbol such as 'X'. This is the most emphasized beat of the cycle. Other emphasized parts of the tala which are represented by Taali (clap), while Khali (empty) portions are played in a relaxed manner. They are represented by a 'O' in Vishnu Narayanan Bhatkhande notation. Tali is often marked by a numeral representing its beat measure. Separate sections or stanzas of a tala are called Vibhagas.
Three main types of tempos or layas are used in playing Tabla talas: 1) Slow (vilambit) or half speed, 2) Medium (madhya) or reference speed, and 3) Fast (drut) or double speed. Keeping these three tempos as reference other variations of these tempos are also defined such as Aadi laya where bols are played at one and a half speed of medium tempo. Others such as Ati Ati drut laya stands for very very fast tempo. Modern tabla players often use beats per minute measures as well.
There are many talas in Hindustani music. Teental or Trital is one of the most popular tala played on Tabla. It has 16 beat measures or matras, and can be written down as 4 sections of 4 matras each. Teental can be played at both slow and fast speeds. Other talas such as Dhamaar, Ek, Jhoomra and Chau talas are better suited for slow and medium tempos. While some flourish at faster speeds, such as like Jhap or Rupak talas. Some of the popular Talas in Hindustani Classical music include:
Name | Beats | Division | Vibhag |
---|---|---|---|
Teental (or Trital or Tintal) | 16 | 4+4+4+4 | X 2 0 3 |
Jhoomra | 14 | 3+4+3+4 | X 2 0 3 |
Tilwada | 16 | 4+4+4+4 | x 2 0 3 |
Dhamar | 14 | 5+2+3+4 | X 2 0 3 |
Ektal and Chautal | 12 | 2+2+2+2+2+2 | X 0 2 0 3 4 |
Jhaptal (or Japtal) | 10 | 2+3+2+3 | X 2 0 3 |
Keherwa | 8 | 4+4 | X 0 |
Rupak (Mughlai/Roopak) | 7 | 3+2+2 | 0 X 2 |
Dadra | 6 | 3+3 | X 0 |
Rare Hindustani talas
Name | Beats | Division | Vibhaga |
---|---|---|---|
Adachoutal | 14 | 2+2+2+2+2+2+2 | X 2 0 3 0 4 0 |
Brahmtal | 28 | 2+2+2+2+2+2+2+2+2+2+2+2+2+2 | X 0 2 3 0 4 5 6 0 7 8 9 10 0 |
Dipchandi | 14 | 3+4+3+4 | X 2 0 3 |
Shikar | 17 | 6+6+2+3 | X 0 3 4 |
Sultal | 10 | 2+2+2+2+2 | x 0 2 3 0 |
Teevra | 7 | 3+2+2 | x 2 3 |
Ussole e Fakhta | 5 | 1+1+1+1+1 | x 3 |
Farodast | 14 | 3+4+3+4 | X 2 0 3 |
Pancham Savari | 15 | 3+4+4+4 | x 2 0 3 |
Gaj Jhampa | 15 | 5+5+5 | x 2 0 3 |
Tabla Gharanas
Tabla gharanas are responsible for the development of variety of new bols, characteristic playing techniques, composition styles and rhythmic structures. Gharanas acted as a means of preserving these styles between generations of tabla players. First recorded history of gharanas is in the early 18th century. Delhi gharana is considered to be the first and the oldest traditional tabla tradition. Its students were responsible for the spawn of other gharanas as well. Each of these gharanas include a handful of prominent players and maestros. They carry the honorific title 'Pandit' and 'Ustad' for Hindus and Muslim tabla players, respectively. Modernization and accessible means of travel have reduced the rigid boundaries between these gharanas in recent times.
