India, the Motherland
A Ganges River Dolphin.
The river dolphins of India are now rare and endangered.
They are among the oldest families of cetaceans, with odd characteristics,
including barely functional eyes, flexible necks and spines,
long needle-like teeth and exceptionally gentle demeanors.
An Indus River Dolphin.
Threatened now by dams that have separated this species into distinct groups,
some of whom live as far up the Indus river as Nepal,
the "Bhulan Dolphin" has long played a mythical part in Indian history.
The Indus River Dolphin has been rarely studied and is little understood.
Here we see the capture of one for a German effort to help them regain health
and environmentally defined priority for their survival.
Indus River Dolphins in a study center in Germany,
where their grace and beauty are revealed for the first time.
In the Rg Veda is the story of Manu and Matsya Avatar, the first incarnation of Vishnu.
Here we see Manu lifting Matsya out of a stream, where their story begins...
Matsya comes as a Saviour and restorer.
The spirit of Vishnu fills the waters, sustaining all life.
Matsya had towed the boat upon which the remnants of a former world
had found their way to India. Here, as a "makara", or spirit being,
he is depicted with many other animal qualities.
Matsya came to teach the arts of civilization.
Among the arts of civilization that Matsya taught were:
agriculture, music, mathematics, architecture
legal systems, writing and dance.
The lessons taught by Matsya Avatar were
intended to defeat the demon of ignorance.
In Indian classical dance, the Matsya Mudra, or hand posture, emulates the dolphin form.
Vishu had many forms, including the life of Krishna.
Here he is shown being worshipped by water spirits,
beautiful women with long tails,
as he commands the Seven Headed Serpent of Wisdom.
Vishnu and his Matsya form are still worshipped widely in India.
Some anticipate Vishnu's return as a Dolphin......
