India’s astounding diversity of religions, languages, and cultures is unique and unparalleled. The society of a vast subcontinent, varied and complex in its rich heritage, is among the oldest in the world.

Five thousand years of history have nourished the growth of a great civilization. It has been vitalized through cross-cultural contact and characterized by unity in diversity of culture and race, caste, religion, and language. In India there are examples of virtually every known type of societal division; six major religions- Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Zoroastrianism; two major language families- Aryan and Dravidian, with 18 official languages and innumerable dialects and tribal languages.

The great Indian tradition unites the diverse cultural regions, but within its elastic framework are a myriad of sects and local traditions. Perhaps by more than anything else, traditional India has been characterized by “localism,” a fragmentation not simply of cultural-linguistic regions but of villages themselves. It’s a known fact that over 600,000 India villages kept on functioning as autonomous republics through centuries.

These characteristics shape a photographer’s experience in trying to capture the essence of India and its rich traditions and vibrant personalities, colorful attire, and historic palaces and temples.  From the Puskhar Camel Fair to the “Blue City” of Jodphur, the congested streets to the sublime quietude of sacred spaces, the essence of the culture is everywhere.

EXHIBIT information  

This exhibit has 29 images (sized 14”x 22”), and offers an excellent cultural tour of this colorful country.

SAMPLE IMAGES

Click on any image to enlarge.