Indian Tabla Drums

When it comes to percussion in the world of Indian music, the Indian tabla drums are the most popular. Their distinctive sound has made them a favored addition to nearly every kind of music in the world today, particularly jazz. Tabla drums feature prominently in soundtracks and movie scores as well.

The right-hand drum is known as the "dayan." It is the smaller of the two drums. It is a conical drum shell carved out of a solid piece of hardwood, with the bottom slightly larger than the skin-covered top. The left-hand drum is the "bayan," and is shaped like a hemispherical bowl made of copper, brass, bronze or clay. Together, these two drums create a mix of sounds.

The Indian tabla drums rose to prominence in the Delhi royal courts of the 17th and 18th centuries, but they originated far earlier. There are sculptures of these instruments that date back thousands of years. Many believe that that tabla drums evolved from the mridang or pakhavaj. Siddhar Khan Dhaadhi, a musician from the 18th century, is attributed as an early master. Although the tabla drums were originally an accompaniment to other classical musical instruments, they have now achieved the level of a solo instrument.

Indian tabla drums are a rewarding introduction to the Indian musical sound. They may seem simple at first glance, but actually require intense training and skill to master. If you are a percussionist looking to experiment with your sound, the Indian tabla drums may be a perfect choice. At Sitars Etc., we have a selection of the finest Indian tabla drums, which we hand-pick before shipping them to our customers. We are always happy to help you find the perfect Indian tabla drums for you.