Jaipur, India, Snake charmer before Hawa Mahal (temple of the Winds) practices his art.

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Jaipur, India, Against a background of the Hawa Mahal an Indian snake charmer practises his art. Snake charming is the practice of apparently hypnotising a snake by simply playing an instrument. Many snake charmers live a wandering existence, visiting towns and villages on market days and during festivals. The charmer typically sits out of biting range means of protection include removing the creature's fangs or venom glands, or even sewing the snake's mouth Hawa Mahal (or Temple of the Winds) was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, in the form of the crown of Krishna, the Hindu god. It forms part of the City Palace and extends the Zenana or women's chambers, the chambers of the harem. Its original intention was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen. It has five stories and is constructed of red and pink sandstone, and the breeze (hawa) which circulates through these windows gives the palace its name, and keeps it cool even in hot of the Winds, Snake, Snake Charmer

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Size: 4203px × 4218px
Location: Jaipur, India
Photo credit: © Tom Hanley / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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