Because the Pun Magar community lives in the high mountainous region of the Dhaulagiri area, close to the Himalayas, their lifestyle, food habits, and daily living practices are somewhat different from those of people living in cities and market areas. Due to geography, climate, and the availability of local resources, the materials used in their daily life also vary according to the region.
In the past, products manufactured in industries and factories were not easily accessible in rural areas. Therefore, the Pun Magar community produced many of the items needed for daily life using their own skills, labor, local resources, and traditional knowledge. In mountain villages, materials such as wood, stone, bamboo, and clay found in the surrounding environment were used to create various tools and objects. These items were not only practical but also symbols of local knowledge, craftsmanship, and culture.
Indigenous communities carry their own unique traditions, materials, and cultural practices. In this sense, they are considered culturally rich communities. Similarly, the Pun Magar people living in the Dhaulagiri region have traditionally produced many of the materials required in their daily life using locally available resources. These materials are used in religious rituals, festivals, dances, feasts, and everyday activities. Through their skills and traditional knowledge, they have preserved their original civilization and cultural identity.
The materials used in village life were not made merely for simple use. They were created with careful thought and practical understanding. Just like modern engineers, the makers paid attention to structure, balance, and usefulness. Therefore, these traditional tools can be regarded as excellent examples of indigenous engineering knowledge. They reflect the scientific thinking and creativity of our ancestors.
When studying these traditional materials, it becomes clear that even people without formal education developed highly useful technologies based on their experience, intelligence, and continuous practice. These skills and knowledge have been passed down from generation to generation and continue to be used in rural communities. Therefore, it is essential to preserve these traditional tools and techniques created using local resources and skills. They should not be allowed to disappear, as they represent ethnic identity, cultural history, and indigenous knowledge.
Structure and Operation of the Water Mill
The water mill (Pani Ghatt) is an excellent example of traditional engineering skill. It is not a product of simple thinking but rather an intelligent technology that uses the force of flowing water to grind grains.
To make grinding easier, water is directed from an irrigation canal (kulo) into a wooden channel called a donth. From there, the flowing water strikes a wooden turbine-like structure known as the madani located in the swato. The force of the water rotates the madani, which in turn rotates the grinding stone.
Inside the mill, a rotating stone is placed on top of a stationary stone. The rotating stone is supported by components such as phali and kari, allowing it to turn smoothly. This rotating stone system is called the ghatt.
Grains to be ground are placed in a container called the soli located above the grinding stone. The grains gradually fall between the stones and are ground into flour by the rotating motion. Beneath the stones is a container called the jhakuri, where the flour is collected. A wooden board called pati prevents too much grain from falling at once, while another component called tekteke regulates the amount of grain that drops for grinding.
Water Mill Tradition in Annapurna Rural Municipality
In Dana of Annapurna Rural Municipality–3, as many as eight to nine water mills operate continuously from a single irrigation canal. Traditionally, the mill owner receives one mana of grain for every pathi of grain ground, while those who prefer to pay in cash pay around 20 Nepali rupees.
For the past eight to nine years, Chun Bahadur Paija (49) has been operating a water mill in Dana by renting it for 3,000 rupees per year from the owner. He prefers to receive payment in grain rather than cash. According to him, “If I take grain, I can eat that same grain.”
Source: Chinmaya Purja (Paija) Pun Magar (45 years), Annapurna Rural Municipality–4, Narchyang.
