The roots of Indian classical music traditions, with the tabla at its rhythmic core, extend back to Vedic times. While the exact origins remain unclear, theories abound regarding its birth. Carvings in ancient Bhaja Caves and temples hint at its ancient roots, with the word "Tabla" itself having Sanskrit origins, linking it to Vedic culture. The tabla's journey, closely intertwined with the rise of khyal, a major form of Hindustani classical music, during the Mughal era, contributed to the foundation of North Indian classical music, Hindustani Sangeet. The emergence of tabla gharanas in the 1700s further enriched its repertoire, solidifying its status as the most sought-after drum in North India.