Ektara/gopicand/gupi

Also called ektara. Comprised of a gourd resonator and two bamboo struts. A single-stringed chordophone played with a plectrum. One end of the string is fixed in place at the bottom of the gourd with a piece of animal skin. One of the player's hands holds both of the two struts and plucks with the remaining fingers. The strength of the grip detarmines the tuning, which is very free. Used mainly by the mystic devotees called baul as a rhythm instrument in religious songs and dances.