A traditional Indian ox cart in Udaipur, pulled by two zebu cattle (humpback cattle), which are well adapted to the warm climate. A striking feature is the painted horns (here in blue and yellow), which is a common tradition in many parts of India to adorn the animals or highlight their significance to the owner. The wooden cart has large, traditional spoked wheels. For a long time, such vehicles formed the backbone of rural logistics before being replaced in many areas by motorised vehicles such as tractors or auto-rickshaws. – 1990

In Udaipur, elephants are a familiar sight in the streets, often used for ceremonial purposes or tourism, and are also firmly embedded in the cityscape in the form of impressive stone sculptures. In the background, the approach to Jagdish Temple, an important Hindu temple guarded by two imposing stone elephants. The façade itself is adorned with detailed carvings of elephants, horsemen and dancers. – 1990

This photograph shows the upper section of the steep staircase leading to the main entrance of the renowned Jagdish Temple in Udaipur. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Preserver of the Universe, who is worshipped here as Lord Jagannath. The temple is renowned for its intricate stone carvings and sculptures, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology as well as dancers and musicians. In the background of the picture, these detailed friezes above the entrance area are clearly visible. - 1990

Card games played in public spaces are an integral part of everyday social life in Udaipur, the ‘City of Lakes’. Older men in particular often meet in the afternoon to play cards together. Popular spots include shady corners on pavements, temple steps or small forecourts in the old town. These gatherings are often lively and convivial. Many of the men here also wear traditional Rajasthani turbans and simple white clothing, which makes the scene very characteristic of the region. - 1990

Following the first monsoon rains, a farmer in the Udaipur area leads a team of two white zebus (humpback cattle) to prepare the ground for sowing. A woman in a yellow sari carries a shallow bowl on her head, containing the seeds for the upcoming sowing. - 1990

The photograph depicts traditional farming in India, showing a farming couple ploughing a field with the help of oxen or zebus. This scene is typical of rural areas where hand-operated wooden ploughs are still used to prepare the soil for sowing. – Udaipur – 1990

The photograph captures traditional rural life in the Aravalli Hills, in the region between Udaipur and Narlai. In this area, agriculture is still largely characterised by traditional methods. Ploughing with oxen is a common method of tilling the soil in this hilly and often arid landscape. The area around Udaipur is known for the cultivation of cereals such as maize and wheat, as well as pulses. – 1990

In the area around Udaipur in Rajasthan, there are still a few places where you can see the traditional Persian waterwheel (often known locally as a ‘rahat’ or ‘araghatta’) in action. Unlike electric pumps, waterwheels draw water more slowly, which allows for a more sustainable use of the often scarce groundwater reserves. – 1990

This irrigation system in the Aravalli Hills near Udaipur is not a Rahat, but a Charas or Chades, which operates on a rope-pulley system. Oxen pull a rope up a ramp to hoist a large leather bag (the Charas) from a deep well. As soon as the bag reaches the top, it empties into the canal. There is no rotating wheel with many buckets here. – 1990

A traditional scene from rural India: a heavily laden ox cart is pulled by two zebu cattle. This mode of transport is a centuries-old tradition in India, which remains part of everyday life even today, particularly away from the main tourist routes. The cart is piled high with branches, which are presumably intended for use as firewood or building materials. The people on the cart are wearing the typical clothing of the rural population in regions such as Rajasthan. – Falna – 1990

The picture shows an zebu-driven water wheel, a traditional irrigation system known as a Rahat or Persian wheel. Oxen or bulls walk in a circle to turn a gear mechanism, which in turn drives a vertical wheel fitted with buckets (often made of clay or metal) attached by chains. The water is drawn from deep wells or rivers and channelled into irrigation canals to supply fields in rural areas. – Ranakpur – 1990

The picture shows an ox-driven water wheel, a traditional irrigation system known as a Rahat or Persian wheel. Oxen or bulls walk in a circle to turn a gear mechanism, which in turn drives a vertical wheel fitted with buckets (often made of clay or metal) attached by chains. The water is drawn from deep wells or rivers and channelled into irrigation canals to supply fields in rural areas. – Ranakpur – 1990

