Page 52 - GOTIL (ENG) Sample

20 Glimpses of Traditional Indian Life

In the rainy season new rivulets spring up. Many
temporary or previously small rivers become big enough
for regular boat services, while numerous roads turn
into muddy bogs or become overflooded. Some seasonal
rivers too small for motorboats may yet be traversed by
rowboat. Or if a rivulet is too narrow even for using oars,
a boatman may propel his craft by standing at the back
and repeatedly thrusting a bamboo pole into the shallow
water and against the river bed.

A journey along one of these monsoon streams once
took my companions and I through several kilometers
of jungle. We were sheltered from the scorching sun by
a dim tunnel of foliage interspersed with brilliant shafts
of light. The boatman negotiated the many twists and
turns of the brook as the rest of us pushed aside leaves
and branches of overhanging trees.

Traveling by boat may be a pretty scene, especially just
after the rains, when the green is intense, the sky clear,
and high rivers afford a good view of the rich panorama.
On wide rivers, many types of vessels can be seen — tiny
country boats, larger yachts with tattered but pretty sails,
small motor launches, and occasionally big steamers.

Small country boats often have an inverted u-shaped cane
covering, open at both ends to protect passengers from
sun and rain. When the boatman’s work is finished, he
can also take advantage of its shelter.