EVOLUTION OF THE TABLA

GS 1 – ART AND CULTURE

Why in the News?

The recent passing of Ustad Zakir Hussain has reignited discussions on the origins and development of the tabla.

Etymology – The term “tabla” is derived from the Arabic word tabl, which means drum.

Origins
The origin of the tabla is a subject of debate. While some believe it evolved from the Persian naqqara, Ustad Zakir Hussain traced its roots through the evolution of Indian classical music forms like dhrupad and khayal. Dhrupad, a genre of Indian classical music, can be traced back to the Vedic chanting of hymns and mantras. It is linked to the Gandharva Veda, a branch of the Sama Veda that deals with the science of music.

One of the major points of contention among scholars is whether the tabla originated before or after the advent of Islamic influence in India.

Evolution of the Tabla

Early Development: The classical tabla, in its modern form, emerged around the 1700s. It rose to prominence as a key accompaniment for the vocal style known as khayal, which significantly boosted its status and popularity.

Khayal
Khayal is the dominant genre of North Indian classical vocal music today. It offers greater flexibility and scope for improvisation compared to the older dhrupad style. Khayal originated during the Mughal period when Persian musical traditions began blending with indigenous Indian practices. The fusion of dhrupad and prabandh gayaki with qawwali (Sufi music) by the 14th-century Sufi saint Amir Khusrau marked the foundation of khayal. Khusrau was a key figure in this development, and he was patronized by Sultan Alauddin Khalji (1296–1316) of Delhi.

Key Developments: The tabla’s evolution saw significant advancements during the reign of Emperor Muhammad Shah (1719–1748), a great patron of the arts, who supported the maturation of khayal vocalism and the introduction of the sitar. Muhammad Shah’s enthusiasm for music earned him the nickname “Rangeela,” or “The Colorful.”

Tabla Gharanas

Tabla gharanas, or schools, are distinct from vocal and other instrumental traditions. They are based on three primary principles:

1. Technique: The fundamental approach to playing the tabla.
2. Style of Composition: The construction, phrasing, and language of tabla syllables used in various compositions.
3. Philosophy: The unique interpretation of the tabla by each great master of a particular gharana.

There are six main gharanas of tabla, named after the regions where they evolved:

Punjab, Purab (also known as the Banaras gharana), Delhi, Ajrara, Lucknow, Farrukhabad

Playing Style (Baaj)

The playing style or baaj of each gharana varies. The first two gharanas, Punjab and Purab, follow a more pakhawaj-based approach. The Purab gharana is known for its crisp, clear sound, which is particularly suited for Kathak dance performances. The Punjab gharana, on the other hand, is recognized for its mathematical precision, with complex divisions of beats. This gharana also has offshoots, including the Talwandi and Naiwala sub-gharanas.

Through these various styles and traditions, the tabla has evolved into a vital instrument in Indian classical music, with its rich history continuing to be explored and celebrated.