| Tokari | |
| Background: | string |
| Classification: | |
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The Tokari (Assamese: টোকাৰী) is a stringed instrument played with the fingertips.[1] [2] The Tokari is the most widely used and popular stringed instruments in different parts of Assam.[3] It is an ancient folk instrument of Assam. The instrument is usually made by covering a shell of Mango or Cham wood with the skin of a goat.[4] [5] It has many similarities to the "Dotara",[6] another such folk instrument prevalent in southern Assam. The Tokari is slightly larger and wider than the Dotora. It also has many similarities to the Ruan, a Chinese musical instrument.[6]
It is believed that the name Tokari derives from the Assamese word "tokar" (Assamese: টোকৰ), meaning the sound produced by knocking.[6]
Tokari is usually played with Tokari geet. A tokari can be also played with Dihanaam, Deh Bichar Geet, Bairagi geet, Phul Kowar aru Mani Konwaror geet, Maniram Dewanor geet, Assamese religious songs, Jikir and Jari etc.[7]