About 80 kms south of Udaipur, "townships" or small trading centers provided services to the now settled tribal people. Without almost no cars, these "towns" have a very different feel from India cities. In settlement of Jhadol, merchant families, mostly followers of Jainism, specialize in cloth, sewing, and silver jewelry, which worn by men and especially women in their noises, ears, around their necks and ankles. Individual silversmiths make and repair silver items. Plastic wrist bands are very cheap and popular. Other necessities of life are also available: metal pots, milling grains, vegetables, sweets, and, of course, Masala tea.

Several merchants (men), who practice Jainism, invited us to visit their housing compounds -- shown in the diagram. The shop is in front of the house, where buildings and space is provided for all necessary functions: cooking, sleeping, washing, and toilet. Outside doors lead to each room. Ledges in the walls are used for storage areas. In the living area, photos and altars to Jain priests, with their nude Buddha-like poses and cloth-covered mouths, are prominently displayed. The keeper of the community's Jain temple showed us their sacred idol -- normally, not allowed to be photographed. Learn more about Jainism.