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A Pathway to Knowledge
Bayan (Hindi) “Left.” The left-hand drum of the tabla pair. I have also heard
thebayan referred to as duggi or dugga.
Bol (Hindi) “Word.” The Hindi verb bolna means “to speak.” Bols are
strokes on the tabla that correspond to a sound made by the voice.
Thebols are onomatopoeic syllables, used by tabla players as an aid in
memorizing compositions. Bols are units that are then strung together
to create phrases.
Chakradhar (Hindi) “Wheel.” A type of tabla composition that builds on fixed bols
ending in a three-fold pattern, a tihai. A chakradhar itself is played three
times.
Chilla A ritual retreat of forty days and forty nights. Usually a disciple is in-
structed by his or her guru on the time and place of the event.
Dayan (Hindi) “Right.” Refers to the right-hand tabla drum, also known sim-
ply as “tabla.”
Gab (Bengali) The middle circle of the tabla and bayan, which is constructed
from rice paste and iron fillings. Usually, it is referred to as shyahi; how-
ever, I have also heard tabla players in Delhi, Mumbai, Toronto, Seattle,
and elsewhere use the word “gab.”
Gharana (Hindi) “Household.” Implying of the same house or family. Typically
translates into “school” or “style” in the performing arts.
Guru (Sanskrit and Hindi) “Destroyer of ignorance.” A teacher; a master. A
form of address for a learned master.
Hindustani Northern Indian music system.
Kaida also Qayada (Hindi/Urdu) Lit. “law.” A type of composition in tabla rep-
ertories that has a fixed structure. The kaida pattern always has a theme
of fixed bols that is then followed by a number of variations based on
those fixed bols, ending with a tihai.
Karnatic Southern Indian music system.
Kathak A Hindustani classical dance form that is accompanied by tabla.
Kurta-pajama (Hindi) North Indian form of male dress. A long shirt with pockets is usu-
ally worn over loose-fitting pants or pajamas.
LahraalsoLehra(Hindi) Lit. “a wave.” It is a melodic pattern used in the accompaniment
for solo tabla playing and performances. Whereas sarangi (Hindustani.
Similar to a bowed fiddle that is played upright) and other melodic in-
struments are used as the accompaniment for concert performances, most
tabla teachers use the harmonium (a keyboard with bellows) for in-class
accompaniment.
Laya (or Lay) “Tempo/rhythm.” There are three: slow (vilambit), medium (madhya),
and fast (drut).
Riaz (Persian) “Practice.” Riaz for tabla players includes both playing the ac-
tualbols and signing the bols in time, in tal.
Shagird (Urdu/Persian) “Disciple” or “student.”
Shishya (Sanskrit) “Disciple.”
Tala (Sanskrit) “Palm of the hand.” Also, tal. (Hindi) Rhythmic cycle in both
Hindustani and Karnatic music systems. Gottlieb ( 1990 , 140 ) notes that
the word tal comes from the practice of counting time by clapping hands.
