![Wooden instrument with grooves](https://cdn-ak.f.st-hatena.com/images/fotolife/g/greathigh-power/20200126/20200126194015.jpg)
Some have claimed that stone sculpture engravings at Bhaja Caves portray a lady playing a pair of drums as proof of the tabla’s ancient Indian origins. According to the Indian point of view, tabla comes from an ancient indigenous civilization.
![wooden instrument with grooves wooden instrument with grooves](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/43/f3/84/43f3844241a348fc87d77a23261b69f7.jpg)
However, some link it back to indigenous musical instruments of the Indian subcontinent.
![wooden instrument with grooves wooden instrument with grooves](https://www.stephensons.com/media/catalog/product/cache/0e5c53a56e3382999c055918f1632d82/3/7/37397.jpg)
This means “drum.” Scholars disagree on the musical instrument’s ultimate origin. The term tabla comes from the Arabic word “Tabl”. Tabla is indeed versatile enough that one can play it solo, with other instruments and voices, or as a part of larger ensembles. It has been the primary percussion instrument in Hindustani classical music since the 18th century. It is an essential element of North Indian classical music.
![wooden instrument with grooves wooden instrument with grooves](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/74/b0/74/74b074546ab0f4f87556d413172e39b2.jpg)
Tabla is a classic percussion instrument of North Indian origin incorporating twin hand drums.
![Wooden instrument with grooves](https://cdn-ak.f.st-hatena.com/images/fotolife/g/greathigh-power/20200126/20200126194015.jpg)