Origin of Tabla

While the origin of the tradition of Indian music can be traced back nearly two thousand years in the Vedic hymns of the Hindu temples, the Tabla is a relatively new percussion instrument. It is considered to have been invented in the 16th or 17th century. Historically, the pakhawaj was used to accompany the old Dhruvpad style of music. It is believed that the need for a new percussion instrument was felt to accompany newer styles of North Indian vocal music (i.e. Khayal gayaki) which evolved around the 16th century, as well as new North Indian instruments such as Sitar and Sarood during the Mughal era in India. Thus, the Tabla was invented. Tabla, with its rich and varied tonal qualities, is an extremely versatile percussion instrument. Today, it is the most recognized North Indian percussion instument both for solo performances as well as an accompanyments in vocal (essentially Khayal, bhajans, thumris, folk), instumental and kathak dance.