Introduction to Tabla,the Ancient Indian Drums

By

Chintan Vaishnav

Collin Joye

Class Format

• Theory

• Counting Exercises

• Hands-on

• (http://web.mit.edu/chintanv/www/tabla/tabla.html)

– Listening Assignments – Syllabus

Class Outline

• 01/08/04– Dadra

• 01/15/04– Kaherva

• 01/22/04– Tintaal

• 01/29/04– Accompaniment

Origin of Tabla

• [Most Popular Theory] Invented by Amir Khusru, the 13th century scholar

• by dividing Mridanga/Pakhavaj, double ended, skin-covered instrument

• [Controversy] Depicted in temple carvings dated 500 BC

• [One thing is for certain] Use in classical music after coming together of Hindu and Muslim

Parts of Tabla (Terminology)

Kudi Baddhi (Vadi) LakdiGatta

Gudri

Bayan (Left) Tabla

Parts of Tabla (Terminology)

Syahi (Ink)

Maidan (Ground)

Chati

Gajra

Basic Constructs (Terminology)

• Matra (Beat): Smallest unit of time• Bol (Sound): Individual or collection of sound(s)• Taal (Rhythmic Formation): Collection of Matra (Beats)• Theka: Most basic form of any Taal defined by a collection of

bols. – Sam: Starting point or first beat of the Taal– Tali (Clap): When reciting a Taal in counting exercise, the beats on

which we clap – Khali (Empty): When reciting a Taal in counting exercise, the beats on

which we wave– Vibhag (Section): A Theka is divided into sections, each section starts

either with Tali or Khali – Avartan (Cycle): From Sam to all Matras and back to Sam.

Basic Constructs (Terminology)

• Laya: Velocity or Movement of the song or dance– Vilambit (slow): Very slow rhythm, where the duration between

two beats is 2-3 seconds

– Madhya (Middle): Moderate pace rhythm, where the duration between two beats is approximately one second

– Dhrut (Fast): Fast rhythm, where there are two or more beats in one second

– Dugun: Twice the pace

– Chougun: Four times the pace

Dadra (6 beats, 2 Sections, 1 Tali, 1 Khali)Scripting (Bhatkhande Style)

1 2 3 4 5 6Dha Dhi Na | Dha Tu Na ||X O

X – SamO – Khali| - Vibhag|| - End of Taal

Learning and Teaching Tabla

• Must understand basic Tabla (rhythm ) to appreciate Indian Classical Music

• Vast Subject, these four weeks are just an introduction

• Do not get frustrated, keep at it…