Question

Coracle is a dominant craft in which reservoir?

• A. Tungabhadra
• B. Gobindasagar
• C. Rihand
• D. Ujjani

Hint:

Traditional craft geography:
1. Coracle = South Indian Reservoirs (Tungabhadra, Mettur).
2. Dugout/Plank boat = North Indian Reservoirs and Rivers.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question identifies a specific type of traditional circular basket-like fishing craft called a "Coracle" and asks where it is dominantly used among Indian reservoirs.
Detailed Explanation:

• Nature of Coracles: Coracles are saucer-shaped boats made of split bamboo or cane, traditionally covered with animal hide or, in modern times, plastic/tarred sheets. They are extremely light and easy to maneuver in rocky waters.

• Regional Usage: Coracles are unique to the rivers and reservoirs of South India (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh). They are extensively used in the Tungabhadra Reservoir (Karnataka) for gill netting and longlining because they are cheap and well-suited to the shallow, rocky margins of the reservoir.

• Evaluation of other options: Reservoirs like Gobindasagar (Himachal Pradesh) and Rihand (Uttar Pradesh) predominantly use larger wooden dugout canoes or plank-built boats.

Step 2: Final Answer:
The coracle is dominant in the Tungabhadra reservoir.