Reviving Tradition: The Awe-Inspiring Centuries-Old Chhot, Bengal’s Sole Maritime Legacy Preserved for Future Generations
Reviving Bengal’s Maritime Gem: The Chhot Boat Makes a Historic Journey to Preservation
One of Bengal’s most iconic and historically significant boats, the chhot, has been meticulously recreated for preservation at the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, Gujarat. This initiative, a collaboration between British and Indian experts, seeks to immortalize a vessel that vanished from use some three decades ago.
The chhot, known for navigating against currents and braving the sea, was a vital cargo carrier in Bengal. Its extinction was due to severe siltation of the Rupnarayan River, exacerbated by upstream dams under the Damodar Valley Project. The new model, crafted in 2022 under expert supervision at the Dihimondal ghat in Howrah district, faced delays in paperwork but is set to embark on a significant journey on July 25. It will travel to Kolkata port before its final destination.
Notably, the construction was overseen by Panchanan Mondal, a veteran with over 70 years of experience, alongside skilled artisans Amal, Mani Mohan, Dilip, and Dipak. Funded by Arcadia and assisted by the British Museum, the project involved contributions from John Cooper and Zeeshan Ali Shaikh from the University of Exeter, UK, and Kolkata’s Swarup Bhattacharyya.
Dr. Bhattacharyya, an anthropologist committed to documenting Bengal’s maritime heritage, emphasizes the chhot’s unique design—a 35 ft long and 5.5 ft wide vessel with a V-shaped cross-section ideal for deep waters. The project, part of the Endangered Material Knowledge Programme, aims to revitalize interest and knowledge about this significant maritime craft, potentially around for a thousand years before its decline.
"This project ensures the chhot’s legacy spreads not only in Bengal but across India and the world," said Dr. Bhattacharyya, highlighting the educational and cultural importance of this endeavor.
Photo Credit: Special arrangement
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kolkata/the-centuries-old-chhot-bengals-only-maritime-boat-revived-for-posterity/article68441462.ece
Category : Kolkata
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