Invited by his friend John Freeman (the High Commissioner), Trevelyan painted many aspects of India. This composition distills the visual complexity of the Ganges into a striking composition of flattened forms and bold contrasts. The densely packed riverside settlement is alive with activity, the boats and swimmers cluster along the riverbank gradually thinning out to the pale expanse of the water and the empty shore on the far side. Trevelyan creates a balance between the bustle of human life and the stillness of nature presided over by the rich red pigment of the setting sun three kites which soar above the city-scape.

Trevelyan wrote of the inspiration behind his painting in his memoir: 'There are many ways of painting, and there are as many reasons for painting. When I paint I generally have to communicate a strong visual experience, and I aim to change the vision of those who see my picture so that the world never looks quite the same to them again.' (Julian Trevelyan, 'Indigo Days', Macgibbon and Kee, London, 1957).