Generic term in Hindi for small inland boats; sometimes a dugout canoe. Small craft of Bengali rivers and estuaries used for fishing, ferrying, transporting produce and cargo, and as a water-taxi. Carvel-planked, frequently with short planks; clinker construction in some areas. Where 9 strakes are used on each side, the boat is known as a naotakhta. Rounded in cross section; strong sheer, with bow often higher than stern. In most areas, ends pointed, with long overhang; stern may rise more sharply than the bow. Frequently lacks interior fram¬ing, but may have as many as 8 strong thwarts that pierce the strakes; sometimes washstrakes added; no keel. Small types open, larger are loosely decked with split bamboo or similar material; passenger dingis have an arched mat or bamboo cabin amidships with sliding doors. Hull usually oiled, produсing dark color. Steered mainly with a long oar,which works against a peg at the stern, held by a loop.When sailed, generally sets a square sail, sometimes with a topsail, or uses a spritsail. Foot of square sail usually narrower than the head and raised high to enable helmsman to see ahead. Sails of light cotton frequently dyed blue. Mast may be a flexible bamboo pole. More often paddled, sculled, or rowed;4-5 rowers generally, who sit on the deck with legs extended. Oars lashed to a bamboo frame fitted to the gunwale. Reported lengths 3.6-15.2m, widths 2.44m, depths 0.3-1.52m.Generally conform to the foregoing description. Those engaging in special fish¬ing may bear specific names, e.g., bhesal dingi (uses a dip net); patam dingi (uses a seine or other depending on the district; ends terminate in rectangular blocks, the bow higher than the stern).
Grenada-Grenadints 1s SG?
Source : A Dictionary of the world’s Watercraft from Aak to Zumbra.