Since its invention around 1866, Coca-Cola has become a global brand. Its sweet flavor and caffeine stimulants (among other ingredients) help account for its popularity.
State University of New York at Buffalo.
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Widely considered one of the world's most beautiful structure, theTaj Mahal was built between 1622 and 1653 as a tomb for Mumtaz Mahal, the favorite wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
These men and women listen to a presentation on Mughal history. Note that the group has divided along gender lines and that many men wear a type of white hat favored by Jawarhalal Nehru, India's first prime minister.
The government of India issues special license plates for tour guides' cars. Automobiles are registered by and in individual states, shown by a two-letter prefix. This vehicle is based in Delhi, indicated by the DL.
During the Mughal period, artisans worked for decades to make magnificent tombs for the rulers. Note the careful detail in these embedded columns.
Mirza Nasir ud-din Baig Muhammad Khan Humayun, or Humayun (Persian: نصیرالدین محمد همایون‎‎
OS 7 March 1508 – OS 27 January 1556), was the second emperor of the Mughal Empire, who ruled over territory in what is now Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of northern India from 1531–1540 and again from 1555–1556. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humayun)
Second only to Japan in 2015, India depends on rail transport for passengers, and especially for freight. Railroads in India date back to 1853. Most major lines are constructed with a gauge of 5' 6 ", contrasted with the US and European widths of 4' 8 1/2". India also has some narrow gauge lines, especially in mountainous areas.
The Democratic Student Union (DSU) forms part of one of India's Communist parties. At the left of the mural is Lenin. The DSU is particularly active at prestige universities in North India, such as Jawarhalal Nehru University (JNU) and the University of Delhi.
This soft drink ad features a sugary concoction invented in 1977. It quickly became a best seller. Coca-Cola acquired it in 1993.
Venders have arranged their products for maximum visual appeal - hopefully leading to increased sales.
The Sanskrit inscription in the bottom line reads, "Nonviolence is the ultimate duty." The name of the particular temple appears in the lines above. The swastika has been a symbol of Hinduism for many centuries.
Despite the chill of December and the high pollution level, religiously faithful immerse themselves in the sacred Ganges.
Despite the river's serious pollution, it is used to wash clothes. Almost all people employed in these jobs are Dalits (formerly 'Untouchables'), since touching soiled clothing is considered polluting.
Vārānasi, a city of 1.2 million people (according to the 2011 census) on the Ganges river, ranks as the religiously most important site in Hinduism. Ideally, families wish to cremate bodies of deceased relatives on its banks.
Firewood for sale, possibly for cremations
Hindus cremate the bodies of family members, preferably in religiously significant cities. Could this just be firewood for cooking?
India has developed a significant, sophisticated software industry. The promised salary - more than 100,000 rupees - is definitely middle class. Competition for positions is intense, however. Obtaining jobs is difficult for economically disadvantaged individuals. But is this ad only a "come-on"?
Bases for 3rd century CE pillars, Sarnath
Ashoka ruled the Mauryan Empire at its third century height. Numerous collections of columns, containing edicts attributed to Ashoka, were scattered through the Empire, which covered about five million square kilometers at its height. Most were later leveled by invaders or fell victim to removal of stones. This is one of the major sites where the scope can be observed.
To appeal to well-off clientele patronizing this restaurant, bathroom signs depict stylized upper-class Indians, clad in 19th century or earlier garments.
Indian musicians for centuries have played hypnotic melodies, which induce poisonous cobras to rise from their baskets. Although ownership of snakes has been legally barred since 1972, the practice continues, especially in areas frequented by tourists.
The symmetry, abstract flowers and other design features are typical for Indian palaces at the height of the Mughal Empire (~1575). Although significant power was vested in the Emperor, who ruled from Delhi, regional leaders spent much of their wealth on ornate palaces.
Detail of Ganesh Pol, Ganesh Gate, in Amber Palace, also known as Amber Fort, near Jaipur, India
Amber Fort is located in Amer (a town with an area of 4 square kilometres (1.5 sq mi)), 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) from Jaipur, Rajasthan state, India. It is one of the principal tourist attractions in the Jaipur area, located high on a hill. Anber Fort Was Built By Raja Man Singh I. Amber Fortis known for its artistic style, blending both Hindu and Rajput elements. With its large ramparts, series of gates and cobbled paths, the fort overlooks the Maota Lake, at its forefront. (http://www.amberfort.org/)
The rich tones of the stone provide an artistic complement to the dazzling white marble of the main Taj buildings.
