28/05/2026
The Palanquin Story-The Mode of Luxurious Travel of the bygone era
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Each day, we see thousands of vehicles passing by our gallery. But, a few remarkable traditional Indian artefacts that we have in our collection reminded us of the Mode of luxurious travel of the bygone era....
Yes, we are referring to the human-powered, wheel-less vehicle, lyrical and rhythmic in its gait- The "Palanquin or Palki".
The earliest literary reference of the use of ‘Palki’, can be traced back to the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana (approx 250 BC).
or was historically used in Asia to transport royalty, nobility, or wealthy individuals, or carrying newly married bride to her new home often marked as an elegant way to make her ceremonial entrance.
A poem titled "Palanquin Bearers", written in 1905 by Dr. Sarojini Naidu (Noted Indian freedom fighter/poet who served as the first Governor of United Provinces, after India's independence from the 300 years of colonial rule, in 1947) very aptly narrates the theme. Hear a few lines of the poem in Dr. Naidu's voice (retrieved from the archives)...
Palkis were craftily decorated. The designs primarily would depend on the social status...Journeys in ‘palki’ were considered to be extremely personalized and enjoyable. Even the European traders during 18th century & the colonial officers extensively used such vehicles of transport. There are many stories about the Palkis waiting to be told. Visit our gallery for more.
