At the market in Jodhpur, local farmers sell their own produce, including red chili peppers and eggplants. – 1990

Portrait of a man wearing a turban and a distinctive moustache. The turban is made up of long strips of fabric wrapped around the head using a specific method. In India, turbans often serve as a distinguishing feature for regions or communities. The red dot on the forehead is a tika (or tilak), a religious and cultural symbol in Hinduism. – Crawford Market – Mumbai – 1990

Portrait of an elderly man wearing a distinctive turban and a grey beard. He is dressed in traditional clothing and looks directly into the camera, creating an intense and characterful expression. – Crawford Market – Mumbai – 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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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 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

At the traditional cattle market in Phalodi, this man is preparing a thin flatbread. The freshly chopped vegetables (potatoes and chillies) are staples of everyday Rajasthani cuisine, which makes do with just a few ingredients in the barren desert environment. – 1990

A trader at the livestock market in Phalodi sells traditional, very large metal basins or cooking pans (often referred to as kadhai or tasla). The basins are made of sturdy, hammered iron or sheet steel. The individual metal plates, which have been firmly joined together with rivets, are clearly visible. These handmade vessels are used for preparing large quantities of food at festivals or for agricultural purposes. – 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

The large white turban worn in the Rajasthan region protects against extreme heat and often signifies social status or membership of a particular community. The traditional leather shoes are handmade and typical of this region. They are characterised by their pointed shape and sturdy leatherwork. The simple wooden stick is used by shepherds or elderly villagers in rural areas as a walking stick and a tool. – Phalodi – 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 group of musicians from Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, playing traditional folk music on their instruments. They are wearing the colourful turbans (pagris) and white robes typical of this region. The two box-shaped keyboard instruments (on the left and in the middle) are harmoniums. They produce sound via a built-in bellows, which is pumped with one hand whilst the other hand plays the keys. The horizontal drum on the right is a dholak. It is a double-headed hand drum that is very widely used in Indian folk music. The repertoire often includes Qawwali songs and epic chants that have been passed down through generations. – 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

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