Ustad Zakir Hussain…not a single person who hasn't heard of this legendary Tabla maestro yet. In the world of Indian music, tabla plays an important role. Ever wondered what is it about Tabla that attracts people so much? Ever tried playing tabla? Well here are a few guidelines to get started with learning Tabla. Basics Of Tabla: The tabla consists of two small drums which are single-headed, barrel-shaped. They are of slightly different sizes and shapes. The two drums are: daya/ dahina meaning right (also called “tabla”), and baya/ bahina meaning left (also called “dagga”). Each made of hollowed out wood or clay or brass. The tabla is played by the musician’s right hand (dominant hand). The daya drum is laced with hoops and wooden dowels on its sides. The dowels and hoops are used to tighten the tension of the membrane. A different tone is created by each of the drums but together they make the distinctive sound we associate with the tabla, a sound that is central to c...