Discoveries...India: Land of the Maharajas

In this latest program in Jim and Kelly Watt's high-definition filmed Discoveries…India series, the camera lingers lovingly on enchanting views in the Rajasthan region of India, famous for ornate fortress-like palaces, elaborate handicrafts, and much more. The first stop here is the city of Jaipur, where the City Palace Complex includes Jantar Mantar, a collection of marble and stone astronomical instruments dating to the early 1700s that still provide accurate measurements of the heavens. Nearby Amber Fort, built in 1592, can be reached via an elephant ride and offers spectacular vistas from its imposing locale. Back at street level in Rajasthan, the film captures artisans cutting and polishing precious and semi-precious stones, including ruby, lapis, malachite, moonstone, and others mined in the vicinity; manipulating hand-carved wooden blocks to print textiles; and creating hand-knotted carpets using a loom-like apparatus and a detailed diagram to replicate complex patterns. In Udaipur, the “City of Lakes,” exquisite miniature paintings and the Jagdish Temple are among the attractions, while a concluding camelback journey to the Manvar Tented Camp in the Thar Desert leaves the viewer with an enveloping sense of the mystery and beauty of the area. An evocative excursion for armchair travelers, this is recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)