Local Artisan Revives Traditional Boat-Making Skills in Assam

In Japoripathar, Assam, Mohen Das has become a symbol of entrepreneurship by reviving traditional boat-making skills. Despite the challenges posed by rural development initiatives, Das has successfully crafted boats that serve essential purposes in flood-prone areas and wildlife rescue operations. His dedication to the craft has not only supported his livelihood but also provided jobs for others in the community. With a focus on quality and utility, Das's work exemplifies how traditional skills can thrive in modern times, inspiring local youth to pursue similar paths. Learn more about his journey and the impact of his craftsmanship on the community.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 23, 2026, 11:24 IST

Reviving Traditional Skills in Japoripathar

Boats crafted by Mohen Das

Japoripathar (Dergaon), April 23: While the Skill India Initiative has yet to significantly impact rural communities, a resident of Bokakhat co-district has demonstrated that true skill emerges from dedication and passion for one's craft.

Mohen Das, aged 55, lives in Japoripathar, a flood-prone region near Kaziranga National Park, approximately 60 kilometers from Dergaon and 9 kilometers from Bokakhat. He has become a beacon of entrepreneurship by constructing country boats that serve various governmental and private purposes, particularly in flood-affected areas and for wildlife rescue operations along the rivers.

In an interview, Das, whose parents were Maghiram and Somthi Das from Dakhin Daliialia Gaon in Dergaon, shared that he began his boat-making journey in 1992 after learning from a carpenter who visited from Guwahati.

Since then, he has honed his craft and witnessed a surge in demand during the summer months.

Despite the perception that country boats are becoming outdated, they remain essential for forest camps at Kaziranga, disaster management teams, police, and the animal husbandry department.

Das mentioned that around 60 families in the flood-prone Japoripathar area, located by the Difloo River adjacent to Kaziranga, rely on his boats. Over the past three decades, he has constructed approximately 200 boats, producing 20-25 each season, which supports the livelihoods of 3-4 individuals directly and 15-20 indirectly.

The Divisional Forest Officer of Kaziranga has purchased several boats from him for rescue and search missions, and local MLA Mrinal Saikia has also commissioned two boats for the current season.

Das explained that he uses timber from the Ajar tree (Lagerstroemia speciosa), known for its water-resistant properties, to build the boats. Typically, his boats measure 20 feet in length and 3 feet in width, although he has crafted a larger boat measuring 41 feet by 5 feet.

The cost of these boats ranges from Rs 25,000 to Rs 45,000. He employs special nails, limestone, and other materials to ensure they are leak-proof.

Different types of boats are available based on the size and nature of the waterbody they are intended for, including Barpetia and Guwahatia naos for larger rivers, and Saria and Panchoi naos for smaller rivers like Dhansiri and Difloo. Notably, Das has also passed on his boat-making skills to his son, who now works in Kaziranga.

Das's dedication and craftsmanship serve as an inspiring example of entrepreneurship for unemployed youth in the region.