Under the latest and popular online series of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya titled ‘Exhibit of the Week’, The “JHAKRA”, Multi-prong fishing implement of the Bodo Kachari Tribe/ Community from Kokrajhar, Assam, India displayed in the audience as the 3rd Exhibit of the July, 2020 through official website, Facebook, Instagram and twitter page of the IGRMS.
Jhakra is a multi prong spear used for fishing among the Bodo Kachari community of Kokrajhar, Assam. Spear fishing is one of the oldest fishing technique which is still practiced by many indigenous communities of India.
This multi-pronged spear made by joining together 9-12 pointed bamboo sticks at the base. The sticks are tied into a bundle at the base and inserted into a short bamboo handle.
The pointed end of bamboo sticks are covered with conical caps made of iron to make it more lethal. This technique is very common with the younger boys in the village who often carry and are quite skilled at throwing these spears.
Fishes like large murrels, major carps, cat fishes etc. are hunted by this spear especially during the early part of monsoon season in flooded areas.
Praveen Kumar Mishra, Director, IGRMS said that, the main objective of this series is to highlight the aesthetic features of traditional lifestyles, local knowledge and culture’s continuing relevance with modern society.
Visitors can see this object from home through the Official site (https://igrms.com/wordpress/?page_id=551) and Facebook site (https://www.facebook.com/onlineIGRMS/), Instagram and twitter page of the IGRMS.