Long, narrow vessel, mainly of the Dhaka (Dacca) area, that transports produce and other light cargo as well as passengers; also used for fishing. Characterized by a bow projection that extends for about a meter above the water; stern projection may be backed by a narrow transom. Low bow; sheer rises at stern to a high point; platform for helmsman at stern. Very low freeboard when loaded. Long,arched bamboo shelter amidships; crew housed at the rear; passenger compartment forward, sometimes with brightly painted doors. Those that carry jute and produce have only an aft cabin; the forward area used for cargo. Twin steering or sculling oars worked from the same side no rudder.Mast stepped forward of the cabin; no standing rigging. The large, square mainsail can be shifted from side to side or run fore and aft. Square topsail sometimes laced to mainsail. Small ghashis might set a spritsail.Rowed from the foredeck. Crew of 3-6. Length to ca.21m.
Bangladesh2013;10; FDC.SG? Source:A Dictionary of the world’s Watercraft from Aak to Zumbra.