Country boats in Bangladesh

Water transportation is an important means of communication in Bangladesh, a floodplain with approximately 405 rivers[1] and numerous oxbow lakes (locally known as haor). Traditional country boats are still popular and they provide low cost convenient transport in this extensive inland waterways. Approximately 150 types of boats still populate the floodplain, and they vary in design, size and construction materials.[2] They would be either of Bainkata type or of flat bottom type. A bainkata type boat would have a golui fore and a spoon shaped hull whereas a flat bottom type would have neither.

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Sampan and dingi type boats at Cox's bazar
Country boats in the haor areas of Sunamganj District

Rivers and boats are central to traditional Bengali culture, and they have fascinated generations of Bengali artists and poets.

Types
Sampan, Balam, Teddy, Bajra, Jali
  • Bainkata type
Ghasi, jong, gachari, dorakha, kathami, mallar, paloani, patam, panshi and bedi.
  • Kosha (flat bottom without golui)
Bhudi, Raptani

Boat making

Wood is the most commonly used material. Traditionally, boats are made by carpenters who learned their skill through an apprenticeship. Seasoning of timber is important in boat making. Commonly used timber are from local woods jarul (Dipterocarpus turbinatus), sal (Shorea robusta), sundari (Heritiera fomes), and Burma teak (Tectona grandis).

Preservation of craftsmanship

While wooden boats are still frequently used in Bangladeshi country life, they are often mechanized and the intricate craftsmanship in making these boats is, for the most part, underutilized. Very few steps are being taken to preserve these techniques and among them is Friendship, whose cultural preservation sector is working with some of the last master craftsmen of wooden boats in recreating them, along with recording and researching the history and techniques of boat-making.[3] In 2006, Runa Khan Marre of Friendship was awarded a Rolex Award for Enterprise for work in preserving traditional Bengali boat-building skills.[4]

  • A miniature model of Balami Nouka
    A miniature model of Balami Nouka
  • The moon boat is a traditional fishing boat of the Cox 's Bazar District (কক্সবাজার জেলা) in southeastern Bangladesh end
    The moon boat is a traditional fishing boat of the Cox 's Bazar District (কক্সবাজার জেলা) in southeastern Bangladesh end
  • A miniature model of Jessore Nouka
    A miniature model of Jessore Nouka
  • Nouka Baich (Boat Race) is one of the most traditioonal form of entertain from people of Bangladesh
    Nouka Baich (Boat Race) is one of the most traditioonal form of entertain from people of Bangladesh
  • A miniature model of Goyna Nouka
    A miniature model of Goyna Nouka
  • Bangladeshi fisherman resting in the shade of a sampan in Barishal
    Bangladeshi fisherman resting in the shade of a sampan in Barishal

See also

References
  1. "Bangladesh Water Development Board | On Going Project". www.bwdb.gov.bd. Retrieved 2021-12-22.
  2. Nasreen, Zobaida (2012). "Boat". In Islam, Sirajul; Jamal, Ahmed A. (eds.). Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Second ed.). Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.
  3. "Friendship - Cultural Preservation". Archived from the original on 2015-03-03. Retrieved 2015-03-11.
  4. "Runa Khan Marre : Photos". Rolex Awards for Enterprise. Archived from the original on 6 August 2012.
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