Famous Tabla Players

• Lal Bhavanidas was a significant 18th century figure in the history of Indian classical music, particularly known for his contributions to the Punjab Gharana of tabla. He is often credited as one of the early pioneers of this gharana, which is renowned for its robust and powerful playing style, heavily influenced by the pakhawaj. The Punjab Gharana emphasizes intricate rhythmic patterns and a dynamic approach to tabla playing.

• Ustad Sidhar Khan Dhadhi (c. 1700 - ?) is widely regarded as the founder of the Delhi gharana of tabla playing. He initially trained as a pakhawaj player under Lala Bhavanidas before developing the tabla as a distinct instrument. Sidhar Khan Dhadhi is credited with introducing improvisational conventions like peshkar and kaida. His contributions laid the foundation for many other tabla gharanas, including the Lucknow and Ajrada gharanas. Unfortunately, the exact date of his death is not well-documented, but he is believed to have lived during the first half of the 18th century.

• Miyan Bakshu Ji was a distinguished tabla player and a prominent disciple of Ustad Sidhar Khan Dhadi. He is best known for founding the Lucknow Gharana of tabla, also known as the "Purab Gharana". This gharana is renowned for its intricate and expressive playing style, emphasizing clarity of sound and rhythmic complexity. Miyan Bakshu Ji's contributions to the art of tabla were significant, as he developed and refined many of the techniques and compositions that are now central to the Lucknow Gharana.

• Ustad Vilayat Ali Khan was a prominent tabla player and the founder of the Farrukhabad Gharana of tabla. He was born in the late 18th century and was a disciple of Ustad Bakshu Khan of the Lucknow Gharana. Vilayat Ali Khan's contributions to the art of tabla were significant, and he developed a unique style that blended elements from various gharanas. The Farrukhabad Gharana is known for its rich repertoire of compositions and its emphasis on clarity and precision in playing.

• Modhu Khan (1770 - ?): Modhu Khan was a renowned tabla player from the Lucknow gharana, one of the prominent styles of tabla playing in India. He is particularly known for his role in mentoring Pandit Ram Sahai, who later founded the Benares gharana. Modhu Khan's contributions to the art of tabla playing are significant, as he helped shape the techniques and styles that are still practiced today. His influence extended through his disciples, who carried forward his teachings and further enriched the tradition of tabla playing.

• Pandit Ram Sahai (1780–1826) was a legendary tabla player and the founder of the Benares Gharana (also known as the Banaras Gharana) of tabla. At the age of nine, he moved to Lucknow to become a disciple of Modhu Khan of the Lucknow Gharana. After mastering the techniques of the Lucknow Gharana, he returned to Benares (Varanasi) and developed his own unique style of tabla playing. Ram Sahai's innovations included new fingering techniques and compositions, which allowed the tabla to be versatile enough to accompany various forms of music and dance, such as khyal, dhrupad, and kathak. His style emphasized clarity, resonance, and a powerful sound, which became the hallmark of the Benares Gharana.

• Miru Khan was a prominent tabla player and one of the founders of the Ajrara Gharana (also spelled Ajrada Gharana) of tabla. Along with his brother, Kallu Khan, Miru Khan established this gharana in the 19th century in Ajrara, Uttar Pradesh. The Ajrara Gharana is known for its intricate and complex rhythmic patterns, which are distinct from other tabla gharanas. It emphasizes the use of the third finger and includes unique bols (syllables) like "Dhina GiNa", "Ghe Ghe Tit Kit", and "Dha Ge Na". This gharana also incorporates more bayan (bass drum) work, creating a rich and resonant sound.

• Ustad Mehboob Khan Mirajkar (1868-1965) was a distinguished tabla maestro from the Farrukhabad gharana. Born in Pune, Maharashtra, he showed a keen interest in tabla from a young age. He left home early to become a disciple of Ustad Jugna Khan and later studied under Ustad Jahangir Khan of the Lucknow Baaj of Indore. Mehboob Khan Mirajkar was known for his deep understanding of various tabla styles and developed his own distinct approach. He accompanied many senior artists of Hindustani music, such as Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, Roshan Ara Begum, and Pandit Kumar Gandharva. He generously shared his knowledge, teaching many disciples and spreading the art of tabla across Maharashtra. His legacy continues through his sons, Ustad Hanif Khan Mirajkar and Abdul Khan Mirajkar, and his grandson, Shri Nawaz Mirajkar.

