The poor tabla

Just back from listening to the Violin maestro N. Rajam. There is little I can say by way of words to describe the concert, mostly because I can't thumb a dictionary that obtuse. So, mostly I sat there with my fingers in my hair trying to ape the man whose emotions were being wrenched out by violin(ce). I fell asleep. But, just before I did, I had an epiphany. I realized that most of these classical dos are just a mask. A front behind which these classical gurus go about their nefarious purpose, of putting the tabla* and the tabla player down. You see, the tabla is not a classical instrument, because of the limited range of sound that it can produce. And just so that the audience too realizes this and has a good laugh at the tabalchi's** expense, no classical concert is deemed worth its higher notes, if it doesn't have a jugalbandi***. A musical duel in which there can be only one winner. Just as soon as the classical instrument moves out of the tabla's range, the tabalchi is required to appear sheepish and prostrate him/her self at the classical khan's foot. And probably bust his drums too, I suppose.
------

A place in my country
By my likeness surrounded,
I should be happy.
For isin't this home?
But, this music, my music, is so far away.
Unreachable.
Even if I died.
Or cried, dry-eyed.
I just want to crawl afar.
And not see a soul.
Ever.
(Thankfully, I have forgotten my spade).
-----------

*Tabla: Indian drums.
**Tabalchi: Indian drummer.
***Jugalbandi: Think of the banjo vs the guitar. The duel.