Q: What is the difference between Calcutta and Bombay style drums?

A: The main difference is in the heads. Simply put, Calcutta heads are thinner than Bombay (or Delhi or Benares or Hyderbad) heads. Thus Calcutta tablas are easier to play in the sense that you don't have to strike the drum as hard to get a good sound. At their best, Calcutta tablas produce a sweet bell-like tone that one hears in the playing of Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri. The downside of Calcutta heads is that they tend not to last as long as their thicker counterparts. Bombay heads are thicker, and thus more durable. At their best, they produce an earthy, woody sound that one hears in the playing of Zakir Hussain. These are generalizations, of course. Tabla heads are animal products and thus vary greatly. Some Calcutta heads will last for years and some Bombay heads will wear out quickly.

There is less difference in the shells. If you look inside a Calcutta tabla you will see that it is chiseled out by hand. Bombay tablas are lathed out and smooth inside. The difference this produces in sound is debatable.

Bombay bayas tend to be a little taller and have a wider belly than Calcutta bayas. Again the differene in sound is subtle.

In conclusion, one style is not "better" A lot of one's preference is based on where in India you or your teacher is from, and what kind of sound you are used to.