The tabla is a two part drum instrument that provides the taal (rhythm/metric cycle) to vocal, instrumental or solo percussive compositions.

Thought to have originated from the barrel shaped pakhawaj drum 300 years ago, the tabla is a popular instrument in Indian classical music.

The right dayan drum is made of wood. The left bayan drum is often made of metal such as iron, aluminium, copper, steel, clay, or brass with a nickel or chrome plate. The black spot of the centre of each drum provides the characteristic bell-like timbre.