Ask About Asia: India, full of colour and movement, is a vast sub-continent of Asia, the scene of one of the world's first civilisations and now the largest democracy in the world. Across this land of contrasts over a billion people live, differing in race, language, diet, appearance and the age-old centre of Indian life, religion. For all, the growth of food crops and the pattern of life is set by the monsoon rains.
People work in both ancient and modern ways: hydro-electric dams harness mountain streams, but women still carry water from wells; scientists work in nuclear laboratories, yet farmers trudge behind ploughs drawn by bullocks; workers manufacture electronic components while others earn a living by hand-crafting images of their ancient gods.
What would it be like to be one of a billion people in a land with teh highest mountains and one of the oldest civilisations in the world; where cattle wander the streets and camels pull carts, where coloured cloth dries on the ground? Could you wind a turban or carry water on your head, lead a buffalo or barter in a bazaar? In this up-to-the-minute series, stunning photographs, clear text and special fact boxes bring Asia to life.