• Pandit Kanthe Maharaj (1880-1969) was a celebrated Indian tabla player from the Benares Gharana. He was renowned for his exceptional skill and innovative playing style. Kanthe Maharaj studied primarily under Baldev Sahaya and was known for his ability to produce a unique variety of tones from the tabla. He served as a court musician in Nepal alongside his guru and performed extensively across India and abroad. One of his notable achievements was setting a record in 1954 for playing the tabla continuously for about two and a half hours. His contributions to Indian classical music have left a lasting legacy, and he is remembered as one of the great tabla maestros of his time.

• Ahmed Jan Thirakwa (1892-1976) was a legendary tabla player renowned for his mastery and influence in Hindustani classical music. He was known for his exceptional finger techniques, technical virtuosity, and the ability to blend various tabla styles. Thirakwa's tabla solo performances elevated the art of tabla playing to new heights, making him one of the most influential percussionists of India.

• Pandit Anokhelal Mishra (1914-1958), often referred to as "Tabla Samrat", was a legendary tabla player from the Banaras Gharana. Born in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, he began his tabla training at a young age under Bhairow Prasad Mishra. Known for his exceptional speed and clarity, he was particularly famous for his mastery of the "Na Dhin Dhin Na" theka of Teen Taal. Anokhelal Mishra performed extensively across India and was a sought-after accompanist for many renowned musicians, including Ustad Allauddin Khan and Ustad Vilayat Khan. His contributions to the Banaras Gharana and Indian classical music have left a lasting legacy, and he is remembered as one of the greatest tabla players of his time.

• Pandit Taranath Ram Rao Hattiangadi (1915-1991) was a distinguished Indian classical percussionist known for his expertise in tabla, pakhawaj, and mridangam. He represented the Farukhabad, Delhi, and Ajrada gharanas of tabla, and the Nana Panse tradition of pakhawaj. Born in Mangalore, Taranath Rao moved to Mumbai in 1932 to study arts and painting at the J.J. School of Arts. His passion for tabla led him to train under several maestros, including Ustad Shamsuddin Khan. He became a prominent figure in Mumbai's music scene, performing, teaching, and contributing to scholarly projects. Taranath Rao was known for his knowledge of rare talas and old compositions, and he collaborated with many legendary musicians such as Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. He spent his later years teaching at the California Institute of the Arts in the USA, where he influenced many students with his warmth and expertise.

• Ustad Shaik Dawood Khan (1916-1992) was a legendary tabla maestro from India, often referred to as the "Thirakwa of Hyderabad". Born in Sholapur, Maharashtra, Shaik Dawood Khan received his initial training from Mohammad Kasim of Sholapur and later from several other notable masters, including Ustad Alladiya Khan and Ustad Mehboob Khan Mirajkar. He was known for his versatility and mastery of various gharanas, including Farrukhabad, Ajrada, Lucknow, Punjab, and Delhi. Throughout his career, he accompanied many great musicians, such as Ustad Faiyaz Khan, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, and Pandit Ravi Shankar.

• Ustad Karamatullah Khan (1917-1977) was a distinguished tabla maestro from the Farrukhabad gharana. Born in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, he was a direct descendant of Haji Vilayat Ali, the founder of the Farrukhabad gharana. Karamatullah Khan was known for his exceptional skill and deep understanding of the tabla, making significant contributions to Indian classical music. He popularized the Masitkhani gat composition, created by his father, Ustad Masit Khan. His legacy continues through his son, Ustad Sabir Khan, and grandsons, Arif, Asif, and Ameen, who are also accomplished tabla players.

