Delhi Tabla Gharana

Inam Ali Khan (1924-19??)

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The first gharana to establish norms for improvisation is also the oldest of the tabla gharanas - Delhi gharana. Founded in the early eighteenth century by Siddhar Khan, the playing style (baj) of this gharana is also known as the bandh baj. This style has a clarity of sound that is a result of the initial role of the tabla as an accompaniment to vocal and instrumental music. This sharpness is achieved by playing on the chati or kinar, and has led to the baj being called the chati-ka-baj. Pakhwaj (the predecessor of the tabla) bols are no longer part of the gharana's repertoire, despite Siddhar Khan having been a pakhawaj player. The tempo most frequently encountered is the barabar (basic) of the ad (fractions and multiples of one-and-a half), while the items are predominantly kayada-rela, peshkar, and the mohra/mukhda. The kayada repertoire of the Delhi gharana is the model for the kayada items of the other gharanas as well.

In the 20th century most important tabla player of Delhi gharana was Gamay Khan (1883-1958). His son Inam Ali Khan (1924-90) was an important tabla player of later part of 20th century. His son Ghulam Haider Khan represents the gharana now. Natthu Khan (1875-1940) is from anoher branch of the gharana and was one of the great tabla players of his time. He was also the father-in-law of Gamay Khan. Latif Ahmed Khan (1941-90) one of the greatest tabla players of 20th century was a disciple of both Gamay Khan and Inam Ali Khan. Shafaat Ahmed Khan the renowned tabla accompanist of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan was the son and disciple of Chamma Khan from another branch of the gharana. Pandit Chatur Lal was the disciple of Haji Mohammad Khan.

Source : tabla-schule.ch

Artists

• Gamay Khan
• Inam Ali Khan
• Latif Ahmed Khan
• Natthu Khan
• Pandit Chaturlal
• Shafat Ahmad Ali
• Siddhar Khan (founder)

Links

• An Essay on Delhi Tabla Gharana