​Dhōni (boat). — An exogamous sept of Mīla and Oruganti Kāpu. In a paper on the native vessels of South India by Mr. Edge, published in the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, the dhōni is described as "a vessel of ark-like form, about 70 feet long, 20 feet broad, and 11 feet deep, with a flat bottom or keel part, which at the broadest place is 7 feet.

"The whole equipment of these rude vessels, as well as their construction, is the most coarse and unseaworthy that I have ever seen." The dhōni, with masts, is represented in the ancient lead and copper coinage of Southern India.