In India, fishing nets are known by various local names depending on the region and type. For example, in coastal areas like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the common fishing net is called \“Vala\“ or \“Cheena Vala\“, which is a type of Chinese fishing net used traditionally. These nets are large and operated manually with counterweights, allowing fishermen to catch fish efficiently from the shore.
Another popular fishing net in India is the \“Gill Net\“, locally referred to as \“Jaali Jaal\“ in Hindi-speaking regions. It is a passive net that entangles fish by their gills and is widely used in rivers and lakes. In West Bengal, the \“Ber Jal\“ is a common net used in inland fisheries, made from nylon or cotton, and designed for catching smaller fish species.
Additionally, the \“Cast Net\“ or \“Koodu Valai\“ in Tamil is used for throwing over schools of fish in shallow waters. These nets are lightweight and easy to handle, making them ideal for individual fishermen. Overall, the diversity in fishing net names reflects India\“s rich cultural and geographical variations in fishing practices. |
