Rahat
Konkan region has a beautiful green landscape with tall coconut and areca palms. Most of the natives live in houses surrounded by these palm trees. The plantation area is known as ‘Wadi’ in Konkan. The traditional houses have ‘Rahat’ in this ‘Wadi’. Rahat is the name of the wheel that is used to draw water from the well. In olden days ‘Rahat’ was most important and effective technology for irrigation. Most of the natives who have seen the usage of ‘Rahat’ are more than 40-45 years of age now. These are the people who have long enjoyed the privileges of Konkan. Now, the ‘rahat’ is replaced by the new age modern machine. So, the ‘Rahat’ with the pair of muscular oxen is no more seen.
After the end of monsoon season, the plants were watered regularly by using the water from wells. The ‘Rahat’ was the most commonly used simple machine in the absence of electric motors. In a big wooden wheel, earthern pots were placed at a fixed distance. This structure was fitted to the mouth of the well. As the wooden wheel used to rotate, the empty earthern pots were immersed in water and get filled. The simple machine consisted of a bigger wheel attached to a small wheel tied with a long wooden pole through which a pair of oxen pulled in a circle. As the result of moving of oxen in the circle, the wheel rotated and the ring of earthern pots dipped into water. The eyes of the oxen were covered partially, so they didn’t realise their continuous circular motion. If the ox became aware of its circular motion, he used to feel unwell.
Oiling the wooden part of the ‘rahat’ was crucial to increase the longevity of the equipment. Sometimes, small metallic bells or ‘Ghungroo’ were tied to the neck of the oxen. As the oxen rotated, a rhythmic sound resonated in the neighbourhood.
‘Rahat’ symbolised prosperity. A house with a row of widespread palm trees, a herd of cattle and ample supply of water were few characteristics of a prosperous family. Due to the usage of modern irrigation techniques, the rahat with the cattle are no more found in the villages of Konkan region. The tinkling sound of cowbells or the ‘ghungroos’ of the cattle is definitely missing in the villages. Elders are often heard reminiscing nostalgically about those good old days. However, change is rule of nature. It cannot be avoided which applies to Konkan, too. The video given here is worth watching for the visitors who have not seen the ‘Rahat’.
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