Author: R C Sharma
Publisher: Roli Books
Year: 1998
Language: English
Pages: 96
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8174360573
Description
Illustrated with breathtaking pictures, this book documents the history, physiography, climate and culture of the Thar, and in the process of unraveling the mysteries of the Maroosthali, it applauds the spirit of its colorful people..
The Thar has been immortalized in history as 'Maroosthali', the harsh, hostile and merciless land. This name derives from 'marho', the local term for the alluvium rich depressions between the sandy ridges, and 'thali' means land. The 'marhoi' act as drainage basins during the sudden seasonal downpours, thereby encouraging the characteristic nuclear settlements of the desert. .
Down the centuries, visitors have romanticized this Great Indian Desert. But for the local people, each day is a battle for survival; against the creeping sands, shifting dunes, erratic weather, hot winds. However, these people have not only survived, but have created a culture that is vibrant, colorful and full of life, in complete contrast to the land they live in.