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The livelihood of Kathiawad
In the ‘70s, there were a lot of difficulties in transporting to Saurashtra-Kutch of Gujarat. In the remote villages, there used to be a government bus for transportation, and that was also full of passengers. Most of the villages didn't even have this facility. There were no other means than a bullock-cart to travel from village to village. Due to the rough and tough country roads of Saurashtra to Kutch, the goods could only be traded in a limited quantity.
It was during this period that Jam Saheb, the king of Jamnagar, had given his golf cart to a friend - Jagjivan Bhai Chandra, for use. Jagjivan Bhai had lived his whole life in Saurashtra, and thus he had all the information about the problems of people living in Saurashtra regarding transportation. He wanted to create a vehicle that could be used for transportation and trafficking of goods but in an economical way.
Jagjivan Bhai, along with his son Jayanti Bhai started to work on this vehicle. Modern technology such as today was not available in those days. The biggest problem with this new vehicle was its engine. Agricultural pumps, which were powered by diesel, were top-rated in those days. With a few modifications in the design of the same pump, the father-son duo built a new engine. Initially, this engine was powered by petrol, but in the future, it was modified to be able to run with diesel.
After resolving the problem of the engine of this new vehicle, under the guidance of Jagjivan Bhai, Jayanti Bhai started to work on the design. They attempted to provide maximum space for transportation, as well as for transporting goods. This vehicle came to be known as 'Chhakdo'. And in the original Kathiyawadi language, 'Tago'.
Naturally, with all these features, 'Chhakdo' became popular soon after its launch in the market. With its arrival, the problem of transportation in the villages of Saurashtra-Kutch was almost solved. 'Chhakdo' became the only means of transportation in the villages and gradually reached the whole of Saurashtra and Kutch.
The popularity of 'Chhakdo' was at its peak in the '90s. People used to travel with pride 'Chhakdas.' The demand was such that many people used these 'Chhakdas’ during their children's marriage. On every excellent occasion, 'Chhakdo' was the most useful.
In the coming decades, you may not see a single 'Chhakdo' in Saurashtra-Kutch because Rajkot-based Atul Auto Limited has stopped the manufacturing of 'Chhakdo.' Today, fifty years later, 'Chhakdo' is no more. The Government of India has tightened the road safety and pollution rules, and these rules do not fit the framework of 'Chhakdo,' which forced the company to take this step. Apart from this, transport is now modernized, and the demand for 'Chhakdo' has also declined.
The production of 'Chhakdo' may have stopped, but the unforgettable memories associated with it will remain intact in Kathiawadi's mind. The abilities of the drivers were also very unique for settling down the passengers. Women used to sit in the middle carrying their travel bags, children were placed in the lap, and men used to sit on the sides. It used to be so filled up that people couldn't even breathe. When climbing a slope, the men sitting on the sides get down! Also, when a bump used to come, everyone used to lean forward, which maintained the vehicle's balance! What fun it was.
When 'Chhakdo' was full of passengers, the driver used to bring the wrapping around the engine and turn on the engine. After the engine turns on, people are relieved. At last 'brrrmmm…..brrrmmm…...brrrmmm'
That's it. That relief is no longer there. Perhaps in the coming days, it would not be surprising if these 'Chhakdo' are found in the museums, and the next generation would have to feel that relief.
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