Abstract:
A notable feature of many South Asian classical and folk drumming traditions is the use of spoken onomatopoeic syllables which represent performed drum sounds and combinations of sounds (bols or solkattu). Syllables such as "dha, ta, tin, tira, dhumakita" have corresponding drum strokes whose timbre is of close homophonous relation to the drum syllables. The three main drumming traditions commonly identified with this "drum language" are mrdangam, pakhawaj, and tabla; arguably, it is the tablašs drum language which is given the greatest amount of popular and academic representation. Tabla is especially prominent for the variety of bols [syllables] which are used in modern performance practice; a result of the syncretic nature of this drum.

Until recently these drum syllables functioned primarily as an "oral notation" for educational transmission of various types of performance genres such as rhythmic compositions and metered cycles. Syllablic recitation is now a common feature of tabla and mrdangam solos, and has frequently been presented as an independent art form. There are also several "world beat" pop musicians who use either a tabla player or have learned bol recitation as catchy new material for their music.  

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  Graphic Design, Eric Parker and Assoc. Ltd., Copyright © 1997
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First Publication July 23, 1997 - This page updated October 8, 2004