This is a traditional hand-pulled rickshaw, som etim es
referred to as a “tonga” in local languages.
These two-wheeled vehicles are hum an-powered, with a
runner drawing a cart that typically seats one or
two people.
They were introduced by the British in
India in the 19th century after being
invented in Japan.
The nam e “rickshaw” originates from the
Japanese word jinrikisha, m eaning
“hum an-powered vehicle”.
KKoollkkaattaa is the only rem aining city in India where
hand-pulled rickshaws are still operational as a m ode
of transport.