A Literal meaning of Tabla.

Ta =Tala or Rhytm
B   = bola or words used
La = Laya (Speed, tempo of flow.)

A general history of Tabla

It has been found different versions and opinions of our scholars of music regarding the invention of Tabla. There is one opinion that in about 13th century Amir Khusoro had invented Sitar and Tabla. The other version is that there was a rhythm instrument known as Atabla, which used to be played during some special festivals, ceremonies and wars as a signal in Arabic region Therefore, it is said that is the result of Atabal.

According to our previous scholars, Tabla produces mainly the ten words. In Dayan there are seven words and Bayan has three words. They are
In dayan- na, ta, tin, tun, din, tit, tete
In bayan- gha, ga, ka