Human Powered Sedans - The Story of Palanquins

Palanquin derives its name from Sanskrit term ‘palanki’ for bed or the couch, and later on British called it ‘Palan Queen’.

The palkis displayed in this section are the testimony of the fine craftsmanship of the bygone time. These vary in size, design and style.

This beautifully decorated ‘Palki’ from 1850 is representative of the exquisite palanquin collection of the Heritage Transport Museum.

Inspite of innovations in transport mediums and availability of the variety of transports, the use of ‘Palki’ in India continued till modern times.

The body structure of Palki is in the form of a contraption supported by bamboo or wooden poles on each side.

It consisted of central seating space for one or two passengers. Like a covered cart, it provided shelter to the traveler from heat and dust.

The Palki entourage consisted of carriers, lamp bearers and others. Travellers would often carry necessary items which were used in the daily routine e.g saucepans, knife, soap, scissors, etc. since the journeys would sometimes take days.

Here's a close up view of the central seating space

Every Palki was designed to be carried by a pair of men carrying it in pairs of four or six. The bearers were known with different regional nomenclatures such as Dulia, Kahar, Behara, Boyee etc.

Here is a Company School painting showing a man from a wealthy class, probably the landlord, being transported in a palki by four bearers.

The bearers used to sing along the journeys. This was a profession that used to be hereditary. Some of the bearers from earlier times have stated learning this at the age of seventeen. The men entering into this profession needed to be physically strong.

Before starting up for the journeys, the bearers make up the difference of height by adding pads on the shoulders.

The design and ornamentation work would depend on the social status, need, length and purpose of journeys. The interiors were furnished with neat bedding usually stuffed with the cotton, and a pair of pillows. The richly ornamented ‘palki’ usually belonged to royalty and wealthy nobles.

Palkis were decorated using lacquer paintwork. The designs included foliage patterns, animal figures or geometrical designs.

Even the roof would carry decorative designs.

The window shutters could be opened or closed from inside of the palanquin.

Here is the royal palanquin from the princely state of Chhotta Udaipur in Gujarat.

The decoration and ostentation on the palanquin revealed the status of the traveller. The royal palanquins were accompanied by singers, dancers and story tellers. The Indian craftsmen then were employed by a Company Stuart & Co. Coachmakers for decorating them.

The bedding done inside the palanquin, the side panels are covered with a brocaded cloth.

Cast bronze finials were placed at the pole ends of the palki. These finials were in the form of birds, flowers, animals as well as figures from mythology and folklore's.

The finials represented various demigods and demons. The most common representation was that of a Yali (half lion half human head).

Journeys in ‘palki’ were considered to be extremely personalized and enjoyable. The European traders during 18th century extensively used such vehicles to be transported to haats and bazaars. For the longer journeys the valuables of traveler were carried by the bearers who were larger in numbers.

Extensive traditional usage of palki for weddings, religious and royal processions and various socio-cultural ceremonies has given it a ritualistic position in Indian heritage, even today. Indian musical heritage is rich with special Palki songs for various occasions.

The coming of the railways and motorised conveyance modes led to the decline in the use of palanquins from the beginning of mid 19th century.

The 'palki' is now only reserved for special occasions.

Fun fact: The Bombay Baroda & Central India Railway have used the palki in their logo, as a tribute to the innovative human mind that has made our journeys faster.