Gypsy Mother
Is there anywhere in the world where people strike poses more naturally and spontaneously than in India?
Rajasthan, in Northern India, is a sensory banquet.
I love the colour.
I even love the chaos and the heat.
But, most of all, I love the photogenic nature of the people. Most seem completely un-hurried, with an internal stillness I can’t help but admire. Every-which-way you turn, you will find people draped in doorways or lounging in lanes. In their vividly colourful clothing, they contrast wildly with their surrounds. I tilt the lens of my camera and make eye-contact, gaining wordless permission to make a photograph. Or, I chat (with or without a language in common) with people who take selfies with their arms around me; I have just become someone’s new best friend.
My last trip to India’s north was in November 2013, in a small group with photographer Karl Grobl and local expert DV Singh. After a morning with tripods on a cold Jaisalmer rooftop (Jaisalmer Morning), Karl let us loose on our own inside Jaisalmer Fort.
It was, of course, a photographic feast.
Sun Rising over the Fort
Built in 1156, the UNESCO listed Jaisalmer Fort is a beautiful structure and one of the largest fortifications in the world.
Tightrope Walker
The ancient walls provide a magnificent backdrop to the life inside.
Concentration
The young boy walking high above the ground concentrates …
Acrobat’s Mother
… as his proud mother watches on.
The Boys
A group of boys hang around watching the tightrope walker and the tourists.
Gypsy Musicians
In an entryway, Rajasthani gypsy musicians entertain…
Beautiful Gypsy
… and sell jewellery …
Rajasthani Dolls
… and trinkets.
Young Salesman
Inside the courtyard of the fort, salespeople sit waiting for customers …
Woman Carrying
… while residents go about their business.
House in the Fort
The fortress walls enclose homes and shopfronts.
Woman in the Fort
Inside the Hindu Temple
A priest sits in a prayer alcove …
Family at the Temple
… as a young family comes to pay their respects.
“Use Me”
There are nooks and crannies…
Inside the Fort
… and alleyways …
Old Jaisalmer House-Front
… leading to houses …
Cannon over Jaisalmer
… and to a stairway to one of the towers that overlooks the Golden City.
Tourists at the Fort
Crowd in the Market
Back down from the gun-tower, the streets are crowded with markets and tourists.
Girlfriends
These young women are on holidays together from a nearby state.
Saleswoman
A saleswoman spruiks her wares, …
Painting Postcards
… a man paints used postcards for re-sale, …
Women on the Stoop
… and local woman sit and gossip.
Brahman Cow
Down another laneway, I manage to get past a brahman cow, …
Kids in a Corner
… only to come across two young girls who appear to be living in a cubbyhole.
Kid in a Corner
The younger of the two girls was bright and engaging and seemed to be the protector.
Kid in a Corner
As far as I could tell from broken discussions with a neighbouring resident, the mother of these girls had fallen on hard times.
Kids in a Corner
So, I gave the girls a few rupee in the hope it will be well spent.
Man and Son
Back in the courtyard, a man pauses to pose with his son…
Women in the Courtyard
… as do three friends on a day out …
Man and Child
… and another man with his child.
Father and Children
As I leave the fort, one of the things that strikes me is how many of the groupings I have photographed are friends and family.
Friends and family. Nice!
What makes Northern India so satisfying is that feeling that there is a presence underneath the easy smiles: a faith in ones own values, with no need to impose those values on others.
This is part of what makes for such a good experience.
Until next time ~
Namaste!
Photos: 08November2013
Great photos Ursula, and great timing too, as I’m heading there to start this year’s tour very soon. I seem to recall a ceremony that took place in your hotel room involving fire and smoke 🙂 ah, the memories. Always awesome to travel with you and I always enjoy reliving the trips through your images and words. Thanks for sharing everything through your blog. Cheers, Karl
Always great to have your visits, Karl!
Ah, Khejarla Fort… I wonder if it has recovered?