Mathura: Charm of the Deccan tribe
It was during the early summer in 2006 that I came across a remote hamlet in Adilabad where the folks are light of skin, blue eyes, strange hairstyling and a dress sense that defies the age and time of pedestrian commonness. They are called the “Madhura Lambadis” or “Gandhari Lambadis”. Their story dates back few centuries ago. They were the grain carriers for the Mughal emperor army. They are generally dependent on agriculture, rearing animals and trading in salt. In the 17th century when the Mughal-Deccan war ended in 1687, after the fall of Golconda and Bijapur, this tribe of Lambadas stayed in various parts of the Deccan. Now, about 70 families are living in Gurjal Thanda located in Adilabad, Telangana, India. Interestingly, in this fast paced world, this tribe of Lambadas retained their traditional costumes and jewelry.
I captured the candid photographs, showing mostly the womenfolk and children giggling, laughing, going about their tasks with the women their peculiar tuft of hair that’s covered with cloth. They look into my camera lens without any fear. Not satisfied with these unique and beautiful moments captured live through the photographs, I have transformed them into sketches to show my perspective of their beauty.
I hope these artworks will be admired as much for their quality for the charm of the Madhura Lambadis.
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