Created by Gyani24
Last edited July 11, 2025


Tokari
A Singer playing 'Tokari'
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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]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

It is believed that the name Tokari derives from the Assamese word "tokar" (Assamese: টোকৰ), meaning the sound produced by knocking.[6]

Uses[edit | edit source]

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]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "TOKARI". Indian Culture Portal. Retrieved 21 Feb 2023.
  2. "টোকাৰী". Xobdo.org. Retrieved 21 Feb 2023.
  3. Gogoi Dr Leela. Oxomiya Lok-xahityor ruprekha (in Assamese) (1st ed.). pp. 91–96.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  4. "টোকাৰী" (in Assamese). Vikaspedia. Retrieved 21 Feb 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  5. "Tokari". Anvesha.co.in. Archived from the original on 2016-05-27.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 Dilip Ranjan Barthakur (2003). The Music And Musical Instruments Of North Eastern India. Mittal Publications. pp. 131–. ISBN 978-81-7099-881-5.
  7. Dharmeswar Boruah (2005). অসমৰ বাদ্যযন্ত্ৰ:টোকাৰী. Beena Mondir. p. 44.


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