Specially meant for carrying straw from Sundarbans to Kolkata propelled by sail and oar.
The Khorokisti, a meticulously constructed straw-carrying vessel native to Bengal, measures fifty haat (with one haat equivalent to 1.5 feet) in length and fifteen haat in width. This shallow-draft boat was traditionally used to traverse the waters from Geonkhali in the Medinipur district to Sundarban. Its primary function was to load between three hundred and fifty to four hundred kahon (a local unit for measuring straw) and unload it in various regions of Kolkata. The boat's construction is entirely reliant on nailing and is propelled by a lug sail, featuring a rectangular stern post rudder. When fully loaded, the Khorokisti couldn't move on its own, hence a smaller boat named Chhot would tow it. Over time, the Chhot was replaced by a motorized launch. Unfortunately, these distinctive boats are no longer found in Bengal.
3 comments:
It would be good if there is a picture of the boat without the straw load. What are the dimensions of the boat and what is its displacement?
I have those photographs. but you have to wait for few days. Length of the boat is 60 feet, Maximum width 15-20 feet. Depth at mid hull approximately 4-6 feet.
Thanks for the information. I will be leaving for Bangalore on 4 January for a month. It would be good if we could meet before that. I will set up a meeting with Mr. Manab Pal
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