• Ustad Alla Rakha Khan (1919-2000), born Alla Rakha Qureshi, was a legendary Indian tabla player known for his significant contributions to Hindustani classical music. Born in Ghagwal, Jammu and Kashmir, he began his musical training under Mian Kader Baksh of the Punjab Gharana and also received vocal training from Ustad Ashiq Ali Khan. He joined All India Radio in Lahore in 1936 and later moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1938. In the 1940s, he worked in the film industry, composing music for several Hindi and Punjabi films under the name A.R. Qureshi. He is best known for his long-standing collaboration with sitar virtuoso Pandit Ravi Shankar, which helped introducing Indian classical music to Western audiences. Alla Rakha also collaborated with other prominent musicians, including sarod maestro Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and American jazz drummer Buddy Rich. Alla Rakha was a dedicated teacher and passed on his legacy to his sons, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Fazal Qureshi, and Taufiq Qureshi, all of whom are accomplished musicians. He was honored with numerous awards, including the Padma Shri in 1977 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1982.

• Pandit Samta Prasad (1921-1994) was a renowned Indian classical musician and tabla player from the Benares gharana. He was celebrated for his exceptional skill and contributions to Indian classical music. He was also a respected teacher, with famous disciples such as Rahul Dev Burman and Bappi Lahiri.

• Pandit Kishan Maharaj (1923-2008) was a legendary Indian tabla player from the Benares Gharana. Born in Kabir Chaura, Varanasi, he was trained in classical music by his father, Hari Maharaj. Kishan Maharaj began performing in concerts by the age of eleven and quickly gained recognition for his exceptional skill. Throughout his illustrious career, he shared the stage with many stalwarts of Indian classical music, including Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Vilayat Khan, and Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. He was known for his powerful and intricate playing style, which showcased the rich rhythmic patterns of the Benares Gharana. Kishan Maharaj received numerous accolades for his contributions to music, including the Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

• Pandit Chatur Lal (1925-1965) was a pioneering Indian tabla player. Born in Udaipur, Rajasthan, he became celebrated for being one of the first Indian percussionists to introduce the tabla to Western audiences. In the 1950s and early 1960s, he toured extensively with renowned musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. He was known for his rhythmic virtuosity and captivating stage presence. Unfortunately, his career was cut short when he passed away at the young age of 40.

• Ustad Shaukat Hussain Khan (1930-1996) was a renowned Pakistani tabla player from the Punjab gharana. Born in 1930 in Phagwara, Jalandhar, Punjab, he learned tabla from Ustad Mian Qadir Baksh. Shaukat Hussain Khan was known for his exceptional skill and mastery over the tabla. He began his career with All India Radio in Delhi in 1945 and later became a prominent figure in Pakistan's music scene, working with Radio Pakistan, Lahore for over four decades. He accompanied many of Pakistan's greatest classical musicians, including Salamat Ali Khan, Amanat Ali Khan, Roshan Ara Begum, and Mehdi Hassan.

• Pandit Mahapurush Mishra (1932-1987) was a distinguished Indian tabla player known for his exceptional skill and contributions to Indian classical music. He was a disciple of the legendary Pandit Anokhelal Mishra, a master of the Banaras gharana. For more see Revered Tabla Master Mahapurush Mishra.

• Ustad Faiyaz Khan (1934-2014) was a renowned tabla player of international repute. He hailed from a family of musicians; his father, Nazir Khan, was a sarangi and tabla player at the court of the Maharaja of Karauli, and his elder brother, Munir Khan, was a well-known sarangi player. Faiyaz Khan initially learned sarangi and vocal music before focusing on tabla under the guidance of Ustad Hidayat Khan and later Ustad Inam Ali Khan of the Delhi gharana. He also studied South Indian rhythms from mridangam master Ramnad Ishwaran. He began his career as a staff artist at All India Radio, Jaipur, in 1955 and later moved to Delhi in 1958. Throughout his career, he accompanied many legendary musicians, including Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Pandit Ravi Shankar, and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. He also performed internationally, including a solo recital at Queen Elizabeth Hall in London in 1971.

• Pandit Bapu Patwardhan (? - 2019) was a distinguished tabla player and a disciple of Ustad Ahmed Jan Thirakwa. He was known for his mastery of various tabla styles and his ability to teach and perform complex compositions. For more see Pandit Prabhakar Patwardhan Tabla Master.

• Pandit Shankar Ghosh (1935-2016) was a renowned Indian tabla player from the Farukhabad gharana of Hindustani classical music. He revolutionized both the art of tabla solo playing and tabla accompaniment, and his compositions have become an integral part of the contemporary tabla repertoire. Shankar Ghosh began his training under Pandit Jnan Prakash Ghosh and later studied with other maestros such as Ustad Feroz Khan and Pandit Sudarshan Adhikari. Shankar Ghosh was a dedicated teacher, influencing many students worldwide, including his son Bickram Ghosh.

