Esther's photos

On the road to Agra, we saw plenty of these semi-homemade vehicles. The truck body is usually quite ordinary (as compared to commercial trucks which are brightly painted), but the front is fully of marigolds and plastic streamers. The swastika symbol on the side of the truck is not associated with Nazism in India. This symbol dates from the Neolithic period of ancient India and symbolizes good luck. It can be found over doorways, in ancient and modern Hindu temples and on property. This type of vehicle is known as a Jugaad. According to Wikipedia, jugaad means, "an arrangement or a work around. . . . Jugaad vehicles cost around Rs. 20,000 (less than US$ 400). They are known for having poor brakes and can not go beyond 60 km/h. They operate on diesel fuel and are just ordinary water pump sets converted into engines. The brakes of these vehicles very often fail and one of the passengers jumps down and applies a manual wooden block as a brake. These vehicles do not have any vehicle registration plate as they are not registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Hence, they end up not paying any road tax." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jugaad AIMG_5864

Most passenger vehicles on the road to Agra as elsewhere in India, seemed ridiculously overcrowded. Many people owned no form of transportation so transportation was frequently shared when it was available. It was unusual to see men and women sharing the same vehicle, AIMG_5866

Mustard fields flourish in the climate around Agra. The seeds are used as a spice and, when ground and mixed with water and vinegar become table mustard. The leaves can be eaten as mustard greens in a salad. AIMG_5886

Village near Ranthambore AIMG_5615

Village near Ranthambore ODT: Hope AIMG_5598

Photograph taken in a village near Ranthambore, Rajasthan, India. This is everyday wear AIMG_5597

Village near Ranthambore, Rajasthan, India AIMG_5590C

Village near Ranthambore, Rajasthan, India AIMG_5582

Village near Ranthambore, Rajasthan, India AIMG_5585