INTRODUCTION TO INDIA GALLERY

That place pillaged for Great Britain's crown jewels (both literally and figuratively); where elephants which were used as yesteryear's tanks and heavy equipment for construction and other purposes are now used almost exclusively for entertainment; where in Rajasthan camels are still pack animals; where Hindus reign over those architectural relics of the Mughal's the British could not so easily pack onto ships; where Jain sculptures reveal a time of more liberal appreciation of the human body; where head dress is still a fashion and cultural statement as well as a useful article for laborers; where children's eyes are prized for being big as if they are windows into the soul and mascara framing them is a testament to this fact. India is that place where cleanliness is important even to the poor; where colors are vibrant, kites are still popular with children and umbrellas are repaired.

This trip to India was both magnificent and trying: I don't think I have ever seen so much in a short period of time, and we were constantly contending with someone or another trying to squeeze the last rupee from our pockets. The people in this corner of India, whether rich or poor, were invariably very clean and dressed as well as they could afford to even when the streets were dusty and at times quite filthy. Culture is what I hope is so well represented here, but several images of animals and birds we encountered can be seen under those sections as well.