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

This woman from Desuri in Rajasthan sells small fruits known as ber or Indian jujube. They are eaten fresh, dried or processed into products such as pickles and juices. – 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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