The different Gharanas in Tabla
Kayda
A Kayda or Kaida is a type of Tabla composition. There are major two types of tabla compositions, fixed (pre-composed) and improvised (composed and improvised at the time of the practicing or performing). A rhythmic seed (theme) is introduced, which is then used as a basis for elaboration through improvisation and/or composition. The word Kayda is an Arabic or Hindi word which means 'rule' or 'a system of rules'. The rules for playing a kayda are complex, but in short, one must only use the bols that are in the original theme. This original theme is known as a Mukh. The kayda form originated in the Delhi Gharana of tabla playing and serves three fundamental and very important roles for tabla players. The Dayan (Right side tabla - also known as Dagga) and Bayan (Left side tabla - just known as Tabla) of the Tabla are used in synchronization to form a Kayda. Kaydas can be played in any Tala. But in most of the concerts Teental and their Kaydas are played very often. Note that in talas like Dadra and Keherwa or in thekas like Bhajani, laggis are played, kaydas are not played. The reason for this is that these talas/thekas mentioned in the previous line are specifically played for Semi-Classical and light music (Bhajans, Kirtans, Thumris, etc.) and not for Hindustani classical music. Different Gharanas have their own Kaydas.
Basic structure of a kayda -
- Mukh - Basic bol which is called as Mukh that means face of the particular Kayda. The kayda's bols are structured out of the Mukh.
- Dohara - Dohara is the repetition of the Mukh 3 times. Dohara means to repeat. In Hindi it is called Doharana that means to repeat.
- Adha Dohara - Adha Dohara is the repetition of the first bol of the Mukh.
- Vishram - Vishram means taking rest. As the name suggests, a minute of pause is taken from the bol.
- Adha Vishram - Adha Vishram is the repetition of taking a pause i.e. repetition of the bol that was repeated in Vishram.
- Palta - Palta is a variation of various bols but these bols are stuck or are only from the bols which are there in the Mukh. This Palta is a section of the whole Kayda. Now what it means that Palta is a section. It means that like Mukh, Dohara, Adha Dohara, Vishram, Adha Vishram, these 4 names are not or cannot be repeated. So there is no duplications of all the 4 names taken. So all of the 4 names taken above, there are played only once. But a Palta, as said it is a section. joining various bols many such Palte (plural form of Palta) can be created.
- Tihai - The musical phrase sung or played thrice to arrive at the Sam/Sum is called a Tithai. It is the last part of a Kayda. The Mukh's last part is played thrice i.e. 3 times and then the particular Kayda is ended.
Just like Kaydas, there are Relas and Ravs (or Raus).
Carnatic Variations of Tabla
Carnatic Music is one of the two main forms of music in India, and is considered very classical. It is usually performed in relation to god, or to honor one of the gods from the Hindu Mythology. While the percussion for accompaniment of Carnatic music is most often the Mridangam, the Tabla is also used in some cases, due to its musical tone and versatility. Carnatic Tabla is very similar to Hindustani, and the only changes are the names of beat-cycles and individual notes.
Famous players
- Ustad Ahmed Jan Thirakwa
- Ustad Alla Rakha
- Ustad Zakir Hussain
- Pandit Yogesh Shamsi
- Pandit Suresh Talwalkar
- Pandit Anindo Chatterjee
- Pandit Kumar Bose
- Pandit Ramdas Palsule
- Pandit Nayan Ghosh
- Pandit Shubhankar Banerjee
- Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri
- Kuljit Bhamra MBE
See also
- Damaru
- Dangdut
- Doumbek – Arabian drum also known in Egypt as "tabla", "Egyptian tabla", or "Alexandrian tabla".
- Drum
- Madal
- Mridanga
- Mridangam
- Pakhavaj
- Tbilat
Notes
- In other languages: Assamese: তবলা, Bengali: তবলা, Dari: طبلا, Gujarati: તબલા, Hindi: तबला, Kannada: ತಬಲಾ, Malayalam: തബല, Marathi: तबला, Nepali: तबला, Odia: ତବଲା, Pashto: طبله, Punjabi: ਤਬਲਾ, Sinhala: තබ්ලාව, Tamil: தபலா, Telugu: తబలా, Urdu: طبلہ
References
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- Derek B. Scott (2009). The Ashgate Research Companion to Popular Musicology. Ashgate Publishing. p. 289. ISBN 978-0-7546-6476-5.
