When the foundation stone for New Delhi was laid in 1911, it was planned as a seat of colonial power. In the last fifty years, however, it has transformed into the dynamic cosmopolitan capital of an independent and democratic republic. This book covers all those aspects of Delhi that make it a veritable microcosm of India against the unique backdrop of a history dating back to more than a thousand years. An introductory essay by B.P. Singh establishes both the purpose and content of the book in which New Delhi emerges as a mirror of the hopes and aspirations of one billion Indians marching into the new millennium. Khushwant Singh’s essay is a historical sketch of Delhi. Ravinder Kumar focuses on the way post-Independence New Delhi metamorphosed from a center of imperial power to a vibrant capital. Sunita Kohli highlights the architectural legacy of Lutyen’s Delhi while Premlata Puri looks at the city’s art, music, and literary traditions. Ranjit Lal’s essay acquaints the reader with the diversity of Delhi’s flora and fauna, much of which is being submerged by rapid urbanization. Madhu Jain’s is a spirited account of the pace and rhythm of life in Delhi and the social profile of the city’s inhabitants. Mark Tully describes the hazards of the nation’s capital while Bibek Debroy profiles the city’s economy—Delhi is now a major industrial and business centre, fulfilling the demands of various sectors. The epilogue by Pavan K. Varma is a meditation on the city, a glance at its past and a look into its future. A chronology of events by H.K. Kaul identifies the key moments in the history of New Delhi. Richly supplemented by photographs and illustrations, including previously unpublished and rare archival material, this is a first-of-its kind portrayal of Delhi as a unique city representing people’s power—the political and cultural centre of a new India.
There are no reviews yet.