Nepal's Watermill

It was a sudden surprise, the water mill.

I had never seen one before. Water mills have been in existence since a long long time. They use the flowing water to grind the grains using two stone sills. In most of the places, it's a community driven system. The community builds it and maintains it. In return, the users keep some amount of flour as a contribution.

According to Nepal times, 'There are an estimated 30,000 water mills all over Nepal, traditionally used in villages to grind grain.' Today, a master artisan, Malaram ji was with us. He had rebuilt a similar community driven water mill once in Uttrakhand, India. He showed us how this worked. Believe me, it was awesome! I wish to study more about it now.

The water is channelised through a small canal. The flow is controlled by a small check-dam. As soon as the flow becomes sufficient to rotate the turbine below the stone sill, it needs a small push and the mill starts! check out the videos and the photos.

The water channel flowing below the mill. Just after the granary, there is a small wooden pin used to control the speed of the turbine depending on the size of the grain. As told by Malaram ji.

Malaram ji opening the small check-dam.

Small beautiful handmade tools.

When the check-dam is closed again.

If you know more about it, I would love to hear it from you!

Comments

Doors of Kathmandu

The most versatile piece in a building, [the door] has been a mode of expression [for] ages. The door in apartments and modern societies is just a mode of a transition from outside to inside. In traditional cities and neighborhoods, like that of Kathmandu, it’s much more than that. It’s the place where people spend most of their time. Sitting at the Chaukhat, socializing and chatting. The door is not just a tangible unit, it’s the respect you give to your building. Below are the photos I clicked during my site visits and explorations in and around Kathmandu, Nepal. The collection will keep on updating. Update: A wonderful poem by my ex-professor, mentor and friend, Saurabh Tewari द्वार नहीं हैं ये बस लकड़ी के। सदियों से चल रही संस्कृति के। बस रंग नहीं हैं, अभिकल्प नहीं हैं, प्रमाण हैं ये नेपाल की हस्ती के। नेपाल के दरवाज़े देखिए, निपुण प्रभाकर की आँखो से। There is a tradition of offering prayers at the door every morning. The two red dot...

Hunnariya Memoriya, The story of my internship.

Prologue: “ I have not slept for more than 6 hours since the time I started my internship. There have been times when I haven't slept at all. Everyday is a beautiful day here. There is no unproductive or bad day at Hunnarshala. I sleep less because I am always so excited and enthusiastic for the next day to come, the next day with challenges, adventure and something new to look forward to. ” I am Nipun, a student of architecture. What you are going to read is the story of six months that changed my life. Hunnarshala is a not for profit company based in Bhuj, Gujarat. It mostly works in the fields of disaster rehabilitation, housing for poor, and social architecture. It is very specific about the use of sustainable and eco-friendly designs and materials in its projects. The involvement of the users and the knowledge of communities is paramount in its designs. I was going to Spain for my internship for six months but my visa got rejected. Around the s...

Lodhi garden at night

Delhi transforms itself completely after the sunset and this is what I love about it. Yesterday I had an adventurous company so we sneaked in the Lodhi Gardens at night. I've read about the gardens in 'Delhi noir', a collection of small dark stories of the city. The beautiful landscape changes drastically. It turns more mystique surrounded by a strange silence, like its contemplating about the things it witnessed throughout the day. It does witness a lot of things, Some of the darkest secrets of the jovial city of Delhi. Only if it was to reveal them someday to someone. The rain water harvesting unit of the gardens

Pictures and words

Search This Blog