Delhi Gharana

It is the oldest and the first gharana of tabla. Credit for establishing it goes to Ustad Siddhar Khan Dhadi. Dhadi is a sect that was mainly known for entertainers. Delhi Gharana is also referred to as Kinaar baaj or Do ungaliyon ka baaj (use of two fingers on the syahi part). We don’t have an exact date of the origin of this gharana, but it is believed that it was established in the 18th century during the reign of Mohammad Shah. (Almost 300-350 Years back)

The focus of this gharana is mainly on:

1.    Qaida (a structured improvisation consisting of a theme and variations)

2.    Relas (continuous flow of intricately woven strokes played at very high speed)

3.    Mukhdas (extremely short phrases played towards the end of the taal) 

4.    Mohras (short sprightly phrases with an even shorter tihai) 

It features virtuosic, sometimes difficult-to-play compositions. The syllables mostly used are Dha, Dhage, Ta, Tita, Kita, Dhin, Na. Most of the compositions are in Chatushra Jaati (multiples of two, four, or eight counts, in the original speed). Some of the Tabla players from this gharana are Ustad Roshan Khan, Ustad Chand Khan, Ustad Inam Ali Khan, Ustad Azim Khan, and Ustad Latif Ahmed Khan.