The Indian Boat Anchor

In the earlier chapters, the components of an Indian boat form and their construction details as per design were discussed, followed by an explanatory account of the regional variations and differentiating qualities of the regional traditional boat forms and their designs. However, for a successful sea-voyage of the boats, it is essential that they do possess accessories which are not, strictly speaking, parts of the boat, but yet are vital for its sea-worthiness, stability and safe passage in a targeted directional movement under different conditions of wind and weather. One such essential element is the anchor , which goes under different regional names in the seas of the North Indian Ocean. The anchor is known in regional vernacular terminology as nangar, langar, nankuram, naubandha, rekku, jinu, nagili, irumbu and the like. Over centuries, the anchor has undergone transformation both in material and form, but has always been treated as a vital equipment for the boat.