Budgerow

The term is thought to be an Anglicisation of the Hindi and Bengali word bajrā possibly derived from baglā or Arabic bagara.

The rudder at the stern of these boats were guided by helmsmen while goleers stationed at the bow ascertained the depth of water in the river by using a long pole.

[3] When sailing, budgerows had a smaller baggage boat, called a pulwah, accompanying them carrying provisions, servants and facilities for cooking.

They move faster when powered by sails and inclement winds required them to be towed by a crew of 16 or more men.

[5] Before the arrival of the railways, the transport of goods across much of Northern India depended on rivers and budgerows were a common sight.