Author:

Dr. Rajata Kanta Dash

Lecturer in History
V.N.(Auto) College
Jajpur,Odisha,India

Email: rajatadash@gmail.com

Abstract: Odisha, located in the eastern part of India, boasts a 480 kilometer coastline and is enriched by numerous rivers that flow through the state. This geographic advantage has enabled Odisha to be a prosperous maritime trading state since ancient times. As a result, traditional boats are commonly seen throughout the region’s rivers and seas. The people of Odisha have historically excelled in the art of building boats and ships for use on rivers, lakes, canals, and open oceans. Existing literature highlights a variety of traditional boats, including Pota (dugout), Nouka (boats), Bhela (rafts), Chapa (canoes), and Padhuas. The ocean tides and river currents give rise to distinct characteristics of the boats found along the northern coast of Odisha compared to those on the southern coast. This paper provides a detailed overview of Odisha’s indigenous boats and ship-building traditions from ancient times. It covers their terminology, the various types of vessels crafted for maritime expeditions, and the navigational technologies used for seafaring. Local traditions and existing literary sources have been referenced to explore Odisha’s unique boat construction styles and technologies.

Key Words: Boat and Ship-building, Craftsmanship, Navigation, Maritime Trade, Odisha etc