Did you Know the First and Only Boat Museum of India is in Kolkata?

When you think of Kolkata, the first images that might come to mind are the bustling Howrah Bridge, colonial-era architecture, or the irresistible flavours of Bengali sweets. But did you know Kolkata is also home to India’s only boat museum? Intrigued? You should be! But what makes this museum so special, and why is it the only one of its kind in Kolkata?

Beyond the city’s modern charm, Kolkata has a deep-rooted connection to water, boats, and ports. It all started back in 1690 when the British East India Company set up a trading post along the banks of the Hooghly River. This river, once a crucial trade route, transformed Kolkata into the gateway to East India, kickstarting an era of booming commerce. As the Mughal-era ports of Hooghly and Surat faded into history, Kolkata’s port flourished. By 1870, the Calcutta Port Commissioners were established to manage the growing riverine facilities. The Kidderpore dock was built in 1892, and by 1928, the Netaji Subhas Docks had been established. In 1977, the Haldia docks further expanded Kolkata's maritime reach. But through it all, one constant remained – the river. And it’s this enduring connection to the Hooghly River that brings us to the Boat Museum, where Kolkata’s rich riverine heritage, culture, and history live on. Let’s dive into why this museum should be at the top of your list the next time you're in Kolkata!

A Journey of Indian History Through Rivers

The Boat Museum, established in January 2014, is more than just a collection of models; it’s a window into the rich, river-bound heritage of Bengal. India’s only museum dedicated to boats, this place is a tribute to the vital role these vessels have played in the region's culture, transport, and commerce for centuries. The museum is housed within the Institute of Cultural Research (CRI) in Kankurgachi, Kolkata, and it is governed by the West Bengal government's Backward Classes Welfare Department.

What makes this museum so unique? Well, it’s all about the boats. The museum boasts 46 meticulously crafted wooden scale models of indigenous boats, ranging from passenger boats to fishing boats, cargo boats, and even luxury vessels. These boats are symbolic of the riverine traditions that have shaped life in Bengal.

You might wonder, “What’s so special about boats?” But if you consider Bengal’s geography, with the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta shaping the land and rivers threading through its fabric, the boat was more than just a means of transport – it was an essential lifeline. From the shallow waters of East Kolkata’s wetlands to the deep currents of the Sunderbans, boats have been a crucial part of daily life, and their construction was a specialised craft passed down through generations.

Boats in Bengal were designed not just for practical use but with an understanding of the river's moods. A boat made for the calm waters of southern Bengal would be radically different from one designed for the swift-flowing rivers of northern Bengal. The boatmakers, primarily the Rajbanshi community from the Dakshin Dinajpur district, used indigenous methods to craft each model, reflecting both the utility and cultural significance of each boat type.

The museum’s creation was a response to the declining tradition of boat-making, which had been overshadowed by mechanisation. Swarup Bhattacharyya, an anthropology researcher, played a key role in bringing the museum's vision to life, ensuring the authentic replication of these boats. His work aimed to preserve this fading craft and educate future generations about the ancient art of boat-building. Through this museum, Bengal’s past – with its rich maritime traditions – is brought into focus, reminding us of a time when these boats were the pulse of the region.

Top Exhibits at the Boat Museum 

As you wander through the galleries of the Boat Museum, you’ll come across several noteworthy exhibits that capture the diverse boat-building legacy of Bengal. Here are a few of the standout models:

Padma Boat:
One of the most fascinating exhibits is the replica of Rabindranath Tagore’s luxury houseboat, the "Padma." Tagore, the Nobel laureate poet, was fond of sailing on the Padma during his visits to Shilaidaha, Bangladesh, in the late 19th century. The boat not only held sentimental value for Tagore, but it also served as the setting for many of his literary works. This replica is a tribute to his love for the tranquil waters and their influence on his writings.

Patia Boat:
The Patia is a coastal fishing boat used along the coasts of Bengal and Orissa. Its design, which uses planks joined together by nails, is a testament to the traditional construction methods still in use in many parts of Bengal. The boat was originally intended primarily for fishing, but its structure has evolved to meet the demands of modern-day coastal fishermen.

Dholai Boat:
The Dholai is a large cargo boat that operates in the Sundarbans area. Initially used to transport wood, it now transports a variety of goods, including bricks, sand, and tiles. This boat is an iconic example of how boats have adapted to the needs of commerce in the region. Its round hull and sturdy structure make it ideal for the challenging waters of the Sundarbans.

Khorokisti Boat:
The Khorokisti is another cargo boat, specifically designed for carrying straw. Its flat-bottomed design helps it navigate the shallow waters of the region. The boat gets its name from the Bengali word "Khor," meaning straw, and "Kisti," which means boat in Persian. This boat showcases the ingenuity behind the local boats tailored to meet specific agricultural needs.

Salti Boat:
A flat-bottomed boat used in the East Kolkata wetlands, the Salti is a small yet crucial vessel for catching fish in shallow waters. This model highlights the diversity of boats used for different purposes, from deep-sea fishing to the delicate art of fishing in shallow water bodies.

Each boat model in the museum is a masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship. The Rajbanshi woodcraft artists from the Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal have carefully recreated these boats, ensuring that the techniques passed down through generations are preserved. The skill of these artisans is not only a tribute to Bengal’s boat-making heritage but also supports the local economy by showcasing their craftsmanship to the world. While there is no entry fee, photography is not allowed inside the museum to preserve the integrity of the exhibits. However, the museum does offer a book titled Heritage Boats of Bengal for those wanting to take home a piece of Bengal’s boating history. The book is available for Rs. 500.

A Hidden Gem in Kolkata that is Worth Visiting

The Boat Museum is not just a place to look at models; it’s a space to connect with Bengal’s history, craftsmanship, and the life on its rivers. As the first and only museum of its kind in India, it’s a vital cultural institution that preserves the traditions of boat-making and highlights the region's maritime heritage. So, next time you're in Kolkata, make sure to take a detour to this fascinating museum and discover the stories hidden in the boats of Bengal!

Where: P-1/4, CIT Scheme, VII-M, VIP Road, Kankurgachhi, Kolkata 700054

Timings: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Closed on government holidays)

Entry Fee: Free