The scent of freshly cut neem wood lingers in the air as fine dust settles on the floor of a small workshop in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh. A wooden block, still rough at the edges, spins on a hand-operated machine. Beside it, an artisan leans forward, his hands steady, eyes sharp. Every curve he shapes will decide the depth of the tabla’s voice — a sound that will someday fill homes and concert halls alike.

This is not a factory. There are no conveyor belts here. Each instrument is a labour of love, born of skill passed down through generations.

The craft that echoes through generations

Amroha’s connection with the tabla runs deep. Locals believe this craft came to the region centuries ago with musicians and artisans drawn by its natural resources — strong woods like mango and sheesham, and goatskin, both perfect for shaping an instrument that balances strength with delicacy.

Over time, tabla-making became more than work; it turned into a family legacy.

“My grandfather, Nandram Ji, started making tablas in 1950,” shares Rajiv Kr Prajapati, owner of Ram Musical Handicrafts and Chairman of the Dholak Hastkala Association. “My father continued the work, and when I joined, it was with the same love for music and the same goal — to keep this craft alive.”

Rajiv’s workshop is one of many in Amroha, yet his role extends beyond his family business. As the head of the association, he speaks for a........

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