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With these syllables it is possible to play most of the tunes, the most challenging thing is to maintain the rhythmic pattern.

Kh => Big size close

Ga => Big size open

Ta => Small size open

Ti => Small size closed

Ra => Small sized closed soft

Dha => Ga + Ta

Dhin => Ga + Ti

Tak => Ta + Kh

Khat => Kh + Ti

The dholak is a two-headed hand drum, a folk percussion instrument. The dholak is most commonly recognised in countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, but can also be found amongst the Indo-Diaspora in countries such as Guyana, Suriname, Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa and Mauritius.

The dholak is the most commonly played musical instrument in Northern India. As accompaniment to song or other instruments, the dholak and other two-headed drums similar to it (nāl, dholki, dhol) are used all across the subcontinent in countless folk genres, devotional traditions, and family functions.

Origins of the Tabla DrumsThe small amount of historical evidence suggests that the tabla evolved in South Asia from a variety of possible ancestors and influences, including drums introduced by Muslim invaders such as the naqqara, as well as local drums such as the dholak, dhukkar or duggi, and the pakhawaj drum.