Introduction to Tabla the Ancient Indian Drums By

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. 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 13 th 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) Tabla Bayan (Left) Kudi Baddhi (Vadi) Gudri Gatta Lakdi

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 Dha X 2 Dhi 3 Na X – Sam O – Khali | - Vibhag || - End of Taal | 4 Dha O 5 Tu 6 Na ||

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…