noun
- plural of punka; large fans made of palm leaves or cloth on a rectangular frame, used for cooling
Usage: chiefly historical; Indian English
Examples
- The servants operated the punkas to keep the colonial officers cool.
- Large punkas hung from the ceiling of the old British residence.
- The rhythmic swaying of punkas provided relief from the heat.
- Traditional punkas were made from woven palm fronds.
- The hotel still featured antique punkas in its colonial-style rooms.