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

Around 80 to 100 kilometres north of Udaipur lies the impressive Kumbhalgarh Fort (also known as Kumbhalmer), a massive 15th-century fortress. The fort is situated in the Aravalli Hills at an altitude of over 1,000 metres. The fort is famous for its massive walls, which stretch for around 36 kilometres. They are considered the second-longest continuous wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. Within the walls are over 360 temples, including significant Jain and Hindu temples. The fort was built by Rana Kumbha, the ruler of Mewar. Due to its strategic location and thick walls, it was considered virtually impregnable. – The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. – 1990

The impressive Kumbhalgarh Fort (or Kumbhalmer Fort) is particularly famous for its massive rampart, often referred to as the ‘Great Wall of India’. In many places, the wall is so wide that up to eight horses can ride side by side on it. - 1990

Kumbhalgarh Fort is situated north of Udaipur on a 1,100-metre-high rocky outcrop near Nathdwara and is one of Rajasthan’s most significant fortifications. The fort walls, with their imposing bastion and semi-circular, strangely bulbous towers, were built in 1548. It was conquered only by the troops of the Indian Great Mughal Akbar, and even then only because he had the wells poisoned. Within the 36-kilometre-long fortress walls of this immense complex lie several temples, palaces and more modest dwellings. - 1990

Kumbhalgarh Fort was built in the 15th century (between 1445 and 1458 AD) by Rana Kumbha. It is also the birthplace of the legendary warrior Maharana Pratap. The fort was designed so that, despite its hilltop location, it is barely visible from a distance, making it an almost impregnable defensive structure. The walls are up to 15 feet (approx. 4.5 metres) thick in places. Within the massive walls are over 360 temples as well as palaces such as the striking Badal Mahal (‘Palace of the Clouds’) at the top of the fort. – Aravalli Hills in the Rajsamand district, about 84 km from Udaipur. – 1990

Collecting water is a vital task that often dictates the daily routine of women in the region around Desuri, which lies at the foot of the Aravalli mountain range, marking the transition between the more fertile Mewar region and the arid Thar Desert. The women wear colourful saris, often paired with bangles and face veils. Balancing heavy clay or metal jugs on their heads is a traditional method of transporting water over long distances. – Desuri – 1990

A large puddle in the foreground lends the scene an artistic depth. A woman in a traditional red sari balances a box on her head. This method of transporting water containers or building materials is common in this region. – Rajasthan, Desuri – 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

A scene from the village of Desuri (Pali district) in Rajasthan, situated in one of India’s driest regions on the edge of the Aravalli Mountains. Groundwater often has to be drawn from depths of over 30 metres, which requires robust pumps such as the India Mark II shown in the picture. This muscle-powered pump was developed in the 1970s to meet the water needs of villages in developing countries and rural areas. – 1990

A child is being carried safely on the back of a donkey. Interestingly, right next to the child are lambs in transport sacks, suggesting that a nomadic family is on a trek or moving on with their livestock. – Desuri, Rajasthan – 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

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