Dichtomous India, land of contrasts. Old and new; traditional and modern; rich and poor. Congested roads with cows, elephants and camels lumbering alongside automobiles, pedicabs and bicycles; teeming crowds of people with women in saris along side women in blue jeans, men in dhoti and turbans next to men in suits and ties.
Our destination is the so called ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, in the present day northern Indian state of Rajastan. Jaipur was not founded until the early 1700’s but nonethelss, this region was an important crossroads on the Silk Road. Not only were physical goods such as silk, spices, precious metals, minerals and handicrafts traded but ideas and concepts about religion, music, art and architecture were exchanged. The Mughal kings who founded Jaipur and ruled India for two centuries were products of this international exchange, bringing Islam, architecture and wealth from the Middle East and Central Asia to India.
I was excited to be visiting India for a third time on our ancient crossroads itinerary. This would be my second time, albeit ten years, later to Jaipur so I am thrilled to once again experience the sights, sounds, smells and chaos of this dichtomous county!
