IGNCA has undertaken a major audio-visual documentation of boatman culture of peninsular India to look into the lifestyle of traditional people whose main occupation is fishing.

After being ruled by many Indian kings, Goa became Portugal’s first territorial acquisition in Asia and remained in their possession till 1961 when Goa became a Union Territory of Government of India. The fishermen community is the lifeline of “Goa.” They were into fishing business during the Portuguese rule and they continued with their occupation even after becoming part of the Indian democracy. The film traces the roots of these original tribal settlers in Goa, who developed their villages near the sea and near the rivers. These people are called “Kharvis” (The Brave Peope of the Sea) and their fishing business is the third largest occupation in Goa.

The film depicts their lifestyle through their customs, rituals, culture and look in to the problems of labourers. It also shows the mechanization of boats as well.