#pirkat

[igrms]

From Open Air Exhibition of Traditional Technology: Processing of Makhana (Makhana preparing technique/device) In this episode of online exhibition series of IGRMS we are introducing you to “Processing of Makhana”through Makhana preparing technique/device displayed in the Traditional Technology open air exhibition. Manav Sangrahalaya has made an effort to collect objects related to traditional technology from various parts of the country to develop this exhibition, through which we wish to tell the visitors about the intelligence and creative genius of simple societies. This is also meant to broaden the perspective of the visitor by emphasizing the fact that traditional technologies contribute an important background to the technological splendor of contemporary world. The state of Bihar is well known for production of ‘Makhana’. Traditionally the works related to preparation of ‘Makhana’ is carried out in Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Purnia and Katihar District of Bihar.  The seed of ‘Makhana’, popularly known as 'Gudi' is a aquatic plant product cultivated in lakes, ponds and moist lands. After collection the 'Gudi' is dried in the sunlight. Dried 'Gudi' seeds are then roasted in 'Lohiya' (Iron pan). The roasted hot seeds are then kept on a wooden log and beaten with a flat wooden hammer to prepare 'Makhana'.  A variety of traditional equipments and bamboo baskets of different shapes and sizes are used in this process. Ganj (Conical basket) is used for extracting the seeds from the water body, 'Aaka' (Cylindrical basket) is used for keeping the seeds and 'Delee' (cylindrical basket) is used to remove the peels of 'Makhana'. 'Lohiya' (Iron Cauldron) is used to heat the dried seeds, 'Pitna' (Flat wooden hammer) is used as a hammer for beating the hot seeds on 'Pirkat' (wooden log), 'Lakhraiya' (Turtle shell) is used as a spoon during heating process of seeds, and a sieve is used as a filter to distribute the 'Makhana' product according to their different sizes. https://www.instagram.com/p/CHMr5v9D8d5/?igshid=576vpfc32x7m