A man sits on the steps of the famous Adinath Temple in Ranakpur. This temple is renowned worldwide for its 1,444 individually carved marble pillars, none of which are alike. The bright red turban is a distinctive feature of the Rabari herdsmen. It symbolises honour and pride and also serves as practical protection against the Rajasthani sun. The flowers in the basket (often roses and marigolds) are sold as offerings for the religious rituals in the temple. Visitors purchase these to place them before the statue of Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of the Jains. – 1990

The striking red headdress is a type of turban known locally as a pagri or safa. In Rajasthan, the turban is far more than just an item of clothing; it is a symbol of honour, pride and social status. The way a turban is wrapped, as well as its colour and pattern, often reveal the wearer’s origin, caste or profession. The magnificent white moustache is a sign of wisdom, masculinity and life experience in Marwari culture. – 1990

The scene captures everyday life in the Indian city of Desuri following rainfall, a common occurrence during the monsoon season. The puddle on the street creates a clear reflection of the passers-by and the surrounding architecture. – 1990

An elderly man, often referred to as a baba or sadhu, sits in a relaxed posture on a platform made of logs and ropes. He wears a light brown turban and has a distinctive full white beard. Desuri region – 1990

An elderly man in traditional dress from Jodhpur. His attire consists of a long white tunic (kurta) and loose, wrapped trousers (dhoti). On his head he wears a carefully wrapped, light-coloured turban (safa). In his hands he holds ritual or everyday objects, including an ornate metal vessel and lengths of fabric. – 1990

A traditional folk musician in typical regional costume, playing the historic stringed instrument known as the Ravanahattha. This is an ancient long-necked lute and one of the oldest known precursors of the modern violin. The body usually consists of a halved coconut covered with animal skin, and a long neck made of bamboo. The instrument has main and resonance strings, as well as a bow that is often decorated with small bells. – Jodhpur – 1990

Portrait of an elderly man from Jodhpur. He is wearing a traditional, colourful turban (pagri or safa). In the Rajasthan region, the way the turban is wrapped, its size and its pattern traditionally indicate the wearer’s caste, occupation and specific region of origin. In addition to its symbolic significance, the voluminous cotton fabric provides effective protection from the intense sunlight in desert regions. The colourfully patterned fabric of the turban is often designed in the regionally typical Leheriya (wave pattern) or Bandhani (tie-dye) style. – 1990

Street scene in Jodhpur – A family of three riding together on a bicycle. – 1990

At the market in Jodhpur, local farmers sell their own produce, in this case red chillies and aubergines. – 1990

A young trader sits behind a large pile of fresh green chillies at a market in Jodhpur. These are elongated, light-green chillies with a mild to medium heat, which are frequently used in Indian cuisine for stews or as a side dish (e.g. Mirchi Bajji or Jwala chillies). – 1990

A traditional street barber at work outdoors. He is cutting a customer’s hair using a hand-operated clipper. This style of haircutting is typical of the informal sector in countries such as India (often referred to as a ‘roadside barber’). – Jodhpur – 1990

A man in traditional dress from the Rajasthan region. The large, intricately wrapped turban protects him from the extreme desert heat. The colour and style of the wrap often indicate social status, caste or the exact region of origin. The distinctive, often elaborately curled moustache, paired with a full beard, is a traditional symbol of masculinity, pride and honour in Rajasthan. The necklace with a gold amulet (often an amulet pendant known as a Madaliya) traditionally serves as a symbol of protection or indicates religious devotion. – Jodhpur – 1990

The portrait depicts an elderly man from Jodhpur wearing a traditional, intricately wrapped turban (safa or pagri) and a distinctive, split beard. In the desert region of Rajasthan, the turban is a proud symbol of honour, social status and membership of a particular caste or community. In addition to its cultural significance, the large, loosely wrapped strip of cotton fabric serves as practical protection against the extreme heat and sandstorms of the Thar Desert. Plain, light-coloured or earth-toned turbans such as this one are frequently worn in everyday life by older men, farmers or shepherds in rural areas. – 1990

The city of Jodhpur has a long tradition of making these hand-woven brooms (Jharoo). There is even the well-known Arna Jharna open-air museum, which is dedicated to the culture, various designs and ethnological background of Indian brooms. In Rajasthan, these brooms are often hand-bound from dried palm leaves of the wild date palm (Khajur) or special, robust desert grasses. – 1990

Two elderly men from Jodhpur, wearing traditional turbans, are taking a smoke break. The men are squatting in a typical Indian resting position beside large jute sacks by the roadside. One man wears a voluminous, pure white turban, as is often seen in the daily life of older village communities in regions such as Jodhpur. The other man wears a colourful red turban with a bandhani pattern (a traditional Indian tie-dye technique). – Sardar Market (or Girdikot) in Jodhpur – 1990

