” I always thought of doing something unique, but who will give me money.”
During my visit to Balagarh, West Bengal, I discovered the enigmatic world of traditional boat-making. This town is located 76 km away from Kolkata, the state capital.
Researching the techniques of this region’s boat-making, I sought to uncover the historical relevance of these boats. Despite a lack of local information, fate led me to Mr. Swarup Bhattacharya, a Kolkata resident with extensive research on this subject.
For over 26 years, he devoted himself to understanding the diverse boats dotting West Bengal’s waterways. Despite his vast knowledge and adventures, he remains humble, explaining everything calmly and always answering my questions with a smile and intrigue.
Anthropology fascinated him from an early age, drawn to the allure of wanderlust and immersing himself in diverse customs and traditions. Growing up in West Bengal’s mystical landscapes, he felt connected to the culturally rich tapestry of human experience, igniting his unwavering passion for anthropology.
In 1997, a pivotal moment arose when he discovered the ‘Boat Typology and Fishing Community’ project. Eager to contribute, he joined the team, gaining a newfound understanding of research methodologies. Swarup Da’s passion and dedication set him on a path to unravel the craft of boat-making with profound questions and astute observations.
Deeply involved in the project, his mentor, Dr. Lotika Vardarajan, inspired him to continue the research despite its laborious nature. Guided by his mentor, he committed himself to comprehending the boatmaker’s life holistically. Beyond the mere technicalities of boat construction, he explored customary practices, ritual aspects, symbolism, and social structures of boat-making communities. The boats became not just objects of study but gateways to understanding entire cultures.
In 2005, recognition came with an invitation to participate in an exhibition by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Delhi. Under Mr. Bhattacharya’s guidance, 115 photographs and 10 meticulously crafted boat models came to life, showcasing his depth of knowledge and artistic finesse.
Behind the scholarly facade lies a life marked by arduous struggles. Swarup Da’s dedication to research often left him without a steady income, putting strain on him and his family. Despite financial hardships and the uncertainties of an ever-changing world, his thirst for knowledge remains unquenched. Collaborating with various NGOs, he focuses on creating boat models to earn a livelihood, never wavering in his commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
In the midst of struggles, it is important to note that Swarup Da cherished his roles as a loving father and caring husband. His family’s support became a pillar of strength, allowing him to persevere through the most challenging times.
In 2011, Upendranath Biswas, the then minister of the backward classes and welfare department of West Bengal, approached him to make models for an upcoming boat museum. Mr. Bhattacharya agreed, providing information and documents while supervising a team of craftsmen. The work began.
In 2014, the inauguration of the boat museum in Kolkata stands as a testament to his expertise. Forty-six intricately crafted boat models find their home in the Heritage Boats of Bengal Gallery at the Ambedkar Bhawan of Cultural Research Institute. Swarup Da’s passion for precision elevates these boat models to pieces of art and history, made with scientific accuracy.
Amidst the worsening impact of the pandemic, he turned to boat model making as a source of income, unwavering in his dedication to preserving cultural heritage. He had 17 boat models in his hands when the above photograph was made.
In his future endeavors, he envisions broadening his research by exploring Bangladesh, once a part of undivided Bengal. There, he aims to document diverse boat types, enriching his knowledge of interconnected maritime cultures. He also plans to expand his research to the upstream area of the Ganga River, encompassing Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, a region that deeply fascinates him.
Having visited and collaborated with the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, Denmark, he aspires to create a living boat museum. This visionary project involves constructing full-size boat models, allowing visitors to actively engage with them, step on board, take rides, and even sail these boats, fostering immersive and interactive learning experiences. He sets his sights on establishing such a museum in Kolkata, capitalizing on the abundant wetlands in and around the city.
However, the realization of his ambitious dreams hinges on securing substantial funding. The extent of financial support will determine which of these visions will materialize in his future endeavors. The magnitude of his impact on preserving and celebrating cultural heritage depends on the available resources to bring these visions to life.
In a way, Swarup Bhattacharya’s journey becomes an ode to the human spirit’s capacity for passion and resilience and the profound impact of one individual’s dedication in shaping our shared heritage. Waiting to witness the dreams of this boat researcher set sail into the boundless waters of the future.
To Follow Swarup Bhattacharya’s update about boats on his blog, Click Here.
Or You can write to him via email at swarup.bhattacharyya@gmail.com
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Sanjay Tillani 
May
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