Colonialism, Uprising and the Urban Transformation of Nineteenth-Century Delhi

This book explores Delhi in the nineteenth century, a time of political and cultural transformation marked by the 1857 uprising against British colonial rule. It examines the architectural trajectory of Delhi, from the Mughal Badshahi Shahar to a culturally hybrid Dilli-Delhi combine, and then into a modern British city. It argues that the vestiges of Delhis four nineteenth-century lives should be acknowledged as a cultural asset to propel the city's urban development agenda.

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Delhi, a city with a rich and storied history, stands as a testament to the immense diversity and complexity of the Indian subcontinent. With a population that surpasses any other in the region, Delhi has witnessed the ebb and flow of countless lives over centuries. This captivating book delves into the political and cultural landscape of Delhi during the tumultuous nineteenth century, a period marked by the 1857 uprising against British colonial rule.

Following the British occupation, Delhi became a melting pot of ancient Mughal traditions and the emerging colonial ideal. This convergence resulted in the creation of a fascinating dichotomy between traditionalism and modernity, shaping the city's architectural trajectory. The book employs a built environment lens to trace the evolution of Delhi's architecture, from the majestic Mughal Badshahi Shahar (imperial city) in the seventeenth century to the culturally hybrid Dilli-Delhi combine of the pre-uprising era and the modern British city that emerged after the uprising.

This transition is explored through four distinct constructs that draw on the traditionalism-modernity binary of Mughal and British Delhi. These constructs include Marhoom Dilli (Dead Delhi), Picturesque Delhi, Baaghi Dilli (Insurgent Delhi), and Tamed Delhi. Each of these constructs represents a different era in Delhi's history, capturing the essence of the city's evolution.

However, the book goes beyond the nineteenth century, examining the remnants of Delhi's four nineteenth-century lives in the present. It makes a compelling case for recognizing these vestiges as cultural assets that can propel the city's urban development agenda. By bringing together the city's past and present, as well as addressing its future, this book appeals to scholars and enthusiasts alike, who are interested in cities and their ever-changing landscapes.

In conclusion, Delhi's history is a tapestry of resilience, transformation, and cultural richness. This book offers a unique perspective on the city's nineteenth-century journey, shedding light on the complex interplay between tradition and modernity that has shaped its architectural and cultural landscape. By acknowledging and celebrating Delhi's past, we can inspire a brighter future for this remarkable city.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367703738