This three-wheeled vehicle is a Tempo Hanseat, an iconic mode of transport that has been a familiar sight on Indian roads for decades. The vehicle was originally developed in the 1940s and 1950s by the German company Vidal & Sohn Tempo-Werke in Hamburg-Harburg. In 1958, the Indian company Firodia Ltd (later known as Bajaj Tempo and now Force Motors) entered into a partnership with Tempo-Werke. Production of the Hanseat continued under licence in India until the year 2000. Although it was designed as a light goods vehicle, owners frequently converted it. Fitted with bench seats and a canopy, it served as a shared taxi for large numbers of passengers in many regions of India – particularly in rural areas. The vehicle featured a distinctive front-wheel drive layout, with the engine positioned directly above the single front wheel. Legendary features included the extremely loud, rattling engine noise, starting the engine via a pull-cord under the bonnet, and the angled rear wheels, which only straightened up under heavy loads. – Jodhpur – 1990

Chibani is an elderly man from Jodhpur who wears a traditional, very colourful headdress. This type of turban is known locally as a safa or pagri (pagadi). In Rajasthani culture, the turban is far more than just an item of clothing. It symbolises pride, honour and the social status of the wearer. Its shape, colour and the way it is wrapped can provide clues as to the region, caste or occasion. – 1990

Chibani is an elderly man from Jodhpur who wears a traditional, very colourful headdress. The vibrant patterns are often based on traditional dyeing techniques such as bandhani or colourful woven designs. – 1990

Chibani is an elderly man from Jodhpur who wears a traditional, very colourful headdress. The vibrant patterns are often based on traditional dyeing techniques such as bandhani or colourful woven designs. In the hot desert regions of Rajasthan, the long, artfully wrapped strip of fabric effectively protects the head from the intense sunlight. – 1990

Chibani is an elderly man from Jodhpur who wears a traditional, very colourful headdress. This type of turban is known locally as a safa or pagri (pagadi). In Rajasthani culture, the turban is far more than just an item of clothing. It symbolises pride, honour and the social status of the wearer. Its shape, colour and the way it is wrapped can provide clues as to the region, caste or occasion. – 1990

Chibani is an elderly man from Jodhpur who wears a traditional, very colourful headdress. The vibrant patterns are often based on traditional dyeing techniques such as bandhani or colourful woven designs. In the hot desert regions of Rajasthan, the long, artfully wrapped strip of fabric effectively protects the head from the intense sunlight. – 1990

A traditional roadside barber (often referred to as a ‘roadside barber’), a common sight in public spaces in countries such as India, as seen here in Jodhpur. All that is needed for this makeshift salon is a simple blue wooden chair, a small table with a mirror, and barber’s tools. – 1990

This photograph was taken in the streets of Jodhpur. It captures the reality of life for an elderly homeless man sitting on the ground and eating his meal. Many people with no fixed abode live and sleep in the narrow market alleys around the historic Clock Tower and Sardar Market. – 1990

A bustling street scene in Jodhpur, where a camel cart – a traditional means of transport – makes its way through the modern traffic. The camel shares the road with motorbikes, buses and pedestrians. – 1990

In India, the scooter is seen as a symbol of the middle-class dream. It provides families with an affordable means of transport, and it is not uncommon for several people – often an entire family – to ride on a single vehicle at the same time. – Jodhpur – 1990

This young man is wearing a traditional Indian headdress known as a Jodhpuri Safa. This turban is usually made of cotton or georgette, and is often decorated with traditional patterns such as bandhani (tie-dye). It is frequently worn at weddings (as a groom’s safa) or other festive occasions. A safa often consists of a long strip of fabric (up to 8.5 metres) that is artfully wrapped around the head. – Jodhpur – 1990

An older man’s standing in Rajasthan is reflected in his traditional Rajasthani attire. The colourful, patterned turban is the most striking feature. It consists of a long strip of fabric and symbolises honour, pride and social status. The white top (angarkha, a tunic) with its small floral pattern is a traditional wrap-style garment. It is often tied at the side with cords. The red cloth around the waist serves as a belt and a decorative element. A long, well-groomed beard is often a sign of maturity and dignity in this region. – Jodhpur – 1990

