Punkahs were meant to fan public spaces like cathedrals, hospitals and offices and large bungalows. A stiffened fabric panel hung from a wooden rod. This device was connected by ropes that were pulled by punkahwallahs to generate a draft. Such was its necessity that in the 19th century, inventors like Lt. R N Cook even mechanized the punkah so that multiple rows could be operated simultaneously.
 

The punkah is said to have been an Arab invention, attributed to Caliph Mansur - and was originally known as Marwaha al-Khaish (linen fan).
 

Punkahs developed their own whimsical vocabulary when they travelled to India. Depending on its momentum, the punkah was said to have a Bombay and Bengal side.  As the punkahwallah tugged at it, the panel generated a strong draft similar to the South West monsoons approaching Bombay. As he slowly released his grip, the punkah gradually lost force and reached the Bengal side, much like the travelling winds.