Snake charmer at Rajasthan
In 1991 the Indian government banned any show featuring snakes with the introduction of a new wildlife protection bill. But here as can be seen is another failed bill. There are around 8,00,000 snake charmers in India who know only this act as a way of earning their bread. This
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Tiger at Ranthambore national park
“Oh, the tiger will love you. There is no sincerer love than the love of food.”
George Bernard Shaw
The recent Airtel initiative of “Only 1411 Tigers left in India” is an eye catcher. That’s the population of people in my colony. Would our children get to see this magnificent animal or would it be hard for them to believe that the animal that Durga (Hindu God of power) rides
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Proud old man
On the way back from Ranthanbore to Jaipur, we stopped at a small chai (tea) stall, where a group of old men were sitting and probably discussing village politics. As we stepped out of our vehicles they stared at us for sometime before offering a small bamboo stool for us to sit
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Camel
What many would consider a beautiful adornment for a camel, a flower stuck to his nose, I consider it hideous. Perhaps few lines by Anton Chekhov (considered a master in the world of literature as far as short stories are concerned) in “The Bet” (one of my all time favorite stories) explains
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Indian roller (blue jay)
A collage of colors, this bird is the state bird for many states in India. Its also associated with Lord Shiva, because of the blue throat (Lord Shiv once drank poison which then resided in his throat making it blue).
Hawa Mahal - Jaipur
Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is the iconic palace symbolizing Jaipur. Was build by Sawai Pratap Singh. The facade seen here, was used by the royal ladies so that they can have a look outside without being seen thought the numerous small windows (close to 1000 windows). It gets its name because these windows allow enough air to flow though and keep the palace cool.
Stood really close to the facade and raised my camera to almost 80 degree to click this.
Million dollar smile
My eyes gazed this man as I was having my tea. He was standing few feet away, deep in conversation with someone. At first I noticed the shape he was in, wondering if he was an underpaid worker, if he had a tough day today, poor guy perhaps still has to work at his old age… but suddenly he smiled, and all those thoughts vanished from my head. All I could think was, he is happy. It did not matter that he wore a torn banyan, or if he was poor. He was to me a beautiful person now.
“I’ve never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful.”
Crocodile at Ranthambore
Ranthambore has many big lakes, and where there is a lake in a national forest there is bound to be crocodiles. This one was basking in the sun lazily not bothered by the noise our jeep made as it passed along the edges of the lake. I like this photograph especially since it has also caught the reflection verywell of the crocodile and the tall grass etc in the lake.
Rufous Treepie
As we entered Ranthambore nation park and just crossed the gates of the reserve, a bold bird perched on the jeep right in front of me, I was surprised. It showed no signs of any fear. “Rufous Treepie” belong to the crow family. “If you had biscuits in your hand and you stretch your arm they will feed on it.. they love biscuits!” the guide told us.
Reflection
Charles Horton Cooley has written a lot on Social Theory and once said
“As social beings we live with our eyes upon our reflection, but have no assurance of the tranquillity of the waters in which we see it.”
Lake at Ranthambore National Park in Zone 4.
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