A Peal of Spring Thunder
What can coal's journey—from the mines of Chhattisgarh to the lights that power your home—tell us about the politics of resource extraction?
Over eight years, photojournalist Ishan Tankha documented the impact of coal, iron, and bauxite mining on indigenous communities in Central India. These communities are caught in a conflict between Maoist soldiers and a state which prioritises natural resources. The photographs bore witness to the lives, labour, and daily interactions of people who created a home within this challenging terrain.
Medium: Photographic Series
Year: 2016-2018
Team
Ishan Tankha
Photojournalist
Ishan Tankha, an independent photographer based in New Delhi, captures the intricate tapestry of India's complexities. From marginalised states' separatist movements to capital protests and the impact of climate change on remote villages, Tankha delves into the crossroads of major events and national politics. His work, featured in esteemed publications like Le Monde, The Wall Street Journal, and The Guardian, reflects a keen focus on everyday life amid tumultuous circumstances.
Tankha, a founding member of Goa Photo, has contributed as a consultant photo editor for 'Witness: Kashmir 1986-2016' (2017). With a background as a staff photographer for leading Indian publications and former photo editor at Tehelka, his exhibitions span prestigious venues worldwide, including the Kochi Muziris Biennale, Noorderlicht Photo Festival, and Berlinale 2019.
