Dotara

The dotara (or dotar) (Bengali: দোতারা, literally, 'Of or having two wires') is a two, four, or sometimes five-stringed musical instrument resembling a sarod. It is commonly used in Assam, Bangladesh, West Bengal & Bihar, and dates from the 15th-16th century when it was adopted by the ascetic cults of Bauls and Fakirs.

The equivalent as a traditional long-necked two-stringed lute is found in Central Asia as dutar (Persian: دو تار‎‎, Uzbek: dutor) (also doutar).

The dotara is one of the most important instruments used in various genres of folk music in Bengal. It has two main forms, the bangla and the bhawaiya. The bangla form originated in the Rahr Bangla region, where it is still predominantly played. It has metal strings, which give it a brighter tone than other instruments played in the area. Although a dotara can have 4-5 strings, most playing is done primarily on two strings, hence the name.

The bhawaiya form is almost extinct in contemporary times, that has a more primeval beginning than its bangla cousin. Again the strings are its striking feature, being made either of thick cotton, silk or more popularly of catgut, giving it a more bass-rich tone. This instrument is widely used in eastern folk music forms such as the Bhhawaiya - of which the Goalpariya is a relatively well known subcategory - the Mahishali, and the Baul forms prevailing in and around the Bengal Province, including areas in Assam and East Bihar.

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