Jato (grinder)

Jato (Devanagari:जाँतो) is a type of rotary hand quern or grinder in the Himalayan region of Nepal, Sikkim, Darjeeling and Bhutan. It is a traditional tool to grind grains. It consists of two round stones (disc) of which the bottom part is attached to the ground or the floor in the house, attached disc or lower disc are immovable and has a big nail or wood (mani or bell) in the centre to keep the top stone in place while grinding. The top part however has two holes in it, one in the middle to insert grains and the other on the side to place a wooden handle (hato) for grinding. The grains are grind using a circular motion with the help of the handle and the person has to be sitting down to do the task.

Advantages of Jato:

1. Easier to use it.
2. Efficient flow of grinned grains.
3. Reduces the act of force.

Disadvantages of Jato:

1. Continuous use of Jato cause pain in the palm.
2. Not familiar to children.
3. It is non movable and bulky.