In the age of jet engines and mechanized transport, where rivers are bridged rather than navigated, a silent battle for cultural preservation is underway in Bengal. Swarup Bhattacharya, an anthropologist and boat enthusiast, has dedicated his life to documenting and reviving the rich legacy of Bengal’s riverine boats. From his rooftop studio in Howrah, he crafts intricate miniature replicas of traditional boats, breathing life into a history that is in danger of being swept away by the currents of modernity.
The Floating Tradition of Bengal
Bengal’s history is intertwined with its rivers, and its boats have been the lifeline of its people for centuries. Boats here are not mere vessels; they are cultural artifacts, representing the soul of a riverine society. From the utilitarian dinghy to the majestic paukia, the diversity of boats reflects the geography and lifestyles of Bengal. Bhattacharya believes that each boat carries its own story—of trade, survival, and artistry.
“Boats are symbolic of society,” says Bhattacharya. “They are sometimes a girl, sometimes a mother, and sometimes the wife of the house. The boat is not just wood; it is a living metaphor of life itself.”
The Crisis of Existence
The industrial revolution and advancements in transportation have rendered many traditional boats obsolete. Where once rivers teemed with vessels of myriad shapes and sizes, today, they are dominated by motorized ferries and steamers. The intimate connection between people and their handcrafted boats has waned. Bhattacharya laments this loss, describing it as “the disappearance of a language spoken through wood and water.”
Reviving the Legacy
Born into a family of artists, with his father Madhav Bhattacharya being a renowned sculptor, Swarup grew up in Kolkata’s Bagbazar, a neighborhood steeped in Bengal’s cultural history. However, it was his participation in a 1997 seminar on boats that altered the course of his life. Realizing the lack of focused work on Bengal’s boats, he embarked on a journey to preserve this vanishing heritage.
From the Merli to the Mahajani and the Moon Boat, Bhattacharya meticulously documents the unique features of each type of boat. His work is informed by both academic research and personal passion, aided by his experience as a guest scholar at Denmark’s Viking Ship Museum. “While they excavate centuries-old ships, we still have living specimens floating in Bengal’s rivers,” he reflects.
Boats as Social Narratives
For Bhattacharya, boats are more than functional artifacts; they are storytellers. The design of a boat is often dictated by the demands of the river it navigates, and its form reflects the rhythm of the community it serves. For instance, the Mahajani boats, which ply the Hooghly River near Bagbazar, are sturdy vessels designed for transporting heavy cargo. In contrast, the moon boats of Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh embody elegance and fluidity.
Such diversity is unparalleled, even globally. Bhattacharya draws parallels between Bengal’s boats and international counterparts while asserting their uniqueness. “The world has boats, but the variety in Bengal is rare,” he notes, citing works by James Hornell and Sorn Magill, pioneers in maritime anthropology, who also recognized Bengal as a “paradise for boats.”
Miniatures: A Chronicle of Love and Survival
The COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point in Bhattacharya’s journey. Confined to his home, he began crafting miniature replicas of traditional boats, merging his anthropological insights with artistic skill. Each miniature serves as a cultural document, encapsulating the history, craftsmanship, and societal roles of the boats.
While Bhattacharya has not penned a book, his miniatures are a visual archive of Bengal’s maritime heritage. He regards his work as a “document for the future,” preserving a legacy for generations to come.
Navigating the Future
As Bengal’s rivers face increasing pollution and its boats risk fading into memory, Swarup Bhattacharya’s work stands as a beacon of hope. By chronicling the stories of these watercraft and preserving their forms, he is safeguarding a crucial chapter of Bengal’s cultural narrative.
In Bhattacharya’s words, “The boat is not just a vehicle; it’s a circle of life.” His tireless efforts remind us of the profound connection between human civilization and its waterways—a bond worth cherishing and preserving.
Images are collected from Dr. Swarup Bhattyacharya’s Facebook Profile.
