Tabla Information
Detailed Introduction of Tabla: History, Structure, and Significance
Introduction to tabla instrument
The Tabla is a prominent instrument in Indian classical music, used for accompaniment in singing, playing, and dancing. In ancient times, instruments like Pakhawaj or Mridang were used, but in modern times, the Tabla has taken their place. The Tabla is played with both hands and is increasingly popular as a solo instrument as well. It is made up of two parts—the right-hand Tabla and the left-hand or Dagga. Let’s explore the structure of the Tabla and its various components in detail.
Structure of the Right-Hand Tabla
- Wood: The main part of the right-hand Tabla is made of wood, usually from jackfruit, mango, khair, teak, or Vijaysal. It is hollow inside, with a height of about 1 foot, a top diameter of 6 inches, and a bottom diameter of 9 inches.
- Pudi: The leather covering over the wooden top is called “Pudi,” made from goat skin. It is tightened over the wood using Baddhi (leather straps). The Pudi is composed of Chanti, Lav, Syahi, and different parts of the hide.
- Gajara: The leather ring around the Pudi is known as Gajara. It has 16 holes through which the Baddhi passes, keeping the Tabla tight.
- Chanti: The leather strap on the edges of the Pudi is called Chanti, which contributes to the Tabla’s sound.
- Syahi: A black circular paste is applied in the middle of the Pudi, called Syahi. The thickness of the Syahi controls the pitch of the Tabla’s sound.
- Lav: The empty space between the Chanti and Syahi is called Lav or Maidan, which helps balance the Tabla’s sound.
- Baddhi: The long leather strap passing through the Gajara to keep the Pudi tight is called Baddhi. It passes through the Gatta and secures the Tabla firmly.
- Gatta: There are eight small wooden pieces on the Tabla, known as Gatta. They help control the pitch of the Tabla.
- Gudri: A leather ring at the base of the Tabla, called Gudri, helps in placing the Tabla on the ground and maintaining stability.
Structure of the Left-Hand (Dagga)
- Kundi: The main part of the Dagga is called Kundi, which is made of clay, copper, or wood. The Pudi is also stretched over its mouth.
- Pudi: The Pudi on the Dagga is similar to that of the right-hand Tabla, including Chanti, Lav, and Syahi.
- Got: The leather strap on the edges of the Pudi is called Got, which influences the sound quality.
- Syahi: The black paste in the middle of the Pudi on the Dagga is called Syahi, which controls the depth of the sound.
- Lav: The empty space between the Chanti and Syahi is called Lav, which adds melody to the Tabla’s sound.
- Gajara: A leather ring around the Pudi of the Dagga is known as Gajara. It determines the tightness of the Dagga’s sound.
- Dori: A cord or leather strap is used to tighten the Pudi on the Dagga. Some Daggas also use rings for tightening.
- Gudri: There is also a Gudri at the base of the Dagga, which helps in keeping it stable on the ground.
How To Tune A Tabla
The Tabla is an essential percussion instrument in Indian classical music, and it must be tuned correctly to match the rhythm. The process of tuning the Tabla is called ‘Tabla Milana.’ Here, we will look at how to properly tune the Tabla.
- Process of Tuning the Tabla: The focus is primarily on tuning the right-hand Tabla (Din). The process involves the following steps:
- Tuning the Right-Hand Tabla: First, the right-hand Tabla is played to check if its sound needs to be raised (higher pitch) or lowered (lower pitch). If the pitch seems too high or low, it is adjusted using the Gatta and Gajara.
- Using Gatta and Gajara: If there’s a significant difference, the pitch is adjusted by striking the Gatta with a hammer. For fine adjustments, the Gajara is struck. To raise the pitch, strike from the top, and to lower it, strike from the bottom.
- Pitches and Tuning of the Tabla: The pitch of the Tabla depends on the ragas in classical music. It is mainly tuned to three notes:
- Sa (Shadja)
- Ma (Madhyam)
- Pa (Pancham)
- In ragas where Pancham is not used, like Malkauns, the Tabla is not tuned to Pancham.
- In ragas where both Ma and Pa are forbidden, the Tabla is tuned to Sa.
- Generally, the Tabla can be tuned to Sa for any raga.
Origin, History, and Evolution of the Tabla
The history of Tabla is very ancient, with many theories about its origin. Most scholars believe that the Tabla was invented in the 13th century by Amir Khusro. He is said to have split the Pakhawaj into two parts to create the Tabla.
Some scholars also believe that the Tabla evolved from an ancient instrument called the Durdur. Others suggest that the Tabla’s origin is linked to the Arabic instrument Naqqara.
Gharanas of Tabla
There are three main Gharanas of Tabla:
- Western Gharana: Includes Delhi and Ajrada Gharanas.
- Eastern Gharana: Includes Lucknow, Farrukhabad, and Banaras Gharanas.
- Punjab Gharana: This is an independent Gharana.
Significance of Tabla
The Tabla is an integral part of Indian music and is played in all types of classical, semi-classical, and folk music. Additionally, it holds its significance as a solo instrument. Playing the Tabla is an art that requires a profound understanding of rhythm and beats.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tabla
- What are the different parts of the Tabla and their uses?
The main parts of the Tabla include the right-hand Tabla (Din), left-hand Tabla (Dagga), Gatta, Gajara, and Sira. The pitch of the right-hand Tabla is adjusted by striking the Gatta and Gajara with a hammer. - Which notes are used to tune the right-hand Tabla and why?
The right-hand Tabla is primarily tuned to Sa, Ma, and Pa. This depends on the raga, and in ragas where Pancham is forbidden, Pancham is not used. - How was the Tabla created? Explain.
The Tabla originated from the Pakhawaj. It is believed that Amir Khusro split the Pakhawaj into two parts to create the Tabla, making it an integral part of Indian classical music since then.
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