Dhenki facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dhiki |
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Traditional Dhiki in Nepal
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| Classification | Simple Machine |
| Industry | Substantial |
| Weight | Approx. 6.8 Kg |
| Powered | Manual |
| Components | Wood, Stone, Metal |
The Dhiki (also called Dhenki or Dhinki) is a traditional tool. It works like a simple machine, similar to a seesaw. People in countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and parts of India (like Assam and Odisha) have used it for a long time. It's mostly made from strong wood.
The Dhiki helps turn raw rice (called paddy) into edible rice. It also grinds rice into fine powder. It has a heavy part that presses down on the rice. This force separates the rice from its outer covering, called the husk. Women often used to operate the Dhiki.
How it's Built
The Dhiki is usually made from wood and a bit of iron. Skilled woodworkers, called carpenters, build most of the wooden parts. A blacksmith, who works with metal, then adds an iron ring to the end of the Dhiki's main lever. This makes the tool stronger and more effective.
What it's Used For
In farming communities, especially in places like Assam, the Dhiki is very useful. It helps farmers get rice from raw paddy grains. It's also used to make dry rice flakes and rice powder. These ingredients are then used to create many tasty dry food items, like special snacks called pithas. Even today, you can find the Dhiki being used in some rural areas of Odisha and Bengal.
In Books and Movies
The Dhiki has even appeared in popular culture. In the Bengali movie Ashani Sanket by famous director Satyajit Ray, actresses were shown using the Dhiki. Also, the well-known Odia author Fakir Mohan Senapati wrote about the Dhiki in his literary works. This shows how important the Dhiki was in daily life.
