Dear Pete McClelland,

I am retired Wing Commander Mir Ali Akhtar from Bangladesh, I am a folklorist. My work area is Tista-Dhorla river basin. I looked at your website which is very interesting, but did not find the following ancient folk instruments found in my research area. If you wish you may include them in your list. You do not have to pay any money for these, however, thanks will be accepted. Best regards. Ali

BOMMBANSHI

The Bombashi is a fipple flute found in Tista_Dharla river basin of Bangladesh. This special type of flute is a necessary accompaniment for a local folk theatre “Poddopuran”. It is made of bamboo, having seven playing holes.

BENA

Bena is a single string bowing ancient folk musical instrument found in Tista_Dharla river basin of Bangladesh. It is a necessary accompaniment for a local folk theatre “Kushan".

SARINDA

Sarinda is a three string folk musical instrument of Bangladesh. Experts think it is crude version of Classical instrument Sarengi.

DOTRA (North-Bengal)

This Dotra is a four string folk musical instrument found in the Northern part of Bangladesh. It is the main accompaniment of Vaoaiya the mainstream folk song of Northern part of Bangladesh. It is played with a small wooden peg. There is another version of dotra is also available in the rest of the part of Bangladesh. Said to be the smaller and folk version of Classical instrument Sorod.