Photo Gallery

These traditional wooden boats are typical of the coastal region around Vizhinjam Beach and are used for fishing in the Arabian Sea. On the beach, the fishermen lay out their long nets to dry. – 1990

Traditional fishermen casting a cast net in the backwaters of Kerala, in south-west India. The scene captures a typical means of livelihood in this water-rich region, which is known for its extensive network of lakes, rivers and canals. The fishermen use handmade nets and traditional wooden boats, often known locally as valloms. For thousands of people in the villages across much of Kerala, fishing is the primary means of livelihood. – Kollam (Quilon) – 1990

Along the coasts and inland waterways of Kerala, such as here around Kollam, one finds the famous Chinese fishing nets (known locally as Cheena vala) in the backwaters of Kerala, India. These distinctive, permanently installed dip nets are an iconic symbol of the region. They are mechanical devices made of wooden or bamboo poles that lower a horizontal net into the water and raise it again using counterweights (often stones). It is believed that this fishing technique was originally brought to Kerala by Chinese traders in the 14th century. - Kollam (Quilon) - Journey towards Allepey - 1990

The famous Chinese fishing nets (known locally as Cheena vala) in Fort Kochi (Cochin), a historic coastal town in the Indian state of Kerala. These unique structures are stationary lift nets that are permanently installed on land. They are considered a landmark of the region and are a defining feature of the Malabar Coast. It is believed that the nets were introduced to the coast by Chinese merchants in the 13th or 14th century. The nets are attached to large wooden or bamboo structures. To operate them, four or more fishermen are often required to lower the net into the water and pull it back up using counterweights (often stones or sandbags). – 1990

The famous Chinese fishing nets (known locally as Cheena vala) in Fort Kochi (Cochin), a historic coastal town in the Indian state of Kerala. These unique structures are stationary lift nets that are permanently installed on land. They are considered a landmark of the region and are a defining feature of the Malabar Coast. It is believed that the nets were introduced to the coast by Chinese merchants in the 13th or 14th century. The nets are attached to large wooden or bamboo structures. To operate them, four or more fishermen are often required to lower the net into the water and pull it back up using counterweights (often stones or sandbags). – 1990

The famous Chinese fishing nets (known locally as Cheena vala) in Fort Kochi (Cochin), a historic coastal town in the Indian state of Kerala. These unique structures are stationary lift nets that are permanently installed on land. They are considered a landmark of the region and are a defining feature of the Malabar Coast. It is believed that the nets were introduced to the coast by Chinese merchants in the 13th or 14th century. The nets are attached to large wooden or bamboo structures. To operate them, four or more fishermen are often required to lower the net into the water and pull it back up using counterweights (often stones or sandbags). – 1990