Gujarat, Pakistan
Gujarati People

Bamboo, gourd, metal, wood
Early-Mid 20th century
Length: 47.75 in, Gourd diameter: 12 in, Post diameter: 2.25 in
Chordophones – Lutes

The ramsagar (dotara) is a very rare long-necked, fretless lute from Gujrat, Pakistan.  This instrument is made from a large hollow bamboo post with a large gourd and a small section of animal skin stretching across the soundhole.  There are two large stylized wooden tuning pegs and strings.  Wide copper bands are wrapped around the bamboo at regular intervals, seven in total.  The skin head is held on by matching metal rivets, and the bamboo is stuck through the gourd (spike lute) to create a neck and end piece.  The tailpiece is also made of metal with screws for fine tuning. 

Gujarat has a long and rich tradition of elaborate classical and earthy folk music. The state is known for different forms of music, appropriate for different occasions. Some of the major types of music include lullabies, festival songs, wedding songs, devotional music, and Rannade (different types of Gujarati folk songs).