In 1967, Bruce Thomas and Stuart Harper first met each other while working in geological mapping parties in outback Australia.
“We both separately had plans to drive overland from India to the United Kingdom, so we decided to join forces. Stuart had already purchased a vehicle for the journey, a 1961 model Fiat 600 Multipla which had cost just $175 (perhaps more than $2000 today). It was then extensively overhauled.”
“Ships travelling to India from Australia were rare in 1969 as the Six Day War in the Middle East had led to the closure of the Suez Canal in 1967. By booking 12 months in advance, we secured berths on the P&O cruise liner ‘Oriana’ which was sailing from Sydney to Colombo via Hong Kong and Singapore. We departed on 12 February 1969.”
Some 1800 photos (50 rolls) were taken on their journey, and here are 43 they shot when in India in 1969.
A street stall selling saris, Madurai
A semi-precious gemstone dealer shows his wares, Jaipur
A well trained elephant for heavy lifting, Kerala
A young girl cradles her younger sister
Amber Palace
Camels on the street of Rajasthan
Canal in Kerala
Cantilever ‘fishing machines’ along the coast of Kerala
Craftsman preparing enamel inlaid brass plates, which are a specialty of Jaipur
Drivers of the ubiquitous auto rickshaw, Halebid
Elephant on the street of Kerala
Flower sellers by the roadside in Jaipur
Krishna River
Man dressed in colorful turbans and earrings for the celebration of Rama’s birthday, Mandu
Man enjoying one of the simple pleasures of life, puffing on his chillum, Jaipur
Mother Ganga, the holy Ganges River
On the road in Rajasthan
Policeman on duty, Jaipur
Portrait of a fakir in Hassan
Portrait of a fine moustache man in Mandu
Portrait of an elegant young lady in Mandu
Portrait of an elegant young lady, with her brother in Mandu
Rajasthan
Rameswaram
Rameswaram
Ritual bathing in the holy Ganges River
Something for the ladies on market day, Hassan
Street scene in Jaipur
Street scene in Jaipur
Street scene in Jaipur
Street scene of Kerala
Taj Mahal, Agra
Taj Mahal, Agra
The 1000-year-old, 57ft tall statue of the Jain saint Gomateswara, Shravanabelagola
The Burning Ghats where cremations continuously occur, Benares
The faithful engage in ritual bathing in the Ganges each morning, crowding extensive Ghats along the river, Benares
The Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) in Jaipur
The interior of Amber Palace
The Maharaja’s Palace in the centre of the city of Mysore
The main roads into and out of Bombay under repair
Tie dyeing on the street of Jaipur
Visitors in Mandu
Weavers working on a simple hand loom in the street, Madurai
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