Horse-drawn carriages’ near extinction affecting craftsmen

While urbanisation has facilitated conveyance for commuters through the propagation of motor vehicles, the resultant loss in popularity of horse powered transportation has left families associated with the dated profession in a bad fortune.

Historically, horse-drawn carriages, colloquially referred to as tanga, were a popular choice of transportation among the locals of the garrison city, allowing them a cheap travel option with a tinge of royal aura, reminiscent of the Mughal era, when kings and queens would leave their palaces in the animal driven wagons.

In recent times however, the majestic ride has lost its long-held charm, with very few people showing interest in using the service, bringing forth a conundrum for tether makers and carriage craftsmen, who resent the growing redundancy of their intergenerational skill set.

Malik Zahid Rafiq Awan, a carriage craftsman from Rawalpindi, whose ancestors were involved in designing horse carriages, continues to run his workshop in the Dhok Khaba area. However, much to his dismay, the lack of interest in buying carriages is making him reconsider his career choice.

“I wish I had not pursued carriage crafting. I had completed my bachelor’s degree in arts, but was forced by my father to pursue the family profession, which is of very little value nowadays,” regretted Awan.

Although Awan and his family will remain in the business, other aspiring artisans are deterred from pursuing carriage crafting as a profession since the employability of persons equipped with the skillset is akin to none.

“No one is willing to acknowledge carriage crafting as a profession, therefore our hopes for recognition and advancement are relegated to dust,” added a dejected Awan.

Pouring his heart out to the Express Tribune, Awan nostalgically narrated the golden years when the tanga was frequently used by citizens, who sought to relish a 360 degree view of the passing landscape and landmarks.

“Families would joyfully sit in our tanga’s, occupying the front and back seats for a fun day out as they observed the scenery out in the open,” recalled Awan.

Apart from the day-to-day rides on the horse-drawn wagons, the wedding season also generated handsome earnings for Awan and others like him, since in many Punjabi families, the horse was seen as the quintessential ride for the bridegroom during the wedding procession. Over the years, however, this tradition too has faded away.

“These days grooms no longer seek horses for their wedding entrance, as lavish automobiles have replaced our carriages and have gradually become the norm,” resented Awan.

While Awan dislikes the loss in his earnings due to the younger generation changing preferences, he also feels sorrowful at the disconnect that exists between the youth and their indigenous culture.

“Today’s generation is oblivious to the majesty of royal rides like the tanga and buggy. The few that are aware of them have only learnt of the legendary rides from books or poetry,” said Awan.

In this regard, the craftsman implored the government to facilitate the operation of tangas in the garrison city. “I hope that we can have horse tracks in all the major parks around Rawalpindi so that our culture can be revived and people like me can regain the loss in their businesses.”

While it remains to be seen whether the dying culture of horse-drawn carriages will be revived, it is pertinent to mention that a move away from the now ancient method of transport to combustion-driven vehicles has catapulted the degree of air pollution in Rawalpindi.

“The rickshaws that many people prefer today, release huge amounts of toxic compounds into the atmosphere, in comparison to the tanga, which is environment friendly, but has become history,” remarked Awan while talking to The Express Tribune.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 29^th, 2023.