tabla
tabla
UK[ˈtʌblə]US[ˈtɑːblə]
n
a pair of small hand drums of different sizes and pitches, used especially in indian classical music.
Etymology
the tabla's name has a journey that reflects the cultural exchanges of the indian subcontinent. it originates from the arabic word 'ṭabl', a generic term for a drum, which entered persian and subsequently hindustani languages. in hindi and urdu, the word evolved into 'tablā', specifically denoting this pair of drums, with the '-ā' suffix often indicating a singular noun. the term was borrowed into english in the late 18th century, retaining its specific reference to the distinct, tuned hand drums central to hindustani classical music, thus carrying the history of its instrument across languages.
Analysis
the word 'tabla' is a direct loanword from hindi/urdu, which itself derived from the arabic word 'ṭabl', meaning 'drum'.
Examples
the virtuoso began his performance with a complex solo on the tabla.
learning the tabla requires understanding intricate rhythmic patterns called taals.
the serene melody of the sitar was complemented by the percussive beats of the tabla.