Goat herds with Taj Mahal and mosque in background
Because of families' economic needs, children often herd small animals rather than attend school
State University of New York at Buffalo.
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Although known as a global artistic wonder, the Taj Mahal lies close to poor villages, whose inhabitants must gather wood for cooking
The Great gate (Darwaza-i rauza) is the main entrance to the tomb.
Inlaid stone inscription on a wall of Taj Mahal
Arabic can be written with numerous lovely scripts.
Inlaid stone border and bas relief, Taj Mahal
Thousands of craftsmen worked over 20 years patiently preparing the Taj Mahal, the tomb of Emperor Shah Jahan (reigned 1632-1658)
This gleaming tomb is considered the loveliest in the world. The Great Gate stands in the background
Given large numbers of workers, operating a pedicab provides a low-skill job
hence create elaborate turbans and beard nets
Fireworks are legal in India, but are sold with some restrictions
Built between 1644 and 1656, this is one of India's largest mosques
Given high temperatures, barbers usually work outside
Shiva is lord of the dance and one of the most significant Hindu gods
At schools in India, students must wear official uniforms
Note the deep cutting in Purana Qila fort column
Exterior walls of this home in a northern Indian village have been painted with abstract designs.
Because of the heat in India, cooking is often done outdoors
To beautify this home, an artist has stenciled large designs onto the stucco wall
This décor is intended to keep spirits out and bring good luck
To keep the beauty of this site and to maintain safety, the Indian government bans any potential threat to the Taj's beauty
Inlaid detail work at Taj Mahal entrance
Entrance to Agra fort across river from Taj Mahal
Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, was imprisoned here by his son. Pedestrians, like traffic, keep to the left.
Continual upkeep is necessary, all through the Taj
"Agrasen was a legendary Indian king (Maharaja) of Agroha, a city of traders. The Agrawal and Agrahari communities claim descent from him. He is credited with the establishment of a kingdom of traders in North India named Agroha, and is known for his compassion in refusing to slaughter animals in yajnas." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agrasen)
The Lakshmana Temple is a Hindu temple built by Yashovarman located in Khajuraho, India. Dedicated to Vaikuntha Vishnu - an aspect of Vishnu.
Sexual intercourse is symbolic of human-divine interaction.
Erotic Sculpted friezes, Lakshmana Temple
To celebrate life, sculptors at Khajuraho didn't hesitate to depict genitalia or sexual acts
Vārānasi (Uttar Pradesh, India : District)
Hindus cremate after death. Varanasi is the holiest site for them, so demand is high for cremation sites.
Closing of day ceremony, when light is offered to deity
Mourners line the banks (ghats) of the Ganges at Varanasi
A morning ritual bath in the Ganges purifies one
Cremations in this facility are much quicker, cheaper and less polluting. However, they lack religious significance
Ganga pollution control association sponsored by Uttar Pradesh Water Association
In addition to the figure of Buddha, shown in a teaching position, this poster includes instructions about truth in Hindi and English.
Emaciated Buddha following own spiritual path
Parinirvana means release from the otherwise-endless cycle of death and rebirth
The multi-colored flag at the top is the international one for Buddhism. The English text at the lower right is a translation of the Hindi text. The verses on the top read, "You yourself should make an effort,/ The Tathagata can but show the Way./ The meditative one who walks this path/ Is released from the bonds of Mara." They come from the Dhammapada, Sayings of the Buddha. Verses at the bottom left, also part of Buddhist teachings, are translated at the bottom right.
Visitors get detailed instructions on appropriate behavior inside this 'Mother India' temple.
Entrance, Mother India (Bharat Mata) temple
This 3-D map shows India's varied terrain, inside Mother India temple
To ensure good fortune, truck owners in India customarily paint their vehicles with sacred symbols, such as the cow
Comfortable benches invite visitors to rest
Christian missionaries made many converts in Kerala state, southwest India, especially among higher-caste people
Tourist boat cruising along Kerala waterway
Coconut palms fringe the shores of this coastal waterway
Late afternoon sun illuminates this Kerala home
Round coracles can't be handled readily, so these fishermen require great skill