The Enduring Legacy of Urus in Beypore

Beypore, a tranquil town on the banks of the Chaliyar River in Kerala, India, awakens with a unique hum when you reach the water's edge. Here, partially constructed wooden giants take shape under the skilled hands of generations of carpenters.

A Craft Steeped in History

Uru making, the art of crafting these traditional dhows, boasts a heritage as rich as Kerala's maritime trade itself. Legends speak of Yemeni traders, who settled here centuries ago, passing on their knowledge to local artisans, thus igniting a tradition that continues to this day.

"Uru making has been in our family for generations," says a local craftsman. "The dhows we build now are far more luxurious than the ones made earlier. Back then, cargo dhows were common, but today, passenger ships are in high demand."

From Royal Patronage to Modern Revival

The 12th century saw the industry flourish under the patronage of the Zamorins, the rulers of North Kerala, who relied on these dhows to bolster their naval power. However, the 1970s witnessed a decline, with boat building shifting to Mangalore and Kannur, only to eventually falter.

A turning point came in 2011 when the Qatari royal family commissioned several urus, reviving the craft in Beypore. This, coupled with a government grant to build a study uru in 2010, breathed new life into the age-old tradition. Since then, Beypore has consistently exported at least one dhow to Qatar annually.

The Art of Uru Making: Intuition Over Blueprints

Remarkably, these intricate vessels are built without relying on blueprints or detailed plans. The "maistry," the master craftsman, provides daily instructions to his team, carrying the entire design in his mind. Traditional carpentry tools are the order of the day, with heavy machinery taking a back seat.

The revival has brought prosperity back to Beypore. Since 2011, the company has often worked on two or three urus simultaneously. The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar generated new orders.

The Essence of a Beypore Uru

What truly sets Beypore urus apart is their commitment to tradition. Constructed entirely of wood, without modern techniques, these vessels are launched using time-tested methods. Each piece is meticulously joined by hand, creating a testament to human skill.

While other places like Mangaluru use metal sheets for their dhows, compromising longevity for affordability. Beypore urus, built with the finest teak wood and embellished with jackfruit and rosewood interiors, are meant to last for generations.

Mopla Khalasis: The Unsung Heroes

The story of Beypore urus is incomplete without acknowledging the Mopla Khalasis, a vital cog in the boatbuilding process. These traditional dockyard workers, known for their incredible strength, are instrumental in maneuvering even the most imposing wooden structures using their age-old pulley and rope system.

The enduring legacy of uru making in Beypore is a captivating blend of tradition, human skill, and a commitment to excellence. As Beypore continues to craft these magnificent vessels, it not only preserves a piece of maritime history but also builds a bridge between the past and the future.