Muzaffarnagar, India

Looking rather traditional, these multi-generational men represent the Muslim population of Muzaffarnagar. Muslims are just slightly outnumbered by Hindus, which a decade ago meant there was reason for conflict. [2011]

Muzaffarnagar, India

Looking rather hip, and with enough disposable income for shopping (see the designer bag?) and cell phones, these young men represent the Hindu population of Muzaffarnagar. Questions: (1) Why would anyone wear a long-sleeve shirt in the humid subtropics during summer? (2) What is that huge mound in the background? [2011]

Muzaffarnagar, India

Muzaffarnagar is a name that does not settle well onto Anglophone ears, nor easily lodge in the Anglophone mind. Yet, it is one of the most important interstitial cities of the Gangetic Plain. It is located about half way between New Delhi and the famed and fabled city of Dehradun in the Himalayan foothills. On the way north is the pilgrimage city of Haridwar. [2011]

Mumbai, India

What's throwing a little shade here on the streets of Mumbai? A tree that deserves your respect, not your contempt. Even after it fell over, this tree continued to grow. It simply changed directions. What is the purpose of all the planters stationed around it? [2011]

Delhi, India

Odds and Evens, Ones and Twos, Singles and Doubles, Which one be You? Here's one man and many coconuts. It's what we call a one-to-many relationship. The setting: A residential street in Karol Bagh, an area of popular markets and vivid performance art thanks to the local population. [2011]

Delhi, India

Mother and infant: Rhesus monkeys are all over Delhi and widespread across India. In fact, they flourish in most of India's urban areas. Yes, these primates are attracted to cities just like their human cousins. And, yes, the Rhesus monkey was the first primate to be cloned. What species will be the second? [2011]

New Delhi, India

No social distancing is evident here. In fact, even three months ago, no one knew what social distancing was. Now, we realize how gregarious the human species is. What we are learning is how to sustain community without propinquity. Around the world, including Connaught Place in New Delhi, social norms are changing: How permanently, we shall see. [2011]

Mumbai, India

It's the day after Valentine's Day. Smile Please! If for no other reason than to show your beloved how much you appreciated all the attention you got yesterday. [2011]

Delhi, India

In India, around temples devoted to Hanuman, you will find (1) monkeys, because Hanuman is the monkey god and commander of the monkey army, and (2) Hindu holy men dressed in orange robes, because Hanuman covered himself with sindoor (orange) to please Lord Rama. [2011]

Delhi, India

The dried fruit and nut market. Fresh fruit perishes so quickly (and even more quickly in the world's warm climates). The solution is to dry your grapes, figs, apricots, and dates for later consumption. Supplement them with nuts (plus beans and a source of calories) and you've got a perfect diet. [2011]

Delhi, India

The street is the market, but it doesn't seem very busy at the moment. Just think, though, there are potentially 1.3 billion customers for these grains, and the size of the population is closing in on China's 1.4 billion. Think that had anything to do with China's termination of the one-child policy? [2011]

Mumbai, India

Markets abound everywhere in Mumbai, including Vile Parle. Here you can buy some flowers and something to put them in. Think there's a temple nearby? [2011]

Haridwar, India

Are these amulets or just toys? They are for sale to the pilgrim market that comes to Haridwar, the Gateway to God, to pay homage to mother Ganaga and to bathe in the sacred River Ganges. See if you can find Ganesh, and when you do, remember that tomorrow is World Elephant Day. [2011]

Haridwar, India

Pilgrims converge on Haridwar to bathe in the sacred River Ganges at the point where it plunges out of the Himalayas and onto to the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Many make a haircut, and sometimes a head shaving, a part of the purification ritual. [2011]

Mumbai, India

There is no one else around, so where did all that litter come from? Wait until the heat of the day passes, then Juhu Beach will pulse with activity. Recreational space by night, scavenger space by day. [2011]

Agra, India

The Moghul Empire was at its height in the middle of the 17th century. What does the world today remember about the Mogul Empire? Only one thing: the Taj Mahal, a perfect architectural creation, here viewed through a perfect Moghul arch. The arts, and perhaps only the arts, allow civilizations to brag across centuries. [2011]

Delhi, India

Think it's been raining? Think again. That umbrella is for the sun. It's also a fashion statement, as is her sari. In the background: Old Delhi's Red Fort. [2011]

Delhi, India

Good advice: catch a few zzz when and where you can. And, if Ganesh is nearby, you'll sleep soundly for sure. That's because he is the remover of obstacles: as in obstacles to sleep, perhaps. The Lord's magic must work. Just look at the obstacles our napper has had to overcome: they're under his neck and knees. [2011]

Delhi, India

Pepsi and peacock feathers: for sale on Chandni Chowk. Both serve the same function: They promise to alleviate Delhi's subtropical heat. [2011]

Haridwar, India

There is nothing more refreshing than a cucumber when you are trying to get through the hottest time of the day.  These have been peeled, so it's important to keep them moist.  See the water?  Buy one and you can expect the sweetest cuke you've ever tasted. [2011]