Why are Tabla players protective of Tabla compositions

Sat Feb 25, 2023

The history of Tabla dates back to the early eighteenth century. During that era there was a unique Gurukul style of teaching where the Shishya (student) stays with the Guru (Teacher), does all his chores and learns what his Guru teaches him. During those days with so many Gharanas coming up, a sense of competition started growing. Everyone started to protect their clan by not sharing techniques, compositions or any other information that they discover/learn. They feared that if they divulge this information, the opposite clan will master it and they will lose their differentiating factor.

The guru himself had to take a lot of effort to learn the compositions that he has mastered by doing the chores for his guru. Since the guru had to go thru a lot of pain to collect the information, he often tried to guard his knowledge and share it only if he feels that the student is worth teaching.

In some cases the guru kept traditional compositions to himself so as to keep the upper hand. This was because of the fear that one of his student may become arrogant because he now knows everything that his guru knows. In some cases the only person that the guru shared all this information was his own son, just to ensure that the knowledge remains inside the family. In the early ages there were percussionists who stopped playing the Tabla if they came to know that a player from some other Gharana is around

Tabla has always been plagued by such protectionism. From its early ages sharing of compositions, information has been lacking. This has lead to a loss of many traditional compositions which the players took with them to their graves. Even today some percussionists do not prefer to be recorded for the fear of being copied by someone. In this internet age where the world is eager to share information, tabla is still stuck with its protectionist attitude.

This site is devoted to break these shackles and share all compositions that come my way.

tabla tutor
An India-based Tabla enthusiast.

Why are Tabla players protective of Tabla compositions

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