This is the story of the hundreds of women inmates lodged in Tihar Jail, Delhi, the largest prison in Southeast Asia. Over the years, the jail has earned itself the reputation of being one of the leading reformist prisons in this part of the world, though the author and photographer learn that this does not take away the pain and desolation of a life in confinement. They visited the women at Tihar several times over a period of one year, interacting with them at various levels and eventually winning their confidence, trust and friendship. Candid photographs capture the lives of these inmates, telling the story of hope in despair. Rather than sympathizing with their cases or praising prison authorities efforts, this book is about the women, their individual and collective strength and the spirit of survival they continue to display even in their darkest hours