Palanquin (Palki)
Palki (Palanquin) is a traditional litter vehicle that was used in Indian subcontinent and later in Bangladesh and India. It is carried on the shoulders on two poles by two, four or eight bearers. Palki was once a luxurious vehicle. Now it is used as a traditional symbol in weddings. [1]
Origin
The word “palanquin” is derived the Sanskrit word palyanka meaning bed or couch. [2] Palyanka is pronounced as Palanka in Pali and palki in Bangla and Hindi. It is assumed that the Portuguese people pronounced Palanka or Palki as Palanquin.[1]
Structure and design
A palki was usually made of wood. The shape is rectangular with doors on both sides. A long bamboo or wooden pole is attached to it lengthways through the middle by which it is carried. A standard sized palki had a sitting space for one or two passengers. The design and ornamentation of palki depended on the social status and purpose of journeys. The interior usually had bedding of cotton and pillows. Aristocratic palkis were decorated with lacquer paintwork and had cast bronze finials at the pole ends. The finials were of birds, flowers, animals and mythological or folklore's idols. [3] [4]
History
Palanquins are mentioned in literature as early as the Ramayana (c. 250 BC). Ibn Batuta (1304-1378) and travelers of that time are said to have used palki. During Akbar's reign Palki was used for troop movements. [1] From medieval period to the end of the nineteenth century Palki was an essential wedding transportation means in indian subcontinent and later in India and Bangladesh. [3]
The European traders in Bengal during 17th and 18th century extensively used palki to be transported to haats and bazaars and transportation of goods. For longer journeys with valuables arger numbers of bearers were taken. To maintain the aristocracy of palki users, the court of Directors of the East India Company issued an order in 1758 that prohibited the small clerks from puchasinging and maintaining palanquins.
In the early nineteenth century, the postal department introduced a service for carrying mail and passengers by palki on payment. Passengers travelling a long distance could buy tickets for palki from the post office. The system continued till later part of the nineteenth century.
The usage of palki started to decrease as the rail, steamer and motorized conveyance modes started in the mid-19th century. The Europeans mostly stopped using palanquins at that time. The aristocratic natives continued to use palki till the end of the nineteenth century. [1] [4]
Palki bearer
The palki bearers called as Behara or boyee were of of special caste. They came from Bihar, Orissa, Chotanagpur and Central Provinces. Many Santals also used to work as Palki bearer in dry season. [1]