Coin diver prepares to explore the riverbed
Photographs by: Meeta Ahlawat
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One of the newer boats is taken for a test ride in the Yamuna at Gaughat
Photographs by: Meeta Ahlawat
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Wood is used to make the frame of the boat, the tin structure is attached later
Photographs by: Meeta Ahlawat
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Some of the youngsters have started training courses in diving and swimming for professionals. They also teach physically challenged people to swim
Photographs by: Meeta Ahlawat
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Coin divers below Naini bridge
Photographs by: Meeta Ahlawat
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Divers below Naini bridge in Allahabad
Photographs by: Meeta Ahlawat
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The wood frame keeps the vessel afloat
Photographs by: Meeta Ahlawat
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At Sangam in Allahabad, where the Yamuna meets the Ganga river, the mallahs take the pilgrims to the confluence to perform their holy rituals
Photographs by: Meeta Ahlawat
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A mallah prepares the base of the boat with a tin sheet near Gaughat in Allahabad
Photographs by: Meeta Ahlawat
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The mallahs of Allahabad have been making boats for generations. They form a 50,000 strong fishing community and own most of the 30,000 odd small, non-mechanised boats that ferry thousands of passengers each day along the river. The confluence of the two rivers, Yamuna and Ganga, near Allahabad at Sangam means a steady flow of pilgrims to the city through the year. As the city prepares for the Mahakumbh Mela of January 2013, held every 12 years, mallahs are busy making new vessels. Since mechanised boats are not allowed, there is a need for new boats during Mahakumbh Mela. The mallahs are skilled divers, too. They take time out to collect coins thrown by pilgrims into the river, to supplement their income
Last year, when the Indian Railways officials wanted to estimate the extent of repairs to be carried out on Nani bridge, they sought the help of the mallahs to check the beams near the bottom of the river
Photographs by: Meeta Ahlawat
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A coin diver uses a magnet to collect coins from the riverbed. These coins are usually thrown by people passing over the bridge as tributes to the holy river
Photographs by: Meeta Ahlawat
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Mallahs apply at least two protective coats of paint on their boats
Photographs by: Meeta Ahlawat
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Members of the Allahabad Divers’ Association at Gaughat
Photographs by: Meeta Ahlawat
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The sheets are attached by joining them with nails, which mallahs consider is the most crucial part of boat-making as the joints ensure the longevity of the vessel.
Photographs by: Meeta Ahlawat
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A coin diver resurfaces under Naini bridge
Photographs by: Meeta Ahlawat
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Series of magnets are attached to an iron rod to collect coins
Photographs by: Meeta Ahlawat
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Almost ready. In a day, the mallahs can make at least three boats
Photographs by: Meeta Ahlawat
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A vessel could last anywhere between five to 10 years if the sheets are joined properly
Photographs by: Meeta Ahlawat
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The younger generation of mallahs are choosing other trades because they find boat-making unprofitable now. The mallahs say they have little support from the government. They are unhappy with the recent introduction of the contractors who charge large sums of money from them
Photographs by: Meeta Ahlawat
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