The Beginning
Origins in the Historic City Radio Tabla House
A Heritage of Craftsmanship Since 1910
The story of Akbar Miya Tablas™ is rooted in more than a century of dedication to the art of handcrafted tabla making in Hyderabad, India.
Our journey traces back to the historic City Radio Tabla House, one of the earliest identities associated with the family’s instrument-making tradition in Hyderabad. During a time when music flourished in courts, cultural gatherings, temples, and community performances across the region, the workshop became known for its commitment to quality craftsmanship and authentic sound.
First Generation
Ustad Akbar Miya (1889–1951)
In 1910, Ustad Akbar Miya assumed responsibility for the family craft and devoted his life to the art of tabla making. Through discipline, consistency, and an uncompromising dedication to quality, he established a strong reputation among musicians throughout Hyderabad during the era of the Nizam.
His handcrafted tablas, pakhawaj, dholaks, and other percussion instruments became trusted by musicians, performers, and music enthusiasts alike. The standards of workmanship he established became the foundation of a legacy that continues to this day.
Second Generation
Ustad Mohammed Yousuf (1930–1991)
Following the passing of Ustad Akbar Miya in 1951, his sole son, Ustad Mohammed Yousuf, carried the family tradition forward with remarkable dedication.
Determined to preserve and strengthen the reputation built by his father, he continued the workshop’s work while maintaining the traditional methods that had defined the family craft. Under his leadership, the workshop became widely respected for the tonal balance, reliability, and quality of its instruments.
A craftsman known for his discipline and commitment to excellence, Ustad Mohammed Yousuf devoted several years to developing specialized equipment to assist in the preparation of traditional syahi. Through nearly four to five years of experimentation and personal effort, he successfully created machines that supported the production process while preserving the handmade character and traditional quality of the craft.
Believing that traditional knowledge should be preserved through practice, he introduced all five of his sons to the craft from a very young age. Under his guidance, they learned every stage of traditional tabla making, from wood selection and shell preparation to syahi work, tuning, and final finishing.
Beyond his family, Ustad Mohammed Yousuf also mentored aspiring craftsmen. Among those who learned under his guidance was Qasim Khan Niazi, who later established his own path in Delhi after receiving training and encouragement from Mohammed Yousuf.
Through his dedication, innovation, and commitment to teaching, Ustad Mohammed Yousuf played a significant role in ensuring the continuity of the family tradition and the preservation of authentic tabla making.
Third Generation
Following the passing of Ustad Mohammed Yousuf in 1991, the responsibility of preserving the family tradition passed to his five sons, all of whom had learned the craft under their father’s guidance from a very young age.
The third generation consists of:
- Mohammed Akber (Sadeq)
- Mohammed Azhar (Sajid)
- Mohammed Ather (Nayeem Ji)
- Mohammed Ismail (Khalid)
- Mohammed Naseem
Together, they carried forward the values, techniques, and dedication that had been passed down through generations.
In the early 2000s, Mohammed Akber and Mohammed Azhar established independent workshops of their own, while the historic workshop continued under the stewardship of Mohammed Ather (Nayeem Ji), Mohammed Ismail, and Mohammed Naseem.
Today, the historic workshop continues under the name Akbar Miya & Brothers. Operating from Hyderabad, the family remains dedicated to the same principles of craftsmanship, authenticity, and attention to detail that have guided the workshop for generations, serving musicians across India and around the world.
Fourth Generation
Mohammed Saif
As the family legacy continues, the fourth generation is preparing to carry this tradition into the future.
Mohammed Saif is currently learning under the guidance of the senior craftsmen of the family, gaining hands-on experience in traditional tabla making, workshop operations, customer relations, and global outreach through Akbar Miya Tablas™.
While the workshop remains under the leadership of the third generation, the next generation is being carefully prepared to ensure that the values, craftsmanship, and traditions of Akbar Miya & Brothers continue for years to come.