Can I use any type of mallets to play tabla?

WHY TABLA ? WHY NOT ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT? WHY NOT THE ELECTRIFYING GUITAR OR KEYBOARD ?

It is because it is an Indian Instrument which holds an distinct name and position in Indian Music. The  grammy award winners from India are mostly classical musicians ,such as the great Pandit Ravi Shankar,Ustad Zakir Hussain etc. On basing that ,tabla is the reincarnation of Pakhawaj where the instrument has been divided into two parts to be known and recognized as tabla. Samaveda contains the importance of Nada or Sound where it has been clearly given about the significance of Indian Drumming,similar to meditation this art has become a reputed one in countries abroad.

BENEFITS OF TABLA LEARNING:

1. Playing tabla can help students grow academically; it can improve students' ability to concentrate and compliment their studies in the arts, math, science, language arts, history & physical fitness.

2. According to scientific research, playing music, and hence drumming and playing percussion, increases the development of various regions of the brain, including the corpus callosum, motor and auditory cortexes. 

3. Playing drums and rhythms can be an optimal experience and encourages participants of all ages to achieve flow.

4. Drumming is a healing art and therefore it can give participants of any age a better sense of well being.

5. Hand drumming (and regular participation in any form of percussion playing) increases the physical stamina of students.

6. Drumming increases body awareness & kinesthetic development; drumming helps students develop graceful coordination and self-control.

7. Playing rhythms improves listening skills and increases children and teens' ability to focus for extended periods of time.

8. In general, the increasing of rhythmic skills - and the learning of any musical instrument - increases students' confidence.  

9. Playing rhythmic music helps students to take notice of the rhythms and beauty in nature and their surroundings.

10. Drumming in group formats, such as drum circles, bands and orchestras cultivates an appreciation for teamwork and cooperation.

11. Drum circles are great ethnic and cultural bridges; they harmoniously bring diverse people, instruments and musical styles together.

12. If parents play or take interest in the musical and learning process of their children, then drumming can be a means to forge meaningful bonds between parents and children.