The Idea of Delhi (Hardcover)

A unique book that is not a chronological history of the development of the city: rather, it relates the ideas that formed Delhi, ideas that have determined its pattern of urbanisation. These have often been revealed in the projected images of the city in literature, architecture and painting. For example, one recurring idea is imaging it as a capital city. This has been linked not only to the pragmatic reasons of portraying power through its layout and architecture, but also to more abstract ideals about placing the city as a symbol of strength in a 'paradise' - later in British times in a garden. Inevitably, when implemented ideas change, and often remain unfulfilled. Such ideas are also explored, as is the post-independence urban disorder that ensued in the absence of a greater philosophy.