Description
About Dotara
The dotara (dotar 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 dotara is one of the most important instruments used in various genres of folk music in Bengal and Assam. 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.
