The Lives of Brahmins
In general there has been a lot of Brahmin-bashing in the media and I myself have had mixed opinions about the subject with a tinge of negativity. In my circles … Continue reading
Govinda Ala Re at Janmashtami – an Indian Miniature Painting
It is Janmashtami again! And to honor Krishna, his love for home-made butter and his theft from the homes of neighboring Gopis, communities in many cities will put up the … Continue reading
Happy Birthday India – Jiye Mera Desh
India celebrates it’s Independence Day today. In the grand scheme of India’s long history, a few centuries under the British rule and then subsequent independence therefrom is not that big … Continue reading
Of Human Bondage – The Chains of Marriage
Marriage with its Emotional Bondage* that is Voluntary & Reciprocal can be a beautiful experience. In the Hindu tradition, this bondage is poignantly represented by the Gold Chain that the … Continue reading
The Honey Trappers
* WARNING Several Graphic Images* Goa is one of the regions that is blessed with fertile forests. And a result of (or perhaps cause of) this is the large variety … Continue reading
When there is Respect – A glimpse of Bastar, India
In a land as diverse as India, even the smallest administrative segment – the Taluka or District – is home to a few dozen communities. Therefore, no matter who is … Continue reading
The Lambani Project
The Banjaras & the Lambanis lived in the forested areas, mainly in South India.They have now been settled in villages through government schemes and no longer follow the nomadic / … Continue reading
Praying for Rain
A self-explanatory photo pre-1900 : An Indian Fakir performing a ritual praying for rain. The context is relevant even today! jm June 2014
At the homes of Rabaris
A few pictures taken with majestic Rabari women & men in their own homes, over the years. Attending a Welcome or Swagat at a wedding in the homes of welcoming … Continue reading
MANJUNATH – THE FILM
“MANJUNATH” An outstanding film – an outstanding true story about an outstanding young MBA who joins the corporate world made by another outstanding MBAÂ – who gave up his corporate … Continue reading
Vanished Without a Trace – A Clan of 84 Villages
TIME: Around 13th century. PLACE: Rajasthan PARADIGM: Extremely Caste Conscious Social Hierarchy STORY Kuldhara is village outside Jaisalmer. It was the home of Paliwal Brahmins. Every region, has its unstated … Continue reading
Bombay – Meri Jaan
Photos of a few must-see places that are off the beaten path in Bombay-Mumbai – the liveliest city in the world! 1. Banganga – a stepped well born of a … Continue reading
Need a Handmade Iron Tool? Go shop with the Gadaliya Lohar Tribe of Rajasthan
Hand made textiles I can understand – but seeing handmade iron tools on sale brought me face-to-face with my ignorance! As I walked through Jaisalmer, I came across 2 families … Continue reading
Streets of Jaisalmer
One of the best ways to experience a city is to walk through it. And Jaisalmer with its charming architecture, narrow lanes and friendly bystanders is a treat to explore … Continue reading
TWO WORLDS
Bhil Woman whose lifestyle remains rooted in the past even as her surroundings have moved into the future with the adoption of new technology. Rural Rajasthan, India
Thar Desert Rajasthan – In search of Shade
Man and beast subject to the elements of nature in equal measure. The fragility of the human’s sense of empowerment over nature, is accentuated in the extreme testing conditions such … Continue reading
Thar Desert Rajasthan – Hamlets & Herds
A photo-essay on the little hamlets & goat herds seen in Thar Desert region of Rajasthan. The photos cannot capture the emptiness of the space, or the heat, but they … Continue reading
Thar Desert Rajasthan – Where did the desert go?
A desert is not something that one sees often. So when I planned my trip to Rajasthan, I was excited about seeing the Thar desert (pronounced by local as Thudd)Â … Continue reading
A Temple of Miracles in the Desert – Tanot Mata Mandir
Locals believe that it was the Goddess Tanot Mata that prevented the bombs from exploding in a war a few decades ago. And the Goddess became famous beyond the local … Continue reading
Royal Cradles of Rajasthan
As I walk through the Mehrangarh Fort Museum hall exhibiting royal cradles, I cannot help but think about babies & nurturing & child-raising, about the tenets of parenting and the … Continue reading
Living with Art – A Home in rural Rajasthan
On a highway outside Jaisalmer, driving at 80kmph, I spot an artistically decorated walled enclave. The driver is instructed to stop. He is first confused about my request to visit … Continue reading
