Dhow is the generic name for traditional sailing boats with one or two masts and triangular lateen sails. Dhows probably originated in India from 600BC to 600AD. Dhows were used for trade in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.
The first trading dhows were used by the Somali people. The oldest dhow is the Beden from Somalia. Many dhows were built in India with the good timber from the Kerala forest and skilled shipwrights.
Baghlah were heavy ships for trade.
Battil and Badan were smaller dhows for fishing, pearling and local trade.
Jalbut and Shu’ai were medium size dhows common in the Persian Gulf.
Sambuk is a larger modern dhow seen in the Persian Gulf
Sails Pictures 