Wednesday 18 December 2013

Ubiquitous India : No. 1 - The Squat

Today I am starting a new series on my blog called 'Ubiquitous India', which will be about everyday objects and actions that you commonly see in India, but perhaps you wouldn't notice unless you are an outsider.  Like me.

I have already written several posts about sights that amuse or befuddle me. For example, about the men who sleep anytime, anywhere, any place; about people hanging off vehicles on dangerous roads; about the marvellous uniforms of India's schoolchildren; or the handcart men of Mumbai - who toil in the heat of the traffic to make deliveries across the city. The first subject of my formalised series is 'The Squat'.


A boy washes pots in a puddle at Aarey Milk Colony
The Squat - the seating position of many a working class man or woman - is a wonder to behold.  It's not just about bending down for a few seconds to pick something off the floor or to speak to a toddler. No, it's a lifestyle choice. The squat is about getting right down and resting those haunches on the back of the calves. Almost with one's bottom on the floor. And for very long periods of time. 

It looks painful to me - but for the majority who take part in squatting, it is seemingly the most comfortable mode of seating in the absence of a chair or stool.  Squatters can do anything in that position.  They can just be lounging around, watching the world go by; they can be eating food (alone or in squatting groups); they can be performing daily household tasks such as washing and cooking. People can even do their jobs and earn a wage on their haunches.

Interestingly, if you were to look up 'Indian Squat' on Google, you will find that the Squat is considered one of the best exercises for strengthening the lower body. Of course this involves bending down and back up again in quick succession - perhaps with the addition of weights. 'Hindu Squats' or bethaks have been used by Indian wrestlers for centuries to improve lower body strength, speed and endurance. For anyone trying to rest on their haunches and get up again who is not used to it - it is extremely difficult (just try it!).  You sure do need excellent strength in your thighs to be a good squatter (perhaps I am just feeling my age).

Matt Furey strains to do a 'Hindu Squat'
Let us not forget the Squat Toilet as well.  The thing that puts the fear of god into all of us westerners. If you don't get your squat right....you'll need a cloth.

The Squat is such a common part of Indian daily life, that I haven't even had to go out and take special photos of people in the crouching position. All I had to do was rifle through my photo archive to find what I needed.

Here you go:


A Saddhu in Varanasi washing his clothing on the banks of the Ganges (just noticed his odd shoes!)

A builder squatting on the top of a construction site opposite our building.

Children crouching whilst putting their kites together on Juhu beach


A Dabbawala squats to have a break

Aarey Milk Colony - a farmworker...makes bricks out of cowdung

Aarey Milk Colony

A construction worker at a building site

People sorting their washing on Carter Road, Bandra

Above and below: two men repair fishing nets at Sassoon Docks.

Thanks to reader Stefanie VB for sending in this photo of a guy teetering on the
edge of this wall - in a very fine squat pose!

Follow this link for a humorous hints on how to squat properly: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/how-to-squat-properly/#axzz2npcrnrcn


Please do come back for more Ubiquitous India insights!

19 comments:

  1. It looks like a great series!! How fun!! I cannot wait to see the next one. Squatting is quite commonly seen in Japan among men, too. Interesting.

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    1. Thanks Kaho. Yes I noticed that in Japan too - it is probably to do with the severe lack of personal space in both countries...

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  2. the squat is something i never mastered and yes the squat toilet is the stuff of nightmares for me too since I came to India into a sheltered Westernised existence as a kid

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    1. But with all that Yoga you are doing Kalyan...you have a better chance than me!

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  3. Having lived and traveled in the nation for two years, but being raised in U.S., what I like about the Indian squat:
    -it is free
    -you can do it pretty much anywhere
    -you don't need a chair or anything to lean against
    -it is an "engaged" form of sitting, in which your muscles are actively stabilizing and balancing you
    -your spine is flexed and erect, which is good for those of us who suffer from spinal problems
    -it conserves your body heat (in the Himalayas, squatting and throwing a woolen shawl around you was common)
    -you take up less space, which is useful if you're on the top of a bus, at a carnival, etc.

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    1. Thank you for the observations...and you are absolutely right! It's a very compact, space saving solution for sure!

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  4. It's such a natural seating position that I am in awe and wish I could do it so easily! I still struggle from time to time even though I do yoga daily. It also is really good for your lower back and hips!

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    1. I sometimes have to get on and off the floor at work - it kills me trying to get cross legged, never mind squatting! Guess i could do with doing some yoga...

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  5. Hi Jules, I see your named mentioned in Kaho's blog and was intrigued! This post is brilliant! Thanks for the giggles =D

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    1. Hello and thanks for visiting - via the gorgeous Chuzai Living blog. Glad you were entertained!

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  6. Very observant of you, and you have said everything you need to say about the squat. However, squatting, used in informal parlance, refers to evacuating ones' bowels in the open country-side ... thankfully, this is much reduced nowadays, but you can still find squatters in the early morning as you speed down a local train.

    Second context of this word: In Hinglish, we call those who occupy land illegally (such as those who live in slums and huts on land owned by others) as squatters too.

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    1. We also use the word Squatter in the UK as a term for people who occupy property illegally (possession is nine tenths of the law) - people who usually don't have jobs and homes who break into unoccupied houses unfortunately. A nasty business.

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  7. Looking forward to your new series - such a great idea!
    The squat which, apparently, originated in India has also spread to other parts of Asia and is supposed to be excellent for the back - instead of sitting in a chair - of course also the thigh muscles etc. and even makes childbirth easier.
    You man also have notice that a Russian metro station has introduced a machine that gives out free metro tickets to those who can do 30 squats in a certain number of minutes! This is to try to encourage people to exercise. Great idea in my opinion.

    .

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    1. That's brilliant...I envisage, lots of Russians squatting around a ticket machine on a cold morning....great way to get warmed up too! haha too funny

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  8. Just discovered your blog a few days ago... I've been to Mumbai once, and coming back at the end of the month. I love reading about this city, & I love the way you describe it. So congrats, and thank you ! Marion (a brand new french reader... trying to squat properly before coming back)

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  9. Just discovered your blog a few days ago... I've been to Mumbai once, and coming back at the end of the month. I love reading about this city, I love the way you describe it. So congrats, and thank you ! Marion (a brand new french reader... trying to squat properly before coming back)

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    1. Hello Marion...I'm terribly sorry but I only just saw this comment - completely slipped my notice! Anyway, thanks so much for your lovely comments and I am so glad that you managed to find some interesting info about the city from me. Good luck with the squats - it's the best exercise you can do ...apparently!

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  10. I just love your blog! Hmmm. this is something I have noticed all over Asia. Chinese (mainland only) and Koreans, especially, were squatting all over the place. I was told it's hygiene issue with people not wanting to sit on dirty floors or public sidewalks. Most people carried newspapers and the like or simply squatted. Good way to exercise too.

    Have a great weekend.

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    1. Hello Shivangi. Thanks for visiting and commenting - always nice to hear from new readers. Yes I think it's endemic across Asia. Lack of space and seating affordability does make for a good squatting opportunity. I like the idea of doing more squat thrusts...but really can't be bothered! haha.. See you soon.

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