Rivers of India is a pictorial journey that delves into the symbiosis between India’s major rivers and the people who live along them and their intimate link with myth, belief and religion. Along with the narrative of the rivers are interesting asides looking at marvels of engineering, cultural and recreational events, as well as the deep-rooted symbolic relevance of the river in Indian music, art, religion and literature.
The authors narrowed their focus to eight rivers that flow through India-the Brahmaputra, Ganges, Godavari, Kaveri, Krishna, Mahanadi, Narmada and Yamuna. This selection was based on demographics, the decisive factor being the correlation between the most densely populated river valleys, and the challenges triggered by unchecked exploitation of natural resources.
While a river journey may seem romantic in an idyllic sense, for the authors, it was often a challenging experience. The environmental damage that has been caused by piety, industry and apathy is immense; sadly, these allegedly sacred water bodies are plagued by misuse and pollution. The authors hope that highlighting significant issues that affect the river will usher in a sense of collective responsibility that can help stem further ecological degradation.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Shayoni Mitra
Armed with a Masters degree in English literature and an eye for the unusual, Shayoni Mitra made a transition from a corporate communications specialist to a travel journalist in 2007. Her writing has since then been featured in various national and international travel magazines and guide books. Passionate about exploring and interpreting new cultures, her camera has been her constant companion. She has also compiled and edited guidebooks to India.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sunil Vaidyanathan
A love affair with pictures! That is what Sunil Vaidyanathans associations can be called. He started at an early age with painting, and he feels that this initial interest coupled with a keen interest in art history and architecture, enables him to view everyday objects with his soul and connect with their inner life. Photography has been a way for him to share his visions, anxieties, perceptions, and emotions. He captures the true quintessence of his subjects. He divides his time between shooting advertising campaigns, editorials and fine art photography. Though most of his work is multi hued, he has a profound respect for the monochromatic medium. A Photographer, illustrator and co-author of the much lauded book on the architecture and evolution of Bombay “The Heritage Buildings of Bombayâ€. His pictures have also graced the covers of books such as “Glimpses of India†and a host of various other publications. This book was conceived out of a longing to visit the birth-place of his ancestors and study their architectural genius, and partly out of his interest in a rendezvous with the past. A photographic Journey through the magnificent, awe inspiring cultural past of Southern India.
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