The story of an intrepid traveller’s mammoth obsession and his wild and wonderful journey into the heart of India A fascination with elephants and crumbling edifies leads designer and writer-photographer Vikramajit Ram on an extended journey across India, chronicling depictions of the animal in ancient Indian sculpture.
Dreaming Vishnus recounts one of these journeys, made in parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Travelling to Bhimbetka, Sanchi, Orchha, Khajuraho, and other lesser known places, Vikaram discovers a religion rich in curiosities from prehistoric painted caves to medieval royal palaces; bat infested temples to others alive with erotica; time warped hotels of the Raj to Luxurious resorts in tiger jungles. Against this vibrant backdrop, the route taken by the author in assorted modes of transport yields a bonanza of bizarre situations involving colorful local characters and fellow travelers. They include two wily cousins a western romantic with a problematic mantra, a runway cuckold, an oracle and a pair of delightfully eccentric sisters. Curiously, the motif that interweaves his journey is the image of a recumbent Vishnu which crops up everywhere in the art (and life) of the region.
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