Delhi Gharana is the oldest of the tabla gharanas. It is also the first to establish improvisation rules. It was founded in North-East India, and is one of the most common gharanas (or Baj) used in modern world of gharanas. The Purbi Gharana also originates from the eastern areas of Delhi.
History of Delhi Gharanas
Delhi Gharana was founded in the early 18th century most probably by Mia Siddhar Khan Dhadi, who is sometimes also referred to as the inventor of the tabla. Siddhar Khan is the earliest available name associated with tabla that is found in historical records. Siddhar Khan, having been a pakhawaj player, was responsible for incorporating pakhawaj bols to the style of Delhi Gharanas. However, the tabla, not the pakhawaj, is now the main instrument of the Delhi Gharana. Siddhar Khan and his descendants contributed greatly to the development of the Tabla language and compositional structures of the Peshkars and the Qaidas.
Tabla Style in Delhi Gharanas
The Delhi tabla style is famous for its vast and rich repertoire of Qaidas. Overall, the sound quality tends to focus on avoiding the overuse of loud, resonant baya (left-hand bass drum) strokes in favour of lighter, more precise strokes. Bols such as dha, tete (tite), terekete and tinnakena are prominent. The temperament and style of playing is generally soft and esoteric.
Composers of Delhi Gharanas
Some notable masters of this school of Delhi Gharanas are Ustad Natthu Khan (1875-1940), Gamay Khan (1883-1958), his son Inam Ali Khan (1924-1986), Chatur Lal (1924-1966) and Latif Ahmed Khan.