A nomad from the Thar Desert (Rajasthan). The men who led the long caravans of camels towards the Indus Valley and on through the steppes of what is now Pakistan and Iran towards the Mediterranean, or upstream via the Khyber Pass towards Afghanistan and southern Russia, would likely have looked much the same. – Jodhpur – 1990

Threshing grain is a traditional agricultural technique in which grains are separated from the chaff by dropping them into the wind from a certain height. A woman lifts a basket to clean the grain in the wind, whilst a man sits on the ground and sifts the grain. It is likely to be pearl millet. In Hindi and the local Rajasthani language, this nutrient-rich grain is called bajra. It is extremely drought-resistant and a staple food for the people in this desert region (e.g. in the form of bajre ki roti, a flatbread). – Area around Jodhpur – 1990

A man is sitting on the ground, sifting the grain. It is likely pearl millet. In Hindi and the local language Rajasthani, this nutrient-rich grain is called bajra. It is extremely drought-resistant and a staple food for the people in this desert region (e.g. in the form of bajre ki roti, a flatbread). – Area around Jodhpur – 1990

A man from the Rabari community, an indigenous group of nomads and herders. Rabari men traditionally wear very large, voluminous white turbans. The way the turban is wrapped and the pattern (here a subtle floral print) can often provide clues as to the specific region or social status. Wearing large gold earrings and several beaded necklaces is an integral part of the male traditional costume and serves both as decoration and as an expression of wealth. – Jodhpur area – 1990

The photograph shows a man from Khuri wearing the region’s traditional headdress. His striking appearance, with his pink turban and thick moustache, is a classic symbol of Rajasthani culture and pride. In Rajasthan, the way a turban is wrapped can often reveal which village or caste a person comes from. A long, proudly worn moustache is regarded in Rajasthan as a sign of masculinity and prestige. – 1990

A musician from Khuri plays the kamaicha (also known as the kamayacha), one of the oldest stringed instruments in the world. It is carved from a single piece of mango wood. The soundbox is large and circular, and covered with goatskin. The instrument has 17 strings. Three main strings are made of goatskin, whilst the remaining steel or copper strings serve as resonating strings. It is played with a bow and is known for its deep, resonant sound, often described as the ‘heart and soul’ of Rajasthani folk music. – 1990

A nomad travelling with two dromedaries in the village of Khuri in the Thar Desert. These animals are perfectly adapted to the hot, dry conditions of the desert. They carry wooden saddles or racks used for transporting water, firewood or trade goods. – 1990

A scene from the traditional village of Khuri. The photograph captures the essence of rural life in this arid region, where architecture and craftsmanship are closely intertwined with the surrounding environment. In the background, a couple can be seen at a spinning wheel (charkha), a symbol of the traditional production of yarn from wool or cotton, which is still widespread in the villages of the Thar Desert. The open courtyard in front of the house is the centre of daily life, where people work, eat and socialise. – 1990

The Meghwal are known as a community of carpet weavers and produce handmade items from camel, goat and sheep’s wool. The division of labour is traditionally defined, with women combing, cleaning and spinning the wool, whilst the men usually weave it into carpets or traditional fabrics. The hand-spun wool is used to create high-quality carpets, blankets and shawls featuring traditional patterns. The device shown in the picture is a classic Indian charkha. The technique of spinning whilst seated on the floor has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. – Khuri – 1990

A man wearing a white turban sits in front of a traditional mud house in Khuri. The house is made of mud, which provides natural cooling in the desert region of Rajasthan. The decorative patterns on the wall are characteristic of the regional village style. – 1990

The picture shows a man tying a turban, a traditional headdress that holds deep symbolic significance in many cultures – particularly in India. The orange turban shown here is often referred to as a pagri or dastar. The bright orange colour (often called ‘kesariya’ or saffron) symbolises courage, self-sacrifice and spirituality. In Rajasthan, the wrapping techniques and colours often vary from village to village and can even indicate social status or the occasion (such as a wedding). – Khuri – 1990

A man dressed in traditional Rajasthani attire steps out of his house in the village of Khuri in the Thar Desert. He is wearing a striking orange turban and is holding an antique flintlock musket (known locally as a ‘torador’). In the foreground are bulbous clay vessels (amphorae), traditionally used to store water or grain. – 1990

