References of Tabla Origin in Ancient Scriptures:

History of Tabla instrument even goes back to the period of Ramayana, India knows the magic of percussion instruments. In those olden days also they were fitted with leather on their tops. Even our old scriptures also mention these instruments.  Their images can also be seen in the sketches and carvings in our old caves (Bhaja Caves in the state of Maharashtra in India shows a woman playing Tabla and another woman performing a dance, which dates back to 200 BC). An instrument similar to the tabla was popular in the Yadava rule (1210 to 1247) in South India. An Eklingaji temple in Jaipur, Rajasthan has the carvings of Tabla performance. There are other carvings of double-hand drums similar to the table that date back to 500 BC. A Hosaleshwara temple in Karnatak also has a carving of a woman playing Tabla.These are just a glimpse into the Tabla drum history.

Percussion instruments, on which leather is fitted on top and that create sound from the ink smeared on them can be said as the unique feature of Indian Classical Music.