Basic Difference in Tabla and Pakhwaj Playing Styles

The Tabla uses a ‘finger tip and hand technique played from the top’. On the other hand, the Pakhawaj and mridangam primarily use the full palm and are sideways in motion.

As, there is no reliable record about the Tabla, its history has always been a topic of arguments. However, it is quite indicative that the tabla was most probable product of experiments with pakhawaj, mridang, dholak and nagara. Thus, is the concise history of Tabla.