This man, wearing a bright orange turban (safa or pagri), is holding a rifle. It is a torador, a classic Indian matchlock musket. A striking feature is the curved stock, which is often decorated with inlays of ivory or bone. These rifles were used in northern and central India from the 16th century well into the 19th century. They served both for protection and for hunting big game. The barrels were often elaborately chiselled and the stocks painted or inlaid with precious materials. – Khuri – 1990

A potter (Kumhaar) in Rajasthan shaping ceramic vessels on a traditional, hand-operated potter’s wheel made of clay. The potter uses a heavy wheel made of stone or hardened clay, which is often set in motion with a stick. Natural clay is used to create vessels such as cups, jugs and pots. – Khuri – 1990

Khuri is renowned for preserving ancient craft techniques, which are often practised as a sideline to farming and tourism. In this region, weavers often produce dhurries (flat-woven rugs) or pattu (traditional woollen blankets). The loom is a classic horizontal floor loom. It is portable and perfectly suited to life in the desert. The weaver uses a heavy wooden comb to beat the weft threads of coarse wool (often from sheep or camels) firmly into the warp. The fabrics are extremely durable and are often decorated with geometric patterns typical of the local folklore of the Thar Desert. – 1990

The scene captures a typical, bustling moment at a public transport bus stop in Deshnoke, characterised by improvisation and a dense crowd. Deshnoke (also known as Deshnok) is a small town in the Indian state of Rajasthan, around 30 km south of Bikaner. – 1990

Cattle market in Phalodi, situated in the heart of the Thar Desert between Jaisalmer and Bikaner. Although camel caravans have become very rare, dromedaries remain important as riding and pack animals in the desert. – 1990

Portrait of an elderly man from the rural areas of Rajasthan. The artfully wrapped turban provides protection from the strong sun, whilst the gold earrings are a traditional form of jewellery for men in this region. – Phalodi – 1990

A man with a full beard and a traditional turban (often referred to as a pagri or pugree). This headdress consists of a long, unsewn piece of cloth that is artfully wrapped around the head. – Phalodi – 1990

A peanut seller (often called a ‘Mungfali-Wala’) stands behind a four-wheeled wooden cart piled high with unshelled peanuts. In the middle stands a small pot, often containing hot coals, to keep the peanuts warm and crispy. A classic pressure lamp (Petromax) can also be seen, which is used for lighting at dusk and in the evening hours. – Phalodi – 1990

Camel carts such as these are a typical and traditional means of transport in the rural areas of Rajasthan. The cart, pulled by a dromedary, is heavily laden with large tree trunks. It is fitted with modern, pneumatic rubber tyres, which make it easier to pull along tarmac roads. – Pokhran – 1990

The photograph shows the impressive architecture of Jaisalmer Fort in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The entire structure is built from local sandstone, which has been assembled without mortar using precise interlocking joints. One can also see the typical narrow, ascending alleys, which served a defensive purpose, as well as small, ornate window openings (jharokhas) and stone corbels. In the foreground, a person can be seen wearing traditional Rajasthani clothing with a bright orange turban, which emphasises the region’s distinctive character. – 1990

A lively street scene in a historic, narrow alleyway typical of the architecture in Jaisalmer. The walls and floor are rendered in warm, earthy tones, some adorned with white frames around the doors. The paths are narrow and paved with large stone slabs, which is typical of old fortified towns in Rajasthan. In the middle of the alley, a man stands by a handcart laden with large metal containers, presumably selling milk or water. – 1990

An elderly man sits on an intricately carved wooden chair, waiting for customers. He is wearing a traditional turban (pagri), a khaki-coloured jacket and white trousers (dhoti). An everyday scene from Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. – 1990

These elderly men are engaged in deep conversation outdoors, whilst a little girl watches from the background. The group is standing in front of an ornately decorated, sandstone-coloured wall, typical of the architecture in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. – 1990

A street scene in Jaisalmer, showing a traditional cobbler (mochi) working outdoors while a customer wearing an orange turban squats in front of him. – Rajasthan – 1990

A tailor sits engrossed in his work at his mechanical sewing machine in the historic desert town of Jaisalmer. The window frame is a typical example of the delicate jharokhas (artfully carved sandstone balconies) for which Rajasthani architecture is famous. – 1990

Dromedaries and their guides near the city of Jaisalmer. These animals no longer carry spices, but instead transport tourists on excursions in the surrounding area. – 1990

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