• Pandit Sharda Sahai (1935-2011) was a distinguished tabla maestro from the Benares gharana. He was a direct descendant of Pandit Ram Sahai, the founder of the Benares gharana of tabla playing. Sharda Sahai began his tabla training under his father, Pandit Bhagvati Sahai, and after his father's demise, he continued his studies with Pandit Kanthe Maharaj. Renowned for his solo performances, Pandit Sharda Sahai was celebrated for his deep understanding and mastery of the Benares style. His performances were marked by their complexity, rhythmic precision, and expressive quality. He also contributed significantly to the global appreciation of tabla through his performances and teaching.

• Ustad Kadar Khan (1935-) is a distinguished tabla player known for his mastery of the instrument and his contributions to Indian classical music. Born in Rajasthan, India, into a family of professional musicians, Kadar Khan began his musical training at the age of seven under the guidance of his father and guru, Ustad Reheman Khan. He has mastered the four traditional styles of tabla playing: the Delhi, Ajrada, Lucknow, and Farukhabad gharanas. Kadar Khan founded the Kalavant Center for Music and Dance in the United States in 1988, aiming to propagate Indian classical music internationally.

• Ustad Tafo Khan (1945-), also known as Altaf Hussain Tafo Khan, is a renowned tabla player from Pakistan. He is a master of the Punjab gharana style of tabla playing. His teachers included Mian Qadir Bukhsh and Haji Fida Hussain. Ustad Tafo Khan is celebrated for his exceptional skill. He has also been associated with Coke Studio in Pakistan, showcasing his talent to a broader audience.

• Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri (1945-) is a renowned Indian tabla player from the Lucknow Gharana. He began his tabla training at the age of five under the guidance of Pandit Santosh Krishna Biswas. Swapan Chaudhuri has accompanied many of the greatest musicians in Indian classical music, including Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, and Pandit Bhimsen.

• Pandit Suresh Talwalkar (1948-), born in Mumbai, is a renowned tabla player and percussionist. He belongs to the illustrious Keertankar family of Shri Dholebuva, which instilled in him a deep appreciation for classical music from a young age. He initially learned tabla from his father, Dattatrey Talwalkar, and later trained under several eminent gurus, including Pandharinath Nageshkar, Vinayakrao Ghangrekar, and Gajananbuva Joshi. Talwalkar's style is unique, drawing from various gharanas (stylistic schools) and incorporating elements of both North and South Indian music He has been a dedicated teacher, mentoring numerous prominent tabla players such as Pandit Vijay Ghate and Pandit Ramdas Palsule.

• Ustad Hamid Hossain is a distinguished tabla player, sitarist, and Hindustani classical vocalist from Murshidabad, West Bengal, India. He was born into a musical family and received his training from his father, Ustad Kader Buksh, who was a renowned musicologist and musician. Hamid Hossain has made significant contributions to Indian classical music through his performances and teachings. He is known for his mastery of the tabla and his ability to blend traditional and contemporary styles. He has performed at various prestigious venues and has been involved in numerous musical projects, both in India and internationally.

• Ustad Zakir Hussain (1951-) is widely regarded as one of the greatest tabla players of all time. He is the eldest son of the legendary tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha. Born in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain began his tabla training at a very young age under the guidance of his father. His exceptional talent and dedication quickly made him a prominent figure in the world of Indian classical music. He has performed with many of the greatest musicians, including Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, and Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. In addition to his classical performances, Zakir Hussain has been a pioneer in world music and fusion, collaborating with artists from various genres. He has worked with musicians like Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, John McLaughlin in the band Shakti, and many others. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards. Zakir Hussain has also been honored with several prestigious awards, such as the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. His contributions to music have made a significant impact globally, and he continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

• Trilok Gurtu (1951-), born in Mumbai, is a renowned percussionist and tabla player known for blending Indian classical music with jazz fusion and world music. He began his musical journey at a young age, influenced by his mother, Shobha Gurtu, a famous Hindustani classical vocalist. Trilok Gurtu received formal training in tabla from Shah Abdul Karim and later expanded his repertoire to include Western drum kits. Throughout his career, Gurtu collaborated with numerous musicians, including Peter Giger, John McLaughlin, Joe Zawinul, Jan Garbarek, and Zakir Hussain.

