Page 639 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

KER ALA  637

Boats of Kerala

Kerala’s ancient boat-building industry is a specialized part of its rich wood-working
tradition, that also includes architecture (see pp642–3). Boats built at Beypore (see p657)
were highly prized and used by Arab merchants. The construction of a boat is always
begun on an auspicious day in the Malayalam calendar, and is marked by an invocation
to the gods. The most sought-after wood is anjili (Artocarpus hirsuta), though teak
is also used. Racing boats of various sizes and shapes participate in the annual
Onam regatta at Aranmula. Of these, the most magnificent is the long, narrow
chundanvallam, or snake boat.
Boat Building
A master craftsman,
assisted by a team
traditionally drawn
from different religions,
builds the boat.
No nails or metal
pieces are used; only
wooden pegs and
joints hold the
parts together.

Snake Boat Races Rowing is perfectly
Snake boats (chundan vallam), synchronized to the
once used to carry warriors, now pulsating rhythm of
participate in what is believed vanchipattu (boatmen’s
to be the world’s largest team songs). Their themes
sport. The Nehru Trophy Boat are devotional, myth­
Race (see p40), introduced in ological, or related
1952, is the most famous. to rural life.
Amaram, the stern, is
The prow of the Singers
boat is normally decorated with brass
manned by four studs and inlay work.
boatmen. Oarsmen

Canoes, usually made from a single log
Kettuvallams are now often converted into houseboats. of wood, can carry no more than one or
Kettu means a bundle, while vallam is a big boat. two people. They are commonly used to
Originally, these were used as ferries or to carry rice. transport light cargo, such as coir fibre.

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