In a world dependent on machinery for the smallest of tasks, there are some people who built ships entirely by using local carpentry tools. These ships are 200ft tall and weight 1500tonnes They are considered as the largest handicraft structures in the world…
Image Courtesy: Kerala Tourism
The Uru or fat boat is a generic name for the large Dhow –type wooden ships built in Beypore.
These types of boats have been used by the Arab traders since ancient times as trading vessels.
Even today Urus are being made and exported to Arab Nations from Beypore.
These ships are built entirely of wood mainly Teak.
Teak woods are mainly taken from Nilambur forest in the past. Now, imported Malaysian teak is used to construct the ships.
Beypore is a small town in the northern part of Kerala. It is situated on the banks of Chaliyar River, 12 km away from the prominent port of Calicut.
The place was a major trade and maritime centre during the first century AD. A major port and fishing harbour, it had trade relations with the Arabs, the Chinese and the Europeans.
Image Courtesy: Wikipedia
Shipbuilding in Beypore started with maritime trade with the Arab world.
Beypore carries with it a shipbuilding tradition that dates back to about 1500 years.
Uru, the traditional ships constructed here, were known for their quality and longevity and were much in demand by merchants of the Middle East.
The place becomes a favourite destination for wealthy merchants from across the world.
The peak time for shipbuilding in the region was around the 16th and 17th century, and then there was a decline due to industrial development taking place across the globe.
Even till today, the tradition, endemic to the region has survived the onslaught of modernity.
Uru making is an art passed on from one generation to other, and Uru- making is an undocumented practice.
There are no building plans, sketches, drawings or blueprints, before making the huge vessel.
From conception to construction, it is all in the mind of the master carpenter.
Shipbuilding is a unique technique and the plan of the master is not known to any of the workers.
The master carpenter will assign the job on a daily basis and the reason for such allotment of work is to ensure secrecy.
And the best part of this ship making is that it is completely made using local carpentry tools.
Shipbuilding is a tedious process even after the invention of many machines. A ship takes years to build.
Imagine building a ship using only tools. It demands hard labour and the dexterous hands of craftsmen.
Image Courtesy: Wikipedia
This seagoing vessel is completely made of wood and is built by joining planks of good quality timber.
Usually, a ship is built by a team of fifty men over a period of at least four years.
No blueprints are made and the entire aspect of shipbuilding is embedded in the minds of the highly skilled craftsman.
It is teamwork undertaken with minimum sophistication, following strict and orderly work ethics and also discipline.
Visitors to the shipbuilding yard at Beypore would simply be fascinated by the manner in which the various stages are executed.
Ships in Beypore are built according to the budget of the customers.
But the ships have to be a minimum of 100 feet and they are only built in the shipyard.
A 100ft Uru, with all the machinery and furnishings, costs around 15crores.
This ship is a moving house, and it is built according to the requirements of the customers.
Image Courtesy: Wikipedia
In the age of luxurious cruise ships, handmade ships from Beypore are making their presence around the world.
Most of the customers are rich businessmen and from royal families around the world especially from the Middle East.
The ships are built entirely of wood. Some are two-storey ships, some have 8 luxurious rooms. It all depends on the needs of the customer.
Handcraft work on the wood is what is an attractive quality of these ships is.
Beautiful pictures and wordings are carved on the walls of the ships.
The ship is fully furnished and filled with all necessary machinery.
A handcrafted ship is a trend among the business class around the world.
However, Uru’s huge popularity is mainly due to its design and high quality of work.
A ship has a Self-life of 25years but an Uru can last up to two generations.
Uru is very popular in the international market and its demand for Uru is increasing.
In a world dependent on machinery for the smallest of the tasks.
The shipbuilding industry supports 200 families without relying on a single machine.
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