226 Czrr1KA LAzxr
The scenery of the Chilka is very varied, and in parts exceedingly
picturesque. In the south and west hill ranges bound its shores; and
in this part it is dotted with a number of small rocky islands.
Proceeding northwards, the lake expands into a majestic sheet of water.
Half-way across is Nalbana, literally 'the reed forest,' an island about
5 miles in circumference, scarcely anywhere rising more than a few
inches above water-level. This island is altogether uninhabited, but is
regularly visited by parties of thatchers from the mainland, who cut the
reeds and high grasses with which it is covered. On the eastern side of
the lake lie the islands of Parikud, with new silt formations behind and
now partially joined to the narrow ridge of land which separates the
Chilka from the sea. At some places they emerge almost imperceptibly
from the water; at others, they spread out into well-raised rice-fields.
Their northern extremity slopes gracefully down to the lake like an
English park, dotted with fine trees, and backed by noble masses of
foliage. Water-fowl of all kinds are very abundant in every part of the
lake. Beyond the northern end of Parikud, the lake gradually shallows
until it becomes solid ground, for here the Puri rivers empty themselves
and the process of land-making is going on. The northern shores
of the Chilka comprise the parganas of Sirai and Chaubiskud, and it is
these tracts which have to bear the greatest suffering in times of general
inundation in Puri.
At its southern extremity in the Madras District of Ganjam stands
the village of Rambha. Before Ganjam town was overwhelmed with
fever and when it was still the capital of the District which bears
its name, this used to be a favourite resort of its European residents
in the hot months.
A tidal canal 7 miles long connects the lake with the Rushikulya river
and is navigable throughout the year. Large quantities of grain are
imported from Orissa across the lake and along this canal, and salt is
exported in return. The boats employed are flat-bottomed vessels,
. which are poled against the wind or drift before it under crazy mat
sails.
Chinab.-River in the Punjab and Kashmir. See CHENAB.
Chinchani.-Village in Thana District, Bombay. See TARAPUR
CHINCHANI.
Chinchkhed.--Village in Khandesh District, Bombay. See MAHEJI.
Chinchli.-Village in the State of Kolhapur, Bombay, situated in
r6° 34' N. and 74° 5o' E., on the Kistna, about 42 miles south-east of
Kolhapur city. Population (1900, 3,540. Chinchli is a station on the
Southern Mahratta Railway. The place is chiefly known for the shrine
of the goddess Mahakali, popularly called Mayaka. Four times a year
pilgrims visit the shrine; and on the full moon of Magh (January-
February) a large fair is held, which is attended by about 35,000 people.
|
![[Digital South Asia Library]](/graphics/thirdlevel.gif)
