Ektara

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The ektara (Bengali: একতারা, Nepali: एकतारे; literally 'one-string', also called, ektar, golki Nepali: गोल्) is a one-stringed musical instrument used in the traditional music of Bengal, and used in modern-day music of Bangladesh, and eastern India. Two-stringed versions are called dotara (two strings), a name which also applies to another instrument of the same name. In origin, the ektara was a regular string instrument of Bauls and is plucked with one finger. The ektara is a drone lute consisting of a gourd resonator covered with skin, through which a bamboo neck is inserted. It is used in parts of India and Nepal today by Yogis and wandering holy men to accompany their singing and prayers. In Nepal, the instrument accompanies the singing of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. There are three other instruments used in South Asia which sometimes go by the same name as the ektara but are not related. One form resembles a lute. To make that version, a bamboo stick (90 cm long) is inserted through...

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