The tabla is an exquisite musical instrument beyond parallel. It's tonal range and fluidity remains unmatched by any percussion instrument. The mridangam can't go as high as it does, nor can the pakhwaj go as low and deep as the tabla does. It's something emotive and evoking. It speaks a language of precision and perfection. It's a joy to listen and play the tabla. But it's a very physical art, obviously. Every step of the way, you would be straining your muscles. The tuning - you have to pull and stretch the bayan till it is taut, and that can really kill you. The hammering can also be quite difficult as you also have to be careful not to break the tabla and your fingers. The playing also can be tough. Sometimes you are required to play continuously, with increasing speed for a perido of 20-30 minutes, and that can seriously kill any feeling in your hands. You'll literally be playing numb, but who cares? This physicality is something that is integral to the whole experience.

And this is why, I play the tabla.

EDIT: There is one thing I dislike about tabling. You have to use copious amounts of talcum powder to play smoothly, or else you'll get a goddawful screech. When you wash your hands, the talcum powder becomes a paste and sticks to your hands, and then it dries. So you are left with a toxic sludge on your hands which can only be removed with excessive scrubbing. Also when applying said talcum powder, powder clouds form and the smell travels far. As such, people start sneezing, and this is worsened in enclosed spaces. My talcum powder bottle becomes an enemy of state.