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Camel Caravan of India

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  North America is where camels originated. Early Pleistocene or Pliocene camel migration succeeded in leaving North America 44 million years ago. North India is home to the oldest fossils discovered outside of North America, which are related to Camelus Siwalensis and Antiq. Camels have developed numerous environmental adaptations. Their first known progenitor was barely larger than a rabbit over 60 million years ago, and it is now known to have grown into a tall beast with numerous physiological adaptations. It can grow up to 8 feet and it has a maximum weight of 700 kg. Sandstorms are a common occurrence in the desert where camels dwell, therefore their long, thick eyelashes help prevent dust and sand from getting in their eyes and allow them to walk normally even under these conditions. They can also close their nostrils for the same effect. Therefore, they are also known as the ship of the desert. Bikaner Source: Dr. Richa Singh It is due to their capacity to withstand desert ...

Between Trees and Temples: Monkeys in India

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In India, monkeys are an important part of the country's ecology and culture, contributing to its varied environment in both beneficial and difficult ways.  By spreading seeds through the fruits they consume, monkeys play a vital role in the ecology. They help different plant species develop, which contributes to preserving the biodiversity of forests.  There are many different kinds of monkeys in India, but the two most prevalent species are the  Bonnet Macaque  (Macaca radiata) and the  Rhesus Macaque  (Macaca mulatta). The latter is an Old-World monkey species known by the common name "rhesus monkey".  They are brown primates with pink faces and red rears. Their heads are covered in closely trimmed hair.  They make a lot of noise and are quite animated. Rhesus is smaller than the Bonnet Macaque. Unlike Bonnets, rhesus do not have longer tails. Their tails are short and stumpy. The Bonnet monkey gets its name from the tuft of long hair that appe...

Rajasthan: The Land of Turbans

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Rajasthan, located in northwest India, in general can be classified into three regions based on the intensity of its rainfall: Arid, Semi-Arid, and Sub-Humid. Majority of this largest state of India by area falls under the arid zone. During the summer season, it swelters under scorching heat. It is against this bleak landscape of Rajasthan that it evovled as "Rangeelo Rajasthan" or Colourful Rajasthan and its vibrancy and colourfulness are expressed in its festivals, food, artforms, handicrafts, and clothes.   Colourful Handicrafts from "Rangeelo Rajasthan" Source: Dr. Richa Singh In this region of India, men wearing turbans in multiple hues are a common sight, especially in the countryside areas. There are different ways of wrapping a Rajasthani turban which typically consists of a long piece of unstitched cloth. Men's headgear varies widely. The saafa , pagdi, potiya ,  baana , phenta , paag and pecha are some of the well-known styles worn by Rajasthani commu...

Do Not Underestimate Your Vehicle!

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I have always been fascinated by the sights I see on my travels to different places in India. India is a nation whose economy is expanding and whose population has been swelling quickly. As a result, the country's transportation network is essential to the flow of people and products. But one enduring problem that has beset Indian roads is vehicle overcrowding, especially when it comes to freight transportation. The country's road system suffers from overloading.  Overloaded Trucks, Chhattisgarh Source: Richa Singh Road safety is seriously compromised by overloaded automobiles. The extra weight strains tires and other vital parts more, decreases vehicle stability, and lengthens stopping distances. Accidents are more likely as a result, particularly on routes with rough terrain or inadequate maintenance.  Hay-loaded Truck, Bihar Source: Dr. Richa Singh Furthermore, laden trucks are more likely to topple over, endangering not only the driver and passengers but also other drivers...