The narrative explores the historical significance of Chandni Chowk, tracing its origins to Shahjahanabad, the imperial city founded by Mughal emperor Shahjahan in the seventeenth century. It delves into the city's grandeur during the height of the Mughal Empire and its influence on North Indian language and culture. Additionally, it highlights the tumultuous events that have shaped its history, including the invasion of Nadir Shah, the Revolt of 1857, and the impacts of Partition.
Written in the 1820s, Sair-ul-Manazil, as far as we know, is the first attempt to systematically list the monuments of the city of Delhi. Apart from public buildings like mosques, temples, shrines, and tombs, it lists wells, gardens, houses, shops, and stray graves. This was in itself a formidable task, and one that might easily have resulted in a very dry and tedious document. The author, however, considerably enlivens it by a description of the various localities of the city, of the people who lived and worked there in his time, social activities and fairs, and historical anecdotes connected with places and people. The original was written in Persian by a person variously known as Sangin and Sangin Beg, and the volume is translated from an Urdu translation by the late Nausheen Jaffery, with an introduction by Swapna Liddle. It also includes maps and sketches which will both illustrate the narrative and bring a visual life to it.
Delhi's rich history spans over two millennia, showcasing the rise and fall of various kingdoms that have shaped its cultural and architectural landscape. The narrative delves into the city's evolution, highlighting significant events and influential figures that contributed to its development. It explores the intricate tapestry of traditions, politics, and social dynamics that define Delhi, making it a vibrant hub of diversity and resilience throughout the ages.
Combining immaculate scholarship with extraordinary storytelling, Swapna Liddle has produced an outstanding book of narrative history-on a great city in transition, and on early modern India-that will be read and discussed for decades.
The book explores the development of New Delhi as a meticulously planned capital of the British Empire, influenced by both imperial traditions and Western urban movements. It examines the interactions among the planners and highlights the city's role as a cultural hub blending Indian and British influences, particularly around Connaught Place. Following independence and partition, New Delhi expanded, transforming into an administrative center with a low population density. Despite this, its cultural institutions and vibrant public spaces maintain a lively atmosphere.
Shahjahanabad examines the city, neighbourhood by neighbourhood, and explores its diverse communities and important landmarks. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in cartography and Delhi's vibrant cultural history.