NEW DELHI, JANUARY 2026 – Marking five decades of India’s most celebrated tiger sanctuary, acclaimed photographer and conservationist Kairav Engineer will unveil Ranthambhore – 50 Iconic Years, an immersive exhibition and definitive photographic book, from January 20 to 22 at the CCA Building, Bikaner House.
The event is more than a showcase of cinematic wildlife imagery—it stands as a poignant tribute to Engineer’s late collaborator, Valmik Thapar (1952–2025), the legendary “Tiger Man of India,” whose tireless efforts shaped Ranthambhore National Park into a global emblem of tiger conservation.
Founded in 1974, Ranthambhore National Park reached its golden jubilee in 2024. To commemorate its evolution from fragile beginnings to one of the crown jewels of wildlife tourism, Ranthambhore – 50 Iconic Years compiles five decades of rare photography, historical records, and untold stories.
Departing from traditional chronological formats, the book adopts Thapar’s vision of the jungle as a realm of constant discovery—each chapter unfurling like a safari, filled with unexpected encounters. Contributions from over 130 Indian and international photographers provide a kaleidoscopic perspective on the park’s journey.
The multi-sensory exhibition extends the book’s narrative across two floors:
– Ground Floor– The Book Lounge introduces visitors to the project’s story. A curated historical section traces Ranthambhore’s past from the Mughal era onward, enriched with archival maps, rare paintings, and early wildlife accounts. The Timeline Corridor maps milestones in the park’s history, leading to the Film Room, which screens rare documentaries offering a glipse of the moving visual tribute to his life’s work.
– First Floor – Dedicated to the sheer beauty of the wilderness, this section features large-scale photo installations, lightboxes, and collaborative works from the book. An ambient soundscape, recorded in Ranthambhore itself, immerses visitors in the sights and sounds of the tiger’s domain.
True to the spirit of the project, all proceeds from the book and exhibition will benefit Tiger Watch, Thapar’s charity of choice. The funds will bolster anti-poaching operations and support frontline forest guards—the unsung custodians of Ranthambhore’s wildlife.
