When I leave this earth, my possessions of my life must be donated to the Fiji Museum, so people never forget how it was.
Mrs Sita Maharaj 1965
Nestled in the heart of Suva, the Fiji Museum offers visitors a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Fijian history and culture. Among its diverse exhibits, one artifact stands out for its simplicity and profound cultural significance: the Chakki, a traditional flour grinder.
“When I leave this earth, my possessions of my life must be donated to the Fiji Musuem, so people never forgot how it was”
Mrs Sita Maharaj 1965
Images clockwise : Lali and Sita Maharaj in Fiji circa 1950, Ajay Chhabra @ Royal Botanical Gardens Kew Gardens, where Sugar Cane was grown and experimented before being sent to Fiji, Ajay and his cousin Anshu at the Fiji Musuem in 1983. These teenagers had been sent by the elders to explore the museum – this encounter changed Ajay’s perspective and approach to the story of a nation.
A Historical Gem
The Chakki on display at the Fiji Museum is more than just a kitchen tool; it is a testament to the agricultural and culinary traditions that have shaped communities for generations. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, the Chakki was introduced to Fiji by Indian indentured laborers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These laborers brought with them not only their labor but also their rich cultural heritage, including traditional food processing techniques.
“We come with nothing and leave with nothing”
Mrs Sita Maharaj 1965
The Chakki displayed in the Fiji Museum holds a special place in the hearts of many, particularly as it was donated by my grandfather, Ishwar Dutt, in 1980. This Chakki, along with other utensils and a bed, originally belonged to my great-grandmother, Sita Maharaj, and were brought from India during the indentured period. Recognizing the significance of sharing these items with the public, both my grandfather and the museum’s director at the time understood the importance of this collection.
Design and Function
The Chakki is a hand-operated device, traditionally made from two circular stones. The lower stone remains stationary while the upper stone rotates when pushed by a handle or lever. Grains are fed through a hole in the center of the upper stone, and as it rotates, the grains are ground into flour. This simple yet effective mechanism has been used for centuries to produce fresh, nutritious flour from a variety of grains such as wheat, rice, and maize.
Cultural Significance
In the Indian communities of Fiji, the Chakki was more than a kitchen appliance; it was a symbol of self-sufficiency and domestic skill. Women typically operated the Chakki, and the rhythmic sound of grinding was a common household melody. The flour produced was used to make staple foods like roti, puri, and other traditional dishes, playing a crucial role in daily sustenance and cultural practices.
Preservation and Personal Connection
Our family’s legacy of philanthropy is well-documented. In the 1950s, my great-grandparents who came to Fiji with the clothes that they were wearing, donated land to the Marist Brothers School and to the Port Authority of Fiji, showcasing their commitment to Fiji’s development. These contributions were driven by a profound understanding of building and supporting significant institutions within the country. The donation of the Chakki and other artifacts to the museum is a continuation of this legacy, preserving and honoring the cultural heritage of the Indo-Fijian community.
Recognizing Sita Maharaj
Today, it is crucial to formally recognize the maternal narrative, the story of women and their achievements, the donation and name my great-grandmother, Sita Maharaj, for visitors, tourists, dignitaries, academics, and students. Highlighting her name and contributions ensures that the legacy of the Indian indentured laborers and their descendants is celebrated and remembered. It underscores the role of individual stories in the broader narrative of Fiji’s cultural mosaic.
A Living Tradition
While modern electric grinders have largely replaced the traditional Chakki in many homes, the cultural heritage it represents endures. The Fiji Museum’s Chakki is a poignant reminder of the past, offering a tangible connection to the ways in which food preparation was deeply intertwined with cultural identity and community life.
Conclusion
A visit to the Fiji Museum is not complete without pausing to reflect on the Chakki. This humble flour grinder encapsulates a rich history of migration, adaptation, and cultural resilience. It serves as a bridge between the past and present, reminding us of the enduring impact of cultural traditions on contemporary life in Fiji. Through artifacts like the Chakki, the Fiji Museum continues to educate and inspire, preserving the diverse heritage of the islands for future generations. The donation by my grandfather, Ishwar Dutt, and the legacy of Sita Maharaj, stand as a testament to our family’s commitment to Fiji’s cultural and societal growth, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and learn from the rich history embedded in these everyday objects.