• Pandit Kumar Bose (1953-) is a renowned Indian tabla maestro and composer. He belongs to the Benares gharana, a prominent school of tabla playing. Born in Kolkata, Kumar Bose began his training under his father, Biswanath Bose, and later became a disciple of the legendary Pandit Kishan. Kumar Bose is celebrated for his dynamic and innovative performances, both as a solo artist and as an accompanist to many leading Hindustani classical musicians, including Pandit Ravi Shankar. His style is known for its powerful and lyrical approach, utilizing the full range of the Benares gharana's techniques.

• Pandit Aloke Dutta (1953-) is a renowned Bengali tabla player, known for his solo performances and innovative approach to the instrument. Born in Bishnupur, West Bengal, he began his tabla training in 1974 under the guidance of his father, Anadinath Dutta, a multi-percussionist. He also received training from notable tabla maestros Shankar Ghosh and Jnan Prakash Ghosh. Dutta is unique in that he often performs solo tabla concerts, where the tabla is not just an accompaniment but the main focus of the performance. He has authored several books on tabla and released multiple performance CDs.

• Ustad Tari Khan (1953-), originally named as Abdul Sattar Khan, is a highly acclaimed tabla player and vocalist. Born in Lahore, Pakistan, he belongs to the Punjab gharana and was a disciple of Ustad Shaukat Hussain Khan. Tari Khan is renowned for his exceptional skill and has been awarded numerous accolades, including the Pride of Performance Award, Pakistan's highest artistic honor. He gained international fame as an accompanist to legendary ghazal singers like Mehdi Hassan and Ghulam Ali. His performances are known for their intricate rhythmic patterns and expressive quality, making him one of the foremost tabla players globally.

• David R. Courtney (1953-) is a renowned tabla player, writer, and teacher of Indian music. Born in Houston, Texas, he began his study of the tabla in 1972 and later enrolled at the Ali Akbar College of Music in California, where he studied under Ustad Zakir Hussain. In 1976, he moved to Hyderabad, India, to continue his training under the legendary Ustad Shaik Dawood Khan. Courtney has authored several books on Indian music, including "Learning the Tabla" and "Fundamentals of Tabla". He has also been involved in numerous performances, recordings, and workshops worldwide.

• Pandit Anindo Chatterjee (1954-) is a highly acclaimed tabla player from the Farrukhabad Gharana. Born in Kashimpur Village, Duttapukur, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, into a musical family, he began playing the tabla at the age of five. He was the youngest performing artist at All India Radio at that time. Anindo Chatterjee received his training under the guidance of the legendary Pandit Jnan Prakash Ghosh. Known for his breathtaking speed and extraordinary clarity of stroke, he has performed with many renowned musicians, including Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Vilayat Khan, and Pandit Nikhil Banerjee.

• Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan (1954-2005) was a distinguished tabla maestro from the Delhi Gharana. He was the son and disciple of Ustad Chhamma Khan, a prominent exponent of the same gharana. Known for his mastery over clear "bols" (syllables) and the melodious tone of the tabla, Shafaat Ahmed Khan was celebrated for his accompaniment (sangat) and systematic improvisation. Throughout his career, he performed with many legendary musicians, including Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, and Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. He also collaborated with Carnatic musicians in various jugalbandis (duets), showcasing his versatility. In recognition of his contributions to Indian classical music, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 2003.

• Samir Chatterjee (1955-) is a highly acclaimed tabla player from India. Chatterjee has played at prestigious events such as the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo, Norway, and the United Nations General Assembly. He has studied under several renowned teachers from the Farrukhabad Gharana, a prominent school of tabla playing. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with many of India's greatest musicians, including Pt. Ravi Shankar and Ud. Vilayat Khan, as well as with Western musicians like Joshua Bell and Yoko Ono.

