The uru or dhow was the traditional Arabian trading vessel. Once
the Arab traders discovered wealthy Kerala, her solid timber, skilled
craftsmen and her native technology centuries ago, they shifted their
dhow construction to Malabar (northern Kerala).
Beypore in Kozhikode district, the most important harbour in the
region, thus became the centre for ship building. The industry thrived
here until recently when iron and steel took over as the best material
for construction.
Urus were gigantic vessels, created meticulously by nailing together
well planed planks of timber. It took a team of fifty men at least
four years to complete a vessel.
Today, not many vessels are launched from Beypore and the artisans
have taken to crafting little wooden models of their gigantic masterpieces.
These four inch to eight foot 'Model Vessels' crafted out of teak
wood would cost you anything from Rs.180/- to Rs. 25,000/-.
Fancy artefacts like the models enclosed in bottles are more popular
and priced between Rs. 125/- and Rs. 500/-.
You can even get them made-to-order at Kairali, Alakapuri Buildings,
Jail Road, Kozhikode Tel:91-495-723723 and at Surabhi, Aradhana Tourist
Home Buildings, Kallai Road, Kozhikode Tel: 91-495-301284 or pick
one up at a bargain from the local outlets in Beypore.
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