Delhi gharānā

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The Delhi Gharana is the oldest of all tabla gharanas, and is also the first to establish improvisation rules. It was founded in the early 18th century by Siddhar Khan. Khan, having been a pakhvaj player, was responsible for incorporating pakhvaj bhols to the style. However, the tabla, not the pakhvaj, is now the main instrument of the Delhi gharana. A few important tabla Ustads are Gamay Khan (1883-1958), who was the most important player of the twentieth century, his son Inam Ali Khan, and Chatur Lal.