dhengi

Dhengi is a traditional wooden agricultural tool used in parts of India, particularly in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. It is primarily employed for tilling or plowing small plots of land, especially in areas where larger machinery is not feasible or accessible. The dhengi typically consists of a long wooden beam with a sharpened iron or steel blade attached to one end. A yoke, often made of wood or bamboo, is connected to the beam, allowing it to be pulled by oxen or bullocks.

The design of the dhengi allows for a relatively shallow tilling action, suitable for preparing seedbeds for crops like rice or wheat. Its simplicity and low cost make it a valuable implement for smallholder farmers who may not have the resources to invest in modern tractors or plows. The operation involves the farmer guiding the dhengi while the draft animals provide the pulling power. While its use has declined with the advent of mechanization, the dhengi remains a part of agricultural heritage and is still utilized in some rural communities where traditional farming practices are maintained. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to navigate uneven terrain and work small, confined fields.