3. Tabla is a pair of twin hand drums from the
Indian subcontinent. ... Each drum is made of
hollowed out wood, clay or metal. The smaller
drum (daya) is used for creating treble and tonal
sounds, while the primary function of the larger
drum (bayan) is for producing bass.
WHAT
IS TABLA?
5. HISTORY OF TABLA MAKING:-
A tabla is a pair of twin hand drums from the Indian subcontinent. Since the
18th century, tabla has been the principal percussion instrument
in Hindustani classical music, where it may be played solo, as
accompaniment with other instrument and vocals, and as a part of larger
ensembles. Tabla is also frequently played in popular and folk music
performances in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan and Sri
Lanka. The tabla is also an important instrument in the bhakti devotional
traditions of Hinduism and Sikhism, such as during bhajan and kirtan singing.
It is one of the main qawali instrument used by Sufi musicians. Tabla also
features in dance performances such as Kathak.
The name tabla likely comes from tabl, the Arabic word for drum. The
ultimate origin of the musical instrument is contested by scholars, though
some trace its evolution from indigenous musical instruments of the Indian
subcontinent.
6. FAMOUS TABLA PLAYERS:-
1. Zakir Hussain
A music producer, film actor, composer and probably the most
prominent Tabla player recognized across the world, Zakir
Hussain is a legendary musician when it comes to Hindustani
Classical Music. He is the youngest percussionist to be
awarded the titles of Padma Shri in 1988 and Padma Bhushan
in 2002. He is also one of the youngest Musicians to receive
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, a recognition by India’s
National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama; Sangeet Natak
Akademi. His first Album went on to receive the 1992 Grammy
Award for Best World Music Album. His numerous
7. 2. PANDIT ANINDO CHATTERJEE
A celebrated Tabla player born in a musical family with uncle and sister
being prominent Sitar players of India, Pandit Anindo Chatterjee has been
gifted with the ability to summon crystal clear melodies from his drums
progressing to be one of the world’s finest Tabla players. He began playing
Tabla in his early childhood and was inspired by his uncle Pandit Biswanath
Chatterjee. He is the first Tabla player to perform in the House Of Commons
and is also the recipient of the President’s Award in 1970. Just like Zakir
Hussain, Pandit Anindo Chatterjee has also been honored with the Sangeet
Natak Akademi Award in 2002. Indians were delighted to watch him perform
at the Rashtrapati Bhavan when former U.S president Barack Obama visited
India in 2010.
8. 3. PANDIT ANOKHELAL MISHRA
With the special ability to play ' Na Dhin Dhin Na ' with utmost clarity at
extreme speed, Pandit Anokhelal Mishra was famous as “Jadugar”. He has
given many solo performances along with working with talented artists like
Ustad Allauddin Khan, Ustad Vilayat Khan and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. He has
also performed for All India Radio’s National Program Of Music and his
performances have also been featured in Voice of America. He has fought
poverty and deprivation at a very young age and has made a huge impact on
Indian Classical music with his skills. He continues to be an inspiration for
many aspiring musicians and his works made him popular as the “Samrat”
(king) of Tabla playing.
9. 4. USTAD SUKHWINDER SINGH
NAMDHARI
Sukhvinder Singh Namdhari started his training at the
young age of 5 under the Pakawaj Samrat Ustad Nihal
Singh of the Punjab Gharana. The natural gift of Laya and
Taal that Ustad Sukhwinder Singh Namdhari possessed
was observed by Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji, the spiritual
guru of Namdhari Sikh sect. He is known for his ability to
capture the audience with his impulsive control and
brilliance during his performances. As a solo artist
Sukhvinder has received widespread praise and is
considered as a skillful musician of both the Punjab and
Benares repertoires and has also been a featured artist
with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. His Jorhi
performances have led to a sudden rise in admiration for
the uncommon art of Jorhi playing. In recent times Ustad
Zakir Hussain recognized Sukhvinder as the primary
promoter of the Jorhi globally after his supreme
10. 5. AHMED JAN THIRAKWA
The recipient of Padma Bhushan Award for Arts in 1970 and Sangeet
Natak Akademi Award for Tabla in 1954, Ahmed Jan Thirakwa became
Munis Khan’s disciple at the age of 12. He is generally considered a
very well-known artist among the tabla players of the 20th century,
and amongst the most significant instrumentalists in the history of
Indian classical music. He was identified for his mastery over the
fingering skills and appealing values of numerous Tabla styles,
technical flair, and expressive musicality.
These musicians have gained a lot of respect for India from all over
the world with their skills and talent. They have assisted in keeping
the Indian classical music alive within the masses. Let us never forget
their contribution to the Indian music and hope that their work
continues to inspire generations ahead.
