Photo Gallery

The Persian wheel (also known as a saqiyah or araghatta) is an ancient method of drawing water. This scene is typical of the rural areas of Rajasthan. Similar installations are often found near Udaipur, Jodhpur or Kumbhalgarh Fort. – Ranakpur – 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

An extraordinary marble carving from the Ranakpur Jain Temple (also known as the Chaumukha Temple) in Rajasthan, India. It depicts Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of the Jain religion. A characteristic feature of Parshvanatha is the canopy of snake heads above his head. This particular carving is often referred to as Nagdaman. The sculpture is famous for its complexity: it depicts Parshvanatha surrounded by a dense network of 1,008 intertwined snakes. The snakes’ tails are so artfully interwoven that it is almost impossible to find their beginning or end. The temple was built in the 15th century and is considered one of the most significant masterpieces of Jain architecture. It is best known for its 1,444 individually carved marble pillars, none of which are alike. – 1990

Probably the best-known complex in Ranakpur is the 15th-century Adinath Temple, famous for its sophisticated architecture and rich sculptural decoration. It is the largest sacred building of Jainism, a religion founded by a contemporary of the Buddha which offers the prospect of liberation from the cycle of rebirth through good deeds. The temple consists of dozens of ‘chapels’ and hundreds of chiselled columns, each with its own unique ornamentation. As Jains are forbidden to kill living creatures, they are vegetarians. The monk in the picture is grinding yellow ochre; every visitor is entitled to an auspicious dot of this colour on their forehead. – 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

A flower seller outside a temple in Ranakpur, making garlands of orange marigolds (Tagetes). These flowers are of great cultural significance in India and are frequently used for religious offerings, temple visits and festivals such as Diwali. – 1990

The Rabari are a semi-nomadic pastoral people who live mainly in the western Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. They are known for their rich cultural identity, which is particularly reflected in their distinctive clothing and jewellery. The women traditionally wear heavy bangles, which can often extend from the wrist to the upper arm, as well as eye-catching silver jewellery around the neck and ears. – Ranakpur – 1990

Older Rabari women often have traditional tattoos (trahi) on their arms, legs or face, which have both aesthetic and cultural significance. The striking white upper-arm bangles are a distinctive identifying feature of married Rabari women in this region. A long veil or scarf covers the head and shoulders. These are often in bright colours such as red or black and may be decorated with small mirrors (shisha embroidery). – Ranakpur – 1990

The woman is wearing a type of odhani (a long veil) draped over her head. The gleaming golden vessel on her head is a typical Indian lota, used for carrying water. Balancing such loads is a skill widely practised in rural India. – Ranakpur – 1990