Dotara

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The dotara (or dotar) (Assamese: দোতোৰা dûtûra, Bengali: দোতারা, Rangpuri: দোতোৰা dotora, literally, “Of [or ‘having’] two strings”) is a two-stringed, plucked musical instrument from Assam and Bengal, South Asia, with most contemporary models having four playing strings (similar to the sarod). It is the national instrument of Bangladesh. The dotara is played in combination with other instruments in bhawaiya, murshidi, marfati, jari gan and kavigan.^[1] Comparatively, the sarod is a slightly larger and more elaborate instrument, being built with an additional set of resonant sympathetic strings. However, the dotara is still quite resonant and projective of its own sound, due to its rounded shape and overall construction. It is commonly played in Bangladesh (where it is known as the national instrument)^[2] and the Indian states of Assam, West Bengal and Bihar. It was mentioned in a 14th-century Saptakanda Ramayana. Later, it was adopted by the ascetic cults of Bauls and Fakirs.^[3]