Understanding Gharanas
In Hindustani Classical Music, several Gharanas or family of music have been established. This includes a section of musicians or a school of music with a musical lineage that makes Gharanas recognizable with a particular person or place.
Gharanas are designated on their style of music and presentation. While individuals in Gharanas may have their own unique styles, their training and conditioning is similar.
When it comes to playing Tabla, each of the Gharanas has a distinguishing influence on how the instrument can be played. The general framework and the style or logic of presentation differs from one Gharana to the other.
Gharanas work in conjunction with Raga or the rhythm. Ragas, emerged in its modern sense in the 16th century and were used for creating dissimilar moods within the music and are more or less used to expose one to different expressions of music. When it comes to playing Tabla, Gharanas and Ragas leave an indelible impression on the player.
Nomenclature – Construction – Types of Tabla
It is believed that the word ‘Tabla’ is derived from the Arabic word called ‘Tabl’ which means a drum. The smaller drum, which is played in the dominant hand is called ‘Dahina’ or right because usually most people play it with the right hand. But most often, it is referred to as ‘Tabla.’
Construction Of The Tabla
Tabla is made using teak and rosewood. The woods are cut into a conical piece and hollowed to approximately half of the total depth. Since, it is a customizable musical instrument, Tabla can be tuned to a specific note to complement the melody.
The note to which a Tabla is tuned is either dominant, tonic or subdominant to the soloist’s key. However, the tuning range is limited and cylindrical wood blocks are inserted between straps to allow tension. This helps in vertical positioning and fine tuning of the product.
The larger drum, called bayan or the left is significantly different because of its deeper bass tone. In fact, it can be considered as a distinct cousin of another instrument called the kettle drum.
Bayan is usually made of brass material or copper, but the latter is more expensive. For more affordable models, aluminium and steel may be used. Old Bayans from Punjab usually have wood. Otherwise clay may be used, although that doesn’t give the instrument durability.
Drum shells and heads are largely made using goat or cow skin. Outer ring of skin is actually overlaid over the main skin, which helps in reducing natural overtones. Then, a complex woven braid is used to bind these two heads together. The heads are then affixed using cow or camel hide strap and another ring is placed on the bottom of the drum.
Syahi or a tuning ink or paste is used on the central area of the head. This paste is made using black powder and the construction of this Syahi is responsible for modifying the natural overtones of the drum. This gives the Tabla tonal possibilities that are unique to each instrument and result in clarity of the pitch.
Refined skill is required for building and constructing a Tabla. The Toroidal band is used positioned on each drum. Made of plant fibre, this helps in ensuring stability while playing.
Types of Tabla
Tabla doesn’t have distinct types. Rather, the types are more individualistic in nature, determined by the Gharanas, Ragas, Personal Preferences and the maker.
Tabla and its influence on Indian Culture
Tabla is an indispensable part of the Indian culture. Along with Sitar, it is one of the most recognized musical instruments in the country. Tabla is found everywhere, from Indian folk songs to pop culture and from The Beatles to Selena Gomez in Western Music.
Tabla reflects the Indian culture’s inherent love for good music and performances. The musical instrument was invented primarily to appease the kings and to ensure that the dance performances were made livelier and more spontaneous in nature.
At the same time, Tabla reflected India’s need for spiritual instruments as well. That’s why the rhythms and tones from Tabla are widely played for religious functions and festivities.
Tabla also represents India’s classical orchestra. Often used with sitar, flute, harmonium and several other instruments, Tabla can help create concert level orchestral performances that majorly reflect Indian classical music and national culture. It also used for folk music in the Indian subcontinent.
source:yogems.com
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