---
url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-in/faq/instruments-artforms/what-is-the-difference-between-the-mridangam-and-the-tabla'
title: 'What is the difference between the mridangam and the tabla?'
author:
  name: rajeevk
  url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-in/user/fce96177fd193d3a'
date: '2026-10-19T14:57:03+00:00'
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summary: 'The mridangam is one double-headed drum played across the lap; tradition says the tabla came from a mridangam split in two, though this is unverified.'
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---
 

 FAQ · Instruments & artforms

# What is the difference between the mridangam and the tabla?

 Updated 19 October 2026

 

The **[mridangam](/en-in/instrument/mridangam)** is one double-headed barrel drum, played across the lap with both heads struck by the hands. It is the principal percussion of Carnatic music in South India. A widely held tradition says the tabla of Hindustani music came from a mridangam split in two, but this story is unverified. Its closest Hindustani relative is the larger pakhawaj.



 

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## Related pages

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- [   Mridangam The mridangam is the double-headed jackfruit-wood barrel drum of Carnatic music. Its treble and bass heads give the full range of strokes, from the open tha to…     ](/en-in/instrument/mridangam)
 
  

 

 

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