Tabla

Indian music · hand drums · percussion

Two drums, one sound. The tabla is actually two separate drums played together as a pair. One drum is bigger and deeper, while the other is smaller and higher-pitched, so together they create rich, layered rhythms.

Heart of Indian music. Since the 1700s, the tabla has been the most important percussion instrument in Hindustani classical music, which is the main style of Indian classical music played across the subcontinent.

Played with bare hands. Unlike many drums that need sticks, tabla players use just their fingers and palms to create different sounds and rhythms by hitting various parts of the drums.

Popular everywhere in South Asia. You can hear the tabla in music and dance performances all across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka, from classical concerts to folk celebrations.

Sacred in worship. The tabla is essential to religious devotional music in Hinduism and Sikhism, where it accompanies singing and chanting during spiritual gatherings called bhajans and kirtans.