Palki

Palki refers to a type of palanquin, a closed litter carried on the shoulders of bearers, historically used for transporting people in various parts of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. These elaborate conveyances were typically used by royalty, nobility, and wealthy individuals for travel or ceremonial occasions. The design of a palki could vary greatly, from simple, open structures to ornate, enclosed chambers adorned with carvings, paintings, and textiles. The number of bearers required to carry a palki also depended on its size and weight, often ranging from two to eight individuals.

The use of palkis declined significantly with the advent of modern transportation methods like carriages, railways, and automobiles. However, they are still sometimes seen in traditional weddings and religious processions in some regions of India and Nepal, serving as a cultural and ceremonial artifact. The word "palki" itself is derived from the Sanskrit word "pālikā," meaning a small basket or box, which likely describes the early forms of these carrying devices. The practice of using palkis highlights a historical period where elaborate and labor-intensive methods of transport were common among the elite.