Nearly all instruments used by Bauls have alternative names; these given below are common ones. Some alternatives are listed at the end of each entry when appropriate.


Ektara
Duggi
Ghungur & Nupur

The above three instruments taken together have acquired a strong association with the conventional and idealized image of the Baul performer.

Khamak
Khanjoni
Khol
Dotara
Violin
Sarinda
Kartal & Mandira

Kartal & Mandira


These are two types of bell metal cymbals giving a clear ringing tone.  Kartal are about five inches in diameter and have a small concave boss at the center.  Mandira are smaller, cup-shaped cymbals.  Both are played with contrasting open and damped sounds to underline the meter and to play simple rhythmic patterns.  They are a regular accompaniment to Vaisnava kirtan and many other types of devotional music.