Author: H K Kaul
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Year: 1999
Language: English
Pages: 449
ISBN/UPC (if available): 978-0-19-563925-4
Description
Few major cities of the world are as rich in historical associations as Delhi. This anthology contains vivid accounts of Delhi from ancient times to the early twentieth century, picked from hundreds of books and documents, some of them long out of print.
'The tabernacle of the eastern parts of the universe', said Al Minhaj Bin Siraj of Delhi in thirteenth century. Few major cities of the world are as rich in historical associations as Delhi, and even fewer possess such a wealth of archaeological and architect5ural splendors. This anthology contains vivid accounts of Delhi from ancient times to the early twentieth century, picked from hundreds of books and documents, some of them long out of print.
They range from the Timur's accounts of his attack on Delhi to Aurangzeb's rules about the acceptable length of beards, and anecdotes about city saunas, entertainments and festivities. These authentic, contemporary accounts recreating a vanished city comprise an incomparable introduction that tourists find will give their travels in Delhi a unique flavor; those who live here will get the opportunity to rediscover their home town.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:
If you want to learn something about Delhi's past, you will find it worth your while to dip into Historic Delhi. - Khushwant Singh, The Hindustan Times
This splendid book has conversations, pen-portraits and landscapes in abundant measure. - Narayani Gupta, The India Magazine
THE EDITOR:
H K KAUL is Director, Delhi Library Network, and Chief Librarian, India International Center, New Delhi. He is the author of several volumes of poetry, and has edited Travelers' India: An Anthology.
Contents
Preface
Introduction
Select Chronology
CHAPTER 1
Altutmish's Dihli
The medieval City
Delhi in the seventeenth century
Delhi as it was
The Rome of Asia
The mistress of every conqueror
The city of scents
The metropolis of Asia
The spirit of Delhi
Delhi's changing face
The streets
CHAPTER 2
RUINS AND LANDSCAPES
Ruins and tombs
A city of variety
From the summit of the Qutab
Hills and the river bed
The tombs
The Ridge
A desolate plain
The successive Delhi's
CHAPTER 3
THE CITIES
A. Introduction
B. Indraprastha
C. Dilli
D. Old Delhi or Qila Rai Pithora
E. Kilughari
F. Siri
G. Tughlaqabad
H. Jahanpanah
I. Firozabad
J. Din Pannah or Purana Qila
K. Sher Garh or Delhi Sher shahi
L. Shahjahanabad
M. New Delhi
CHAPTER 4
SOCIAL LIFE
A. General
B. Entertainment
C. Marriages
D. Baths
CHAPTER 5
ROYALTY
The presentation ceremony
Hospitality
The royal procession
Firoz Shah's public audience
Court ceremonial
The Place of audience
A visit to the emperor
Shah Allum and his Tusbeah Khanah
A royal ceremony
A visit to a princess
The imperial family
Zinat Mahal Begam
The Viceroy's ball
CHAPTER 6
SCHOLARS AND EDUCATION
Nasiriah College
The pious men
The Sultan's generosity
Eulogies in Praise of the Sultan
Humayun's appreciation of poetry
poets and philosophers
The learned men of Balban's Delhi
Growing importance of English in Delhi
College of Ghazeeood Deen
Madrasa of Ghazi-uddin Khan
Ghalib and Delhi College
Amir Khusrau
In memory of a poet
Allnutt of Delhi
CHAPTER 7
POPULATION AND POVERTY
A. Population
B. Slavery
C. Famine
CHAPTER 8
TAXES AND TRADE
A. Regulations and Taxes
B. Commerce
C. Bazaars
CHAPTER 9
FOOD AND DRINK
Sweetmeats
Allau-d din Khilji and prohibition
Aurangzeb and prohibition
Food products
Wine
The Zamindar's diet
The Public kitchen
CHAPTER 10
CUSTOMS AND FESTIVALS
The order of public audience
The feast day
Ceremonials at private and public meals
A burial custom
Royal celebration
Court festivals
Aurangzeb's birthday celebration
Pankha mela
Wickerworks and firework
Festivity
The festival of Divali
A magnificent display of fireworks
CHAPTER 11
CLIMATE AND IRRIGATION
A. Climate
B. Irrigation
CHAPTER 12
FLORA AND FAUNA
A. Flora
B. Gardens
C. Fauna
CHAPTER 13
TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT
Dak - Chaukis between Delhi and Deogiri
Departure from Delhi
The Jumna bridge
Tongas, bullrock-carts and what not!
The infernal traffic jam
No rules of the road
The railway links
CHAPTER 14
WILD LIFE AND SPORT
The Sultan's hunting expedition
Hyaena-hunt in a bedroom
Shooting at Mongolpur
Shikar in Delhi
Buldius Venator
Well - diving
CHAPTER 15
ASTROLOGY, ASTRONOMY AND MAGIC
Manucci under a spell
Astrologers
Jantar Mantar
The observatory
Conjurors
CHAPTER 16
THE ARTS
A. Music and Art
B. The Painters
CHAPTER 17
ARCHITECTURE AND MONUMENTS
A. Architecture and the Buildings
B. Palaces and Memorials
C. Tombs and Mosques
D. Temples, Churches and Gurdwaras
CHAPTER 18
EVENTS
A. General
B. Medieval
C. Modern
PART I
Early British
PART II
Mutiny
CHAPTER III
Later British
Notes on Sources
Index