• Pandit Nayan Ghosh (1956-) is a distinguished Indian musician known for his mastery of both the tabla and the sitar. He hails from the Farrukhabad Gharana and received extensive training from his father, the legendary Pandit Nikhil Ghosh, as well as from Ustad Ahmed Jan Thirakwa. Nayan Ghosh has performed at prestigious venues worldwide, showcasing his exceptional talent in both instruments. He has accompanied many renowned musicians, including Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Vilayat Khan. In addition to his performance career, he is the director of Sangit Mahabharati, a prestigious music education and research institution in Mumbai.

• Charanjit Chatur Lal (1957-) is the eldest son of the renowned tabla maestro, Pandit Chatur Lal. Born in New Delhi, Charanjit began his training under his father and continued his studies with his father's guru, Ustad Abdul Hafiz Ahmed Khan of Udaipur, after Pandit Chatur Lal's passing. Charanjit has carried forward his father's legacy, performing at various prestigious events and contributing to the promotion of Indian classical music. He is known for his skillful tabla playing and dedication to preserving the rich traditions of Indian percussion.

• Pandit Divyang Vakil (1958-), often referred to as "Guruji", is a renowned tabla player, rhythm composer, and teacher. With over 4 decades of teaching experience, he has trained numerous music professionals and is celebrated for his contributions to the field of rhythm and tabla. Vakil's work extends beyond traditional tabla playing; he has composed thousands of rhythm pieces and has developed a contemporary form of classical tabla performance. His compositions are known for their intricate and innovative rhythmic patterns.

• Ustad Shabbir Nisar (1960-) is a distinguished tabla player and the third son of the legendary Ustad Shaik Dawood Khan. He began his tabla training at the age of four under his father's guidance and gave his first public performance at the age of six. Shabbir Nisar is known for his mastery over various gharanas, including Delhi, Purab (Lucknow and Farrukhabad), Ajrada, and Punjab. He has performed extensively both in India and internationally, captivating audiences with his intricate and expressive tabla playing. He is also a dedicated teacher, nurturing a new generation of tabla players through his academy, the Ustad Shaik Dawood Academy of Music in Hyderabad.

• Pandit Tanmoy Bose (1963-) is a renowned Indian percussionist and tabla player, born and raised in Kolkata, West Bengal. He is known for his contributions to Hindustani classical music, jazz fusion, and world music. Bose began his musical education at the age of seven, learning vocal music from Pandit Maharaj Banerjee and harmonium from Pandit Mantu Banerjee before focusing on tabla. He became a disciple of Pandit Kanai Dutta and later Pandit Shankar Ghosh.

• Ustad Akram Khan (1965-) is a distinguished tabla maestro from the Ajrada gharana. Born into a family of musicians, he is the son of the legendary Ustad Hashmat Ali Khan and represents the seventh generation of tabla players in his family. He received his initial training from his father and later from his great-grandfather, Ustad Mohammad Shafi Khan. Akram Khan is known for his technical proficiency and expressive playing style. He has performed extensively in India and internationally, captivating audiences with his intricate rhythms and dynamic performances. He has also collaborated with many renowned artists and continues to contribute to the world of Indian classical music through his performances and teaching.

• Aneesh Pradhan (1967-) is one of India's leading tabla players, known for his mastery and versatility. He was a disciple of the illustrious tabla maestro Nikhil Ghosh and has inherited a rich repertoire of traditional tabla solo compositions from various gharanas, including Delhi, Ajrada, Lucknow, Farrukhabad, and Punjab. Pradhan is not only a performer but also a composer, author, and researcher. He has received several awards, such as the Aditya Birla Kala Kiran Award and the Vasantotsav Award. His work spans across solo performances, collaborations, and compositions for film, television, and theater.

• Kedar Pandit (1967-) is an accomplished Indian tabla player, music composer, and arranger in the Hindustani classical music genre. Kedar Pandit has accompanied many renowned artists, including Pandit Jasraj, Kaushiki Chakrabarty, and Sanjeev Abhyankar. His parents, Prabhakar Pandit and Anuradha Pandit, were both acclaimed violinists.

