Thoni balli, a term used in the Beary language, refers to a specific type of rope. It played a vital role in connecting the wooden planks that constructed the magnificent thoni, or wooden dhow, in the olden days. To bind these planks together, the locals relied on Thoni balli and a natural adhesive derived from forest-produced gum.
Abdul Muneer, the proprietor of a shop nestled in the Mangalore Old Port area, locally known as Bunder, reminisces about the bygone era when the demand for Thoni balli reached its peak. Coir ropes, sourced from Calicut and Aleppey, were in high demand during that time. However, with the advent of fiber boats, the demand for Thoni balli dwindled, leaving only a faint trace of its former glory.
Thoni balli holds more than just a functional purpose. It acts as a bridge, symbolically connecting various coastal regions such as Aleppey, Calicut, and Mangalore. Its significance extends beyond the physical realm, embodying a time when traditional wooden dhows were not only used for fishing but also served as vessels of navigation, traversing the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea.
Thonni balli in a shop. Photo by by Aravind P.K.
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However, with the advent of fiber boats, the demand for Thoni balli dwindled, leaving only a faint trace of its former glory.
Thonni balli in a shop. Photo by by Aravind P.K.