The Shell Necklace

Unearthing the past in the Sahyadris

The ancient range of basaltic rock stretched as far as the eye could see. A small banana plantation clung to the edge of sloping ancient stone. A fig tree stood there with ripening fruit, and a coppersmith had settled in it to a leisurely meal. A big flock of sparrows flew in and settled around the barbet, hardly noticing him because his green feathers …