The Chinese fishing nets of Fort
Cochin, Photo By Hurlimann 1928
Chinese fishing nets called ‘Cheena
Vala’ in local parlance, which literally means “Chinese net”. They were not
actually brought in by or made by the Chinese, even though it is believed to be
brought by Zeng He during his expeditions. This huge cantilevered fishing nets
are believed to have been brought by Portuguese from Macau, once a Portuguese
colony. Thus technique reached Kochi and Kollam after 1500s through the Portuguese,
which had colonies in China. Parts of the net still have Portuguese names.
The Chinese fishing nets of Fort
Cochin, from Das Buch der Welt, Stuttgart, 1842-48
The
original nets were much smaller, though they used the Chinese technique of
making use of a Cantilever to haul the net up manually. Over time, the bamboo
which the Chinese used was replaced by teak, which suited our climates much
better. They were made bigger too. The Chinese stopped using it probably
because it wasn't cost effective for them. It was the National Geographic
which found out that the ones used in Kochi are the biggest in the world.
An old video of Chinese fishing net, shot by Dr. Melamed Cohen during his visit to India in 1966.
From other parts of India
Mizoram
In this video shows a hand-held bamboo fishing nets Mizoram of the fishing nets
which would have been the original version of the current fishing nets in Cochin.
Assam
Assamese villagers participate in
community fishing during the Bhogali Bihu celebration at Goroimari Lake in
Panbari village, some 50 kilometers (31 miles) in Guwahati,Assam, India.
“Bhogali Bihu” is a harvest festival celebrated in Assam which marks the end of
the harvesting season. They use hand held fishing nets which is similar to
Chinese fishing nets.
From other parts of the world.
Macau province, China
Ngaap Jang, a fishing rig comprising a net tied to four thick bamboos and lowered by the fisherman from the quay ( A model from Macau maritime museum)
Ca Mau Province, Vietnam.
Fishing nets rigged in the waterways of the Cà Mau province, Vietnam
Similar nets are found in some parts Italy and france too..
Interesting facts is that each net had a name of its own,
even. The first net you see as you get down the bus or Jankar at Fort Kochi is
called 'bank vala' (it was bought with a bank loan). Then there is 'Andru vala'
and many others, named by their owners...