• Pandit Yogesh Samsi (1968-) is a renowned tabla player from India. He is the son of the esteemed vocalist Pandit Dinkar Kaikini and was introduced to music at a very young age. Yogesh Samsi began his tabla training under Pandit H. Taranath Rao and later became a disciple of the legendary Ustad Alla Rakha. Yogesh Samsi is celebrated for his mastery of the Punjab gharana and has made significant contributions both as a soloist and accompanist. He has performed with many leading vocalists and instrumentalists, showcasing his exceptional skill and deep understanding of rhythm. Additionally, he is dedicated to teaching and nurturing the next generation of tabla players through his workshops and masterclasses.

• Talvin Singh OBE (1970-) is an acclaimed tabla player, composer, and producer. Born in London, England, Singh began playing the tabla as a child and went to India at the age of 16 to study under Sangeet Acharya Ustad Lachman Singh Seen of the Punjab Gharana. In the early 1990s, Singh gained prominence by collaborating with artists like Siouxsie and the Banshees and Björk. His debut album, "OK," released in 1998, won the prestigious Mercury Music Prize in 1999.

• Pandita Anuradha Pal (1974-) is a trailblazing tabla virtuoso, celebrated as the world's first professional female tabla maestro, as recognized by the Limca Book of Records. Born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, she has gained international acclaim for her exceptional skill and versatility as both a soloist and accompanist. Anuradha Pal has performed over 7000 concerts across 30 countries and has received many awards, including the "First Ladies" National Award and the "Bharat ki Laxmi" title from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She is also the founder of India's first all-girl classical band, Stree Shakti, which has performed at major festivals worldwide. In addition to her performances, Anuradha Pal is a dedicated educator, composer, and researcher. She has composed music for films, documentaries, and albums, and her innovative audio-visual presentations, such as "Anuradha’s Tablas Sing Stories", have been widely acclaimed.

• Sunayana Ghosh (1985-) is a highly acclaimed tabla player known for her exceptional skill and versatility. She is a disciple of the renowned tabla maestro Pandit Shankar Ghosh. Sunayana has been recognized as a prodigy since a young age and has performed extensively in various styles and taals. She has also received numerous national and state-level scholarships awarded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the state of West Bengal. She is not only a performer but also a dedicated teacher, sharing her knowledge through her academy and online platforms.

• Rimpa Siva (1986-) is a renowned Indian tabla player known for being one of the few prominent female tabla players in the world. She was introduced to the tabla at a very young age by her father and guru, Pandit Swapan Siva, who was a disciple of the late Ustad Keramatullah Khan of the Farukhabad gharana. Rimpa Siva has performed extensively both in India and internationally, captivating audiences with her skill and dedication to the art of tabla playing. She was also the subject of the 1999 French documentary film "Rimpa Siva: Princess of Tabla".

• Savani Talwalkar (1987-) is a renowned tabla player, known for her exceptional skill and dedication to Indian classical music. She is the daughter of the legendary tabla maestro, Pandit Suresh Talwalkar, and classical singer Vidushi Padma Talwalkar. Savani began her training in tabla at a young age under the guidance of her father. Her style is a blend of various gharanas (schools of music), which she has mastered through rigorous practice and performances. She has performed at numerous prestigious music festivals and concerts both in India and internationally. In addition to her solo performances, Savani often collaborates with other musicians, showcasing her versatility and deep understanding of rhythm. She is also involved in teaching and mentoring young tabla players, continuing the legacy of her family's rich musical heritage.

• Reshma Pandit (1991-) is a talented tabla player from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. She began her formal training at a young age and has since become one of the few prominent female tabla players in the country. Reshma has performed at various prestigious events, including the Dumru Women of Rhythm Concert Series, where her energetic and powerful solos have captivated audiences. Her performances are known for their finesse and expressive quality, making her a notable figure in the world of Indian classical music.

• Ishaan Ghosh (2000-) is a prominent young tabla player from the Farrukhabad gharana. He is the son and disciple of the renowned tabla and sitar maestro Pandit Nayan Ghosh. Ishaan began his tabla training at a very young age and gave his first solo recital when he was just two years old. He has performed with many stalwarts of Indian classical music, including Pandit Jasraj, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, and Pandit Buddhadev Das Gupta. Ishaan is also known for his innovative approach to tabla playing and has been a speaker at various youth platforms, including TEDx.

For more, see my notes on the tabla:

• Tabla Most Famous Indian Drum 

• Indian Tabla and Popular Talas