Women in stepwell, Rajasthan. (Photo: © Steve McCurry)

In 1978, photographer Steve McCurry first traveled to India. His extraordinary career documenting armed conflicts was about to begin. From India, he crossed into Pakistan and was smuggled into Afghanistan, in disguise, just prior to the invasion of Soviet forces. He left the country with rolls of film sewn inside his clothes, and his images were among the first the world saw of the conflict.

A few years later his photograph of Sharbat Gula, also known as the ‘Afghan Girl,’ made the cover of the June 1985 issue of National Geographic. It is regarded as one of the world’s most recognizable photographs. Since then, McCurry has traveled extensively, later returning to India to create the series’ “Monsoon” and “India by Rail.”

Photographs from these collections, including some that have never been seen before, will be showcased in a new exhibition by the International Center of Photography and the Rubin Museum of Art that opens on November 18th. Below, a selection of McCurry’s vivid photos of India.

Boy in mid-flight, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. (Photo: © Steve McCurry)

Young girl runs past movie poster, Mumbai, Maharashtra. (Photo: © Steve McCurry)

Man practices acupressure while walking on gravel, Jaipur, Rajasthan. (Photo: © Steve McCurry)

Dust storm, Rajasthan. (Photo: © Steve McCurry)