Here are links to a couple of informative articles about the tabla. The tabla is primarily an accompaniment instrument in the popular Hindustani classical form of music. The famous Indian poet Amir Khusrau has been credited with the invention of the tabla drums by splitting another Indian percussion instrument, the pakhawaj, into two parts. There are 6 recognized gharanas or schools of tabla which define tabla tradition and are set apart from each other in terms of unique tabla playing styles, techniques and compositions (bols) , and guru-shishya paramparas. The drum that is played with the right hand is called the dayan or tabla and is typically made of sheesham wood and is tuned to a specific note (for example, C sharp) and thus complements a melody. The drum that is played with the left hand is called the bayan or dagga and is typically made of brass or copper and provides a rich bass tone. Both drum shells are tightly bound with a goat-skin head or puri. The puri has a central spot called the syahi which is made up of starch and various black metallic powders. Both drums are located on a cloth bundle called the chutta. The manner in which the puris are bound and the shape and construction of the syahi are instrumental in defining the pitch clarity and tonal qualities of each tabla instrument.