The term originates from the Persian word naubat, which means nine types of instruments. Currently, only Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah, Perak and Selangor maintain Nobat ensembles, with the instrumentation differing by state. The Kedah and Perak ensembles are the oldest in the federation, while those of Terengganu and Selangor use loaned sets (the former from the Riau-Lingga Sultanate, last used there in 1910, and the latter a complete set from Perak given when the state's first ruler was enthroned). Kelantan's ensemble, reformed in 2016, is the youngest (existing since the early 20th century). It is termed Pasukan Gendang Besar Diraja only in that state, unlike the four others which are titled nobat.
