Iktara / Toombi

Iktara/Ektara – The Iktara Gopi Chand And Toombi

The Iktara literally translates to ‘one string’. Made and used in the villages of India they were and are used in folk music. Its popularity was most probably the ease of its making and ready availability of materials.

The Toombi is very popular with Bhangra Singers. It is often used in the lead to a song/dance before the Bhangra Dhol. Players use the string, the flexible side runners and sometimes even the skin covered base to create music.

Whilst the Iktara/Ektara might be thought of as the opening act of a melody it can holds its own. We have had the pleasure of listening to masterful singers who have accompanied their voice with only this instrument.