The delicate marble filigrees were carved by hand between 1632 and 1653. They exemplify the height of Muslim craftsmanship, emphasizing symmetrical shapes rather than human figures.
Near the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan
audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas
and two very beautiful mosques. (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/251)
In order to reduce pollution in the Ganges, the government of India has built crematoria for human bodies. They are more efficient in terms of energy, but lack the prestige of open-air burning of corpses.
Islamic custom favors non-representational, geometric designs in public décor. Here, artisans are repairing incised marble, a delicate job indeed
Indian citizens shop daily, if possible, to get fresh food. This woman shows a rich variety of locally-grown vegetables, Kerala being a rich agricultural area.
"Paan...is a preparation combining betel leaf with areca nut and sometimes also with tobacco. It is chewed for its stimulant and psychoactive effects. After chewing it is either spat out or swallowed." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paan)
"A niqab...is a cloth that covers the face as a part of sartorial hijab. It is worn by some Muslim women in public areas and in front of non-mahram men, especially in the Hanbali Muslim faith tradition." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niqab)
"Let us forget 'I am a Hindu you a Muslim' or "I am a Gujarati, you a Madrasi.' Let us sing 'I' and 'mine' in a common Indian nationality."
"What I object to, is the 'craze' for machinery, not machine as such.... The supreme consideration is man. The machine should not tend to make atrophied the limbs of man."
Barack and Michelle Obama's signatures in the Visitors Book in Gandhi's office
The sign reads: New Mumbai Khopoli Bhayander Relax Kalyan
Sunset Mumbai minaret for Haji Ali mosque
Paisley floor tile, inside fancy Taj Mahal hotel
Side of Chhatrapati Shivaji Train Terminus
Originally named after Queen Victoria, this terminus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in 1877, showing multiple stylistic influences. The station's name was changed to its present one in March 1996 and it is now known simply as CST (or CSTM).
Tombstone of former Dutch governor's wife.
Translation of text on tombstone: Here rests Miss Lea Vander Kouter, Housewife of the Mr. Commander Isaac Van Dielen, [who] died the 29th October anno 1688, at the age of 32 years less a few hours and Lea Geertuida Van Dielen both their daughter [who] died the previous November old three years and 5 months
Tourists man the lines of Chinese-style fishing net
Billboard advertising political party rally
This poster refers to the Maoist branch of the Communist Party of India. It reads, “CPI(M) Ernakulam district meeting January 6, 7, 8 2012 in Paravoor. Red army parade, history exhibition, cultural programs, seminars, rally consisting of 100,000 people, public meeting.”
This 50-kilo bag of rice is headed 'Authentic Indian podha [flattened rice], … genuine.'
Drivers and owners paint symbols on their trucks, intended to bring good luck on the road.
A billboard about a political party's show of power
This poster refers to the Maoist branch of the Communist Party of India. It reads, “CPI(M) Ernakulam district meeting January 6, 7, 8 2012 in Paravur. Red army parade, history exhibition, cultural programs, seminars, rally consisting of 100,000 people, public meeting.” Paravur lies on the Indian Ocean coast, a picturesque area frequently visited by tourists. The CPI(M) is one of several Communist factions in India.
Cross-dressing is used in Kathakali performances. Males play female roles.
The city of Cochin once hosted a significant Jewish population, mostly involved in trade.
Both Hindu and Christian figures stand in this home altar
Sreevinayakan Sreekaamakshi Amman temple
This elaborate South Indian temple is dedicated to Ganesha, one of the most popular gods in Hinduism. According to Wikipedia, "Ganesha is widely revered as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom. As the god of beginnings, he is honored at the start of rituals and ceremonies."
Sign reads: Gurucharanam Saranam, Santhigiri Ayurveda Heritage, Kuttamangalam (P.O), Kainakari, Alapuzha, Ph. 9287272086, 9288172096, Tradational [sic] Panchakarma Treatments, Relaxation Massage, Pizhichil/Njavarakizhi, Sirodhara, Facepack
Recycling ad: "Old steel, aluminum and brass items will be taken"
This is an advertisement of a recycler who buys different metals. Thousands of Indians make their living by gathering and/or selling recycled material. The advertisement is placed in front of a cardboard piece which is partially covering a mannequin for an umbrella company.