NAME: KHALOI (খাল াই)

PLACE: CULTURAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT MUSEUM, TEZPUR UNIVERSITY

INTRODUCTION

In Assam, Khaloi is a standard fishing tool. With its resemblance to a woman's waist, the
locals have given it the name Kanyamur. It's a little pitcher in the shape of a cone, fashioned
from strips of the native Bijuli bamboo. Locals rely on it mainly while employing hand-net
fishing techniques.
HISTORY OF KHALOI

Traditional fishing in Assam has long included the use of Khaloi. Historically, Khaloi fishing
served as more than simply a source of subsistence; it was also a vital part of people's
identities and shared cultural practises.

It was common practise for people to go fishing in groups and divide up the catch. Several
communities in Assam held fishing celebrations to honour the fish and the waterways that
provided for them.

The availability of modern fishing instruments and the detrimental effects of pollution and
overfishing on fish populations in several water bodies in Assam have led to a fall in the
usage of Khaloi in recent years. Some traditional fisherman still uses the Khaloi because it is
simple and practical, and it is an integral part of the region's cultural legacy.

MAKING OF THE KHALOI

Because of its adaptability, the bamboo species bijuli is commonly used in weaving. It is
simple to cut into thin strips of any length. The bamboo is stripped of its outer dark green
sheath first. With a special knife called a "Dao," the inner layer is sliced down to a thickness
of just 1 millimetre. Each one of these is a reasonable 30 centimetres in length. The Khaloi
can't keep their balance without a level surface underneath them. First, a square foundation is
made by weaving the strips together and bending them as needed. Because we keep throwing
more and more twists into the square. base, a sphere is produced.

Name: Mousumi Mochahary

Roll No: CTM22021

Subject: Exploring Northeast India

Department: Cultural Studies