Once thriving sailboats disappear from Bengal’s waters

The vibrant riverine landscape of Bengal, once alive with the sight of traditional sailboats, now tells a different story as these iconic vessels slowly fade from the scene. Formerly the lifeblood of entire Bengali communities spanned over undivided Bengal, and a symbol of the region’s maritime heritage, traditional sailboats are increasingly rare due to modernisation.

For generations, fishermen relied on these handcrafted boats, known as pal tola nouka for their daily catch and transportation of goods and humans. However, the advent of motorised vessels and increasingly expanding road networks have drastically altered mindsets. “The younger generation prefers speed and convenience,” explains local fisherman Tapan Hazra. “Sailboats take time and skill to operate, and many don’t see their value anymore. The art of sailboating is thus getting lost with time. “

Tapan is one of the last fishermen in the Diamond Harbour area adjacent to the Hooghly river who still uses a sailboat. He occasionally uses his ancestral sailboat to catch crabs in the nearby sandbars but laments that it may not be sustainable anymore. 

Environmental factors have also played a role. Coastal erosion, rising sea levels, and shifting fish populations push traditional fishermen to adapt. As a result, many have abandoned their sailboats, opting for more efficient motorboats that go further into the rivers with quicker returns.

Cultural experts warn that this shift could lead to losing traditional knowledge and skills. Sailing in Bengal was a means of fishing and a way of life. The Bengali literature from the last century is laden with narratives about sailboats. But the stories, songs, and techniques associated with sailing are at risk of vanishing altogether.

Efforts are being made to revive interest in traditional sailing. A unique boat museum has been opened in Kolkata to educate young people about their maritime heritage with an exhibition of 46 different models of sailboats aiming to rekindle appreciation for these age-old vessels.
As the sun sets over the Bay of Bengal, the silhouette of a lone sailboat gliding across the horizon serves as a poignant reminder that a once-thriving tradition is now battling the tides of change.

The lead image on top depicts a traditional sailboat in Bengal, showcasing the region’s maritime heritage.

Sudip Maiti is an independent photographer and filmmaker based out of Kolkata. He is the winner of Chennai Photo Biennale 2023.