Dotora
Musical Instrument
History
The Dotara, a plucked string instrument from Assam and Bengal, dates back to the 14th–16th centuries. It is widely played in Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, and Bangladesh, where it is considered the national instrument. The Saptakanda Ramayana (14th century) mentions it, and later, it became popular among Fakirs and Bauls. Traditionally it is a two-stringed instrument.
Raw Materials and Tools
RAW MATERIALS:
Jackfruit wood or Chhatim wood; monitor lizard or goat hide; cooked rice paste; bamboo or wooden tuning pegs; metal or silk strings.
TOOLS:
Chisels and knives; sandpaper; clamps; awl or burning tool; peg shaper.
Process
The Dotara is carved from a single block of wood, hollowed to form a resonator. The hide is soaked for 12 hours, softened, and stretched over the hollow, then secured with rice paste. The neck tapers into a peg box, where bamboo or wooden pegs hold the strings. The bridge (ghora) supports the strings, which are stretched from the frame to the top pegs. The hollow’s shape determines tonal quality, with rounder hollows producing a sweeter sound.
Design and Color
The Dotara typically has a smooth, polished wooden body in natural brown hues. Traditional designs feature hand-carved motifs on the neck and peg box. Some instruments are painted or decorated with floral or tribal patterns. The hide covering the resonator is usually left in its natural color but may darken over time. Some modern versions incorporate lacquer or varnish for protection and aesthetic appeal.
Product Range
Dotaras vary in size and string configurations. Traditional versions have two strings, while modern adaptations have four strings for a wider tonal range. Decorative and painted Dotaras are crafted for collectors and musicians. The instrument remains a staple in Bengali and Assamese folk traditions.