Ayutya, Venice of South Asia

The Thai Government has approved a 20-year project to restore Ayutya, the ancient capital of Siam, which, until the middle of the 18th century, was a busy, bustling city crisscrossed by innumerable canals and richly endowed with artistic treasures. This rubbing of a sculptured stone relief is one of 153 panels depicting the story of Rama, a hero of Hindu mythology.