The Hindu and Buddhist history of Odisha , or rather, ancient Kalinga, is rather well known to everyone. Who hasn’t heard of the grand temples of Odisha – Puri, Lingaraj and Konark, or the great war of Kalinga which inspired Ashoka to convert to Buddhism? In contrast, very few know of the Jaina heritage of this region. This is quite a pity, since, just around 7 km from the city, is one of India’s most ancient inscriptions, which throws light on the Jaina heritage of Odisha. This inscription is the Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela, in the hills of Udaygiri. Udaygiri and Khandgiri are two hills located opposite each other, and both are testaments to the rich Jaina heritage of Odisha. The caves at Udaygiri are older, while Khandgiri is relatively newer, but has lasted much longer, and continues to be a place of pilgrimage for Jains even today. These hills, from inscriptions and excavations of caves, shrines and rock beds, appear to have been a haven for Jaina monks, right from the ...
On our recent summer vacation, we woke up at Cherai to heavy rains. These weren't the usual summer rains where it rained now and then, but the skies opened up with a vengeance, and made it impossible for us go explore the area. I opted instead, for exploring the resort, and enjoying the peace, since most people were enjoying the cosy comforts of the resort, indoors! Walking towards the backwaters, the sight of these lone fishermen made me stop and watch them for a while, appreciating their hard work, and their perseverance.
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| This isn't a black and white photo, but the dark clouds and the fog make it appear so |
These were the only two men, out in the backwaters in the rain, doing their job....
Even while I struggled with my umbrella, which threatened to blow away every moment, and my camera, trying to keep it safe from the rain, I tried to capture them at work - one busy rowing, the other, throwing the net out, reeling it in, and emptying it of the fish caught in it, and repeating the process over and over again. In the midst of all this, one of them noticed me, and waved out!
And before I end, here is one last photo, one I think is my best capture of the lot! What do you think?
I must have watched these fishermen for about an hour, but they would have been out in the rain, for hours, and hadn't finished by the time I left. It really makes you appreciate them, doesn't it?
Beautiful set of photographs..
ReplyDeleteThank you, Meghana!
Deletefirst of all beautiful picturesssssss... and yeah they are working harddd...
ReplyDeleteBikram
Thanks Bikram!
Deletesimple images that tell a compelling story of perseverance. great capture! first time here and already liking it!
ReplyDeletegood work!
stop by our blog Aalayam - it's a fun space that features a ton of inspirational ideas.
~deepa
Thank you so much, Deepa, and welcome here! Hope to see you here regularly now!
DeleteNice monsoon frames!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Niranjan! well, the monsoon hasnt set in here yet, so making the most of my pics!
Deleteyou are doing really good job...
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Deletenice shoot, especially the last photo click is awesome
ReplyDelete