On the Indian west coast, 250 km from the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent lies the city of Kochi, formerly Cochin. On both sides of the tidal range, the shore is lined with unusual Chinese-style cantilevered fishing nets. How did you get there?
The Chinese lived in the area from the 8th century and it is believed that before 1400, Chinese traders from the Kublai Khan farm brought such nets to Cochin for the first time. Many fish can be caught in the waters near the coast Kochi. So, for over a century, these large human-powered fishing machines have served well until the Arabs expelled the Chinese.
When the Chinese disappeared, the nets were removed. At the beginning of the 16th century, the Portuguese expelled the Arabs. It is obvious that the Portuguese returned such nets to Cochin and brought them back from the then Portuguese island colony of Macao in southeastern China.
Although the concept is centuries old, Chinese grids still perform well, with little change to the original design or functionality. And they continue to provide many people with a living for many fishermen and food. In fact, the catch from a net can feed a whole village. But in addition to being effective, the nets are also beautiful, especially when they stand out elegantly against the golden morning or evening sky.
How do you work?
The mammoth Chinese nets use a pivot and counterweights to balance the net and the catch. When not in use, the net and its support frame hang out of the water. Fishing starts early in the morning and loads for four or five hours. The nets fall into the water. To do this, the fishermen either adjust the weights attached to the central jet of the net. 5o 20 minutes before being gently raised, fish will swim close to the shore. Through years of experience, the boss knows the exact time to pull up the net.
At the behest of the chief, the rest of the crew of five or six will raise the net by pulling down the ropes to which the ballast blocks are attached. When the net rises, first come the corners of the net. So the net takes the form of a shell in which the fish is located. What a fuss for the fishermen! After a good catch, they stroke each other on their backs to show their happiness. Later, the fish is auctioned to traders, housewives and occasional tourists.
The Chinese, the Arabs and the Portuguese have come and gone. But the Chinese continue to romp on the waterways of Kochi, just as they did over 600 years ago.