- Kamal Salhi (2013). Music, Culture and Identity in the Muslim World: Performance, Politics and Piety. Routledge. pp. 183–184. ISBN 978-1-317-96310-3.
- Nettl, Bruno; Stone, Ruth M.; Porter, James; Rice, Timothy (eds.). The Garland encyclopedia of world music. New York. ISBN 0-8240-6035-0. OCLC 36407898.
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- ^ Robert S. Gottlieb (1993). Solo Tabla Drumming of North India. Motilal Banarsidass. pp. 1–3. ISBN 978-81-208-1093-8.
- ^ William Alves (2013). Music of the Peoples of the World. Cengage Learning. p. 252. ISBN 978-1-133-30794-5.
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- S Prajnanananda (1981). A historical study of Indian music. Munshiram Manoharlal. p. 82. ISBN 9788121501774.
- Meshram, Pradipkumar S. (1981). "The tabla in the Bhaja cave sculptures: A note". Indica. 18: 57.
- Mark Hijleh, 2019, Towards a Global Music History: Intercultural Convergence, Fusion, and transformation in the human musical history, Routledge
- ^ Robert S. Gottlieb (1993). Solo Tabla Drumming of North India. Motilal Banarsidass. pp. 2–3. ISBN 978-81-208-1093-8.
- Pashaura Singh (2000). The Guru Granth Sahib: Canon, Meaning and Authority. Oxford University Press. pp. 135–136. ISBN 978-0-19-564894-2.
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- Peter Lavezzoli (2006). The Dawn of Indian Music in the West. Bloomsbury Academic. pp. 37–39. ISBN 978-0-8264-1815-9.
- Meshram, Pradipkumar S. (1981). "The tabla in the Bhaja cave sculptures: A note". Indica. 18: 57–59.
- ^ The theory and practice of Tabla, Sadanand Naimpalli, Popular Prakashan
- Rowell, Lewis (2015). Music and Musical Thought in Early India. University of Chicago Press. pp. 66–68. ISBN 978-0-226-73034-9.
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Further reading
- The Major Traditions of North Indian Tabla Drumming: A Survey Presentation Based on Performances by India's Leading Artists, by Robert S. Gottlieb. Pub. Musikverlag E. Katzbichler, 1977. ISBN 978-3-87397-300-8.
- The tabla of Lucknow: a cultural analysis of a musical tradition, by James Kippen. Cambridge University Press, 1988. ISBN 0-521-33528-0.
- Solo Tabla Drumming of North India: Text & commentary, by Robert S. Gottlieb, Motilal Banarsidass Publ., 1993. ISBN 81-208-1093-7.
- Fundamentals of Tabla (Volume 1), by David R. Courtney. Pub. Sur Sangeet Services, 1995. ISBN 0-9634447-6-X.
- Advanced Theory of Tabla (Volume 2), by David R. Courtney. Pub. Sur Sangeet Services, 2000. ISBN 0-9634447-9-4.
- Manufacture and Repair of Tabla (Volume 3), by David R. Courtney. Pub. Sur Sangeet Services, 2001. ISBN 1-893644-02-2.
- Focus on the Kaidas of Tabla (Volume 4), by David R. Courtney. Pub. Sur Sangeet Services, 2002. ISBN 1-893644-03-0.
- Theory and practice of tabla, by Sadanand Naimpalli. Popular Prakashan, 2005. ISBN 81-7991-149-7.
- Tabla: A Quest: A Theoretical & Practical Guide (Volume 1) by Ustad Julfikar Hussain and Debasish Talukdar. Anshiak Publication, 2022. ISBN 978-93-5967-999-0.
External links
- On Covered Instruments (puṣkara, 'drums'), Chapter XXXII of the Nāṭyaśāstra
- Lowell H. Lybarger Collection of Pakistani Music Materials at the Isham Memorial Library, Harvard University
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