Parvez Ali Anwar Khan / Wooden Boat

Wooden Boat Collection

Bangladesh is a riverine country. Large and small rivers, streams and rivulets, offshoots and tributaries flow down from the Himalayas, criss-cross the land and fall into the Bay of Bengal. From pre-historic times, the people learnt to live with rivers. Their habitat, livelihood, farming, fishing, trade, etc. --- all depended upon natural water courses.

They took advantage of their natural environment and made log rafts and crude wooden dingis for trade and inter-village communication. With time, those underwent improvements and gradually turned into efficient country boats, which still dot our waterways today.

The boats played a leading part during our liberation war. The boatmen rose to the occasion, and braving the marauding occupation forces, fearlessly helped muktijoddhas in their courageous and surreptious forays, often during night time. The country boats are built according to the purpose of their use, local geo-physical features and waterway characteristics.

Nevertheless modern day technological advances caused the sluggish country boats to get replaced by  faster launches, trawlers and steamers. The ten (10) models shown here are only a few. Many more variety exist; and many have lost their usefulness and became obsolete. The Bangladeshi nation has a rich and wonderful heritage. The country boats is a part of that glorious legacy.

The country boats, at least their replicas, require to be preserved for posterity.

KOKRA  GOLOI

It is a small boat of about 15 feet length.  Found mostly in Chandpur and nearby region, it is used for netting fish. A single fisherman can operate it.  

KARNAFULY SAMPAN

A familiar boat seen mostly in Chattogram and nearby coastal areas, it ferries passengers. A single boatman can ply the boat bout. It is about 15 feet long.  

JALIA  DINGI

A boat having a length of about 15 feet is used for fishing in inland waters. Made of wood, it is usually maneuvered by oars. Due to its small size, it can be used by a single fisherman.

SWARUPKATHI  CARGO  BOAT

A wooden boat meant to transport large logs and wood, it abounds in Sunderban area. It is about 30 feet long. Being heavy, four to six persons are required to maneuver it.

MARWARI

A flat bottomed boat which carries merchandize for long distance, it uses sails and oars. It is about 15 to 20 feet long. Several boatmen have to operate it.

SULLUK  SAMPAN

This is a large cargo boat for carrying several tons of goods. It is a familiar sight in Chattogram and vicinity. About 35 ft. long, it uses sails. When wind is not favorable, oars have to be used.

JUTE BOAT

This is a cargo boat. It is used mainly for transporting jute. In lean seasons, consumer items and sundry goods are transported. It is about 40 feet long. It abounds mostly in Sylhet region.

PAHARI  KOSH

This is a special type of boat used in Chattogram Hill Tracts.  It is made from a long tree trunk. It is about 40 feet long with no joints.  It is used for passengers as well as goods.

MARANGA

Found generally in Mymensingh and its vicinity, it carries jute; but in other seasons, it carries various merchandize. Several persons operate it using oars and sails. It is about 25 feet long.

PANSHI

Panshi is a boat furnished for comfort and luxury. Owned by zamindars and other elites, it was used only for their movement.  About 35 feet in length, several persons operate in it.

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