INTRODUCTION
Tabla: A Musical Instrument of Distinctive Characteristics
Tabla, a percussion instrument from India, holds a prominent position in the world of music. Its unique sound, characterized by a harmonious blend of sweet tones, sets it apart from other drums. Tabla possesses a language of its own, incorporating intricate mathematical calculations that form the basis of hundreds of compositions.
Besides its solo capabilities, Tabla seamlessly complements various musical genres, including Indian Classical Music, Indian Classical Dance forms, Film Music, Folk, World Music, Jazz and Blues. The versatility and musicality of Tabla are attributed to the contributions of numerous legendary and esteemed maestros who have passed down this art form through generations. These maestros have established various schools of music, collectively known as Gharanas, that preserve and enhance the Tabla’s rich cultural heritage.
Tabla’s origins in India can be traced back to the 2nd to 5th centuries BC. The Tabla consists of two drums: the Dayan, which is smaller and higher-pitched, and the Bayan, which is larger and lower-pitched. The Dayan is tuned to the SA (tonic) of the main melodic instrument. It is typically carved from a single piece of wood. The bayan’s pitch is controlled by the pressure of the heel of the hand, and it is usually made of a mixture of metals, including nickel, copper, and bronze.
Anatomy of Tabla
The fundamental components of the tabla exhibit similarities between the two drums. The heads (pudi) of the drums are crafted from a thin layer of goat’s skin. The black dot (shyahi) situated at the centre of the dayan and slightly off-centre on the bayan is, in fact, a paste composed of rice flower, iron fillings, and resin. This mixture is meticulously blended in specific proportions and applied in layers to the skin, eventually hardening to create a resonant weight that facilitates the precise adjustment of the drum’s pitch.
The sur, the area of the head that vibrates and generates the tonal qualities of the Tabla, is not only composed of the shyahi but also of the inner ring of exposed leather. This region is referred to as the maidan. An outer ring of goat skin (kinar) is woven onto the primary skin. A woven ring (Gajra) holds the layers together and serves as the tension ring for the head. The straps or braces (Baddhi), which secure the head to the drum’s shell, are held in place at the bottom of the shell by another tension ring composed of multiple hoops.
Eight wooden pegs or blocks (gatta) are strategically positioned beneath the straps to provide variable tension, thereby establishing the gross tuning mechanism for the drum. The rings on which the Tabla rests create a stable foundation and enable the instrument to be tilted at angles that optimally suit the techniques employed by the players. A hammer is utilized to manipulate the pegs up and down for the gross tuning, while it also serves as a tool for tapping the Gajra ring, facilitating the precise adjustment of the pitch. When a master craftsman assembles the Tabla, and the pudi/shyahi achieves the optimal balance, the instrument emits a captivating melody characterized by sweetness and profound warmth.