John Abrahams playing the Tabla It is hard to describe the sound of the Tabla, and how it differs from other drums. The smaller of the two drums is tighter and makes a sharper sound. The larger is looser and the tension and sound is altered by the drummer moving his/her wrist across the head.  This gives the Tabla a unique and beautiful song.

The Tabla is not an easy instrument to play! You play the smaller drum with the pads of your fingers on the right hand, while keeping your palm on the side of the drum. The larger drum is played by hammering the tip of your finger while sliding your wrist back and forth to change the sound. It takes a lot of force from your little fingers to make them sing.

This was my sad attempt to play the Tabla.
Urmilaji's elder son Vishal is a Master of the Tabla at the age of 20 and is also John's Guru.
Here's a picture of how he got started..

Another site with lots of info about the Tabla
The Sitar