Living in Kashmir 1979-80: A Year of People, Places and Memories
Life on the Lakes
The tourist in us, enjoyed the tranquility offered by richly adorned houseboats rocking gently on waters.For the local trader the lake was a source of income as he plied his trade amongst the houseboats. Others passed by on their own errands, each vessel carving a brief ripple before the surface smoothed again. Above, the sunshine fell; below, its shadows shimmered in the water, and the whole scene took on a sense of timeless charm that no photograph quite captures. This blurry photo hardly does justice to one of the many scenes we observed.
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| Shikaras - a play of light and shadow on the lake |
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| Looking out across the lake to houseboats framed by the mountains |
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| Reed gatherers with view across the lake to the palace high on the hill |
Those who tended the floating and lakeside gardens were well aware of their immense value to the local economy. It was a pleasure to watch them at work, carefully tending a remarkable variety of plants in those tranquil surroundings, a way of life as old as the lake itself.
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| 1979 - Vegetable gardens at the edge of the lake |
Lots of Lambrettas
Scooters weaved in and out of the traffic. For many households, a scooter was not just a vehicle but part of everyday family life. They were used for commuting, carrying shopping and visiting relatives. It was a practical answer to crowded streets, modest incomes, and the need for reliable family transport.
Among the most familiar names was Lambretta, the Italian brand that found a long life in India through local manufacture and adaptation.
In 1972, the Indian government bought the machinery of the Milanese factory, creating Scooters India Limited (SIL) in order to produce Lambretta scooters and also Lambro three-wheelers.(1)
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| The three-wheeler |
These were given a variety of names across the years as models changed and developed.
We would often see a whole family aboard a scooter, two or three crowded on the seat and one or two children standing either side of the driver.
1. Lambretta https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lambretta
It must have been so tranquil on the lake. Do you miss the view of mountains? Those who live in some of these places work so hard for their livelihood.
ReplyDeleteThose waters look idyllic - I wonder what is beneath. Back when I was around 17 I wanted a Lambretta, Dad said "No" so that was it.
ReplyDeleteThe lake looks like a tranquil place to be away from the lambrettas. Like GeniAus, I couldn't help wondering what lurked under the water.
ReplyDelete