The earliest literary reference of the use of palanquin, popularly known as 'Palki', can be traced back to Ramayana (approx 250 BC). Inspite of innovations in transport mediums and availability of the variety of transports, the use of 'Palki' in India continued till modern times.

What is palanquin in history?

A palanquin (also called a litter) is a portable bed or couch, open or enclosed, that is mounted on two poles and carried at each end on the shoulders of porters or by animals. Palanquins appear in ancient Egyptian paintings and were used by the Persians and the Romans. They were also common in Asia.

What was the original form of palanquin in the past?

Palanquin (palki) a traditional means of communication now very rare. It is borne on the shoulders of two, four or even eight bearers of special caste or class. The origin of the word is sanskrit palayanka (a traveling bed). Its pali form is palanka and Hindi and Bangla, palki.