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Delhi: 14 historic walks
14 Historic Walks maps well-known walking routes of Delhi, including world heritage sites like Qutub Minar, Lodi Gardens, Red Fort, and Humayun s Tomb. Swapna Liddle s narrative is crisp and breezy. It gives the historical and architectural significance of the monuments in an accessible manner. The entertaining anecdotes sprinkled through the text make the historical personalities mentioned, come alive.
Some other highlights are:
Detailed maps accompanying every route, including a double-page spread highlighting the walking routes on a map of a Delhi.
Information about price of tickets, nearest metro station, parking availability, advice about appropriate walking gear etc.
Architectural features are described in ways that make appreciation of structural and decorative elements easy for a lay person as well.
It is richly illustrated with black and white photographs taken specifically to accompany the Text.
This book can be read/used by tourists, locals, students of history, children, and adults alike.
The easy-to-use paperback format, allows it to be carried and referred to, while on the walk.
Some other highlights are:
Detailed maps accompanying every route, including a double-page spread highlighting the walking routes on a map of a Delhi.
Information about price of tickets, nearest metro station, parking availability, advice about appropriate walking gear etc.
Architectural features are described in ways that make appreciation of structural and decorative elements easy for a lay person as well.
It is richly illustrated with black and white photographs taken specifically to accompany the Text.
This book can be read/used by tourists, locals, students of history, children, and adults alike.
The easy-to-use paperback format, allows it to be carried and referred to, while on the walk.
- GenresTravelNonfictionIndia
291 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
15 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
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November 21, 2020Being a travel enthusiast, I was very glad when this book was published. Having never been to any of the walks (I am a student and can't afford to take part in one), I was delighted to have this copy for 14 walks for the minimal amount.
Having said that, you would be wondering, having spent half of my silver jubilee life in Delhi, what new would the book hold for me. Wrong! Doesn't it so happen that we travel/sight-see the least in the city we live in while we may go to far away places and cities and spend money traveling there? We always think 'oh, we are living here, we can go any day'. But the day never comes. With this book, that day has come for me. There are apprehensions when you don't know the way or the day when some place is open or not but with this book in hand, I can swipe away all the apprehensions and zitters.
This book is a complete travel guide in itself. It not only takes you through 14 historic walks, it also makes sure you understand the history behind the place, its name. You know what is the nearest metro station, what the ticket costs, what amenities are available at the place. What else do you need? And you can carry this book right with you.
It is very surprising but out of the 14 walks listed, I had not heard of one particular monument, even after having been born and brought up in this city. Totally unacceptable if you love sight-seeing like me!
It is something about history that lures us in. So when it is a historic walk, why not? The pictures and clear maps in the book make this an easy process.
I only wish that the pages were more glossy, the pictures colored, ah! But that doesn't really go with the theme, does it? The page texture, the black and white photos go so well with the theme of historic walks.
It's a book to get hold of and start walking.
If you are visiting Delhi anytime soon (or even if you live here), get this copy before you step out of your hotel/ home and you won't need a guide who anyways knows much less and bizarre than the well-researched facts this book brings you home to.
Alright I'm ready. There goes a water bottle and this book in my backpack and I'm set for these 14 historic walks, care to join me?
This review is a part of the Book Reviews Program at BlogAdda.com. Participate now to get free books!
Having said that, you would be wondering, having spent half of my silver jubilee life in Delhi, what new would the book hold for me. Wrong! Doesn't it so happen that we travel/sight-see the least in the city we live in while we may go to far away places and cities and spend money traveling there? We always think 'oh, we are living here, we can go any day'. But the day never comes. With this book, that day has come for me. There are apprehensions when you don't know the way or the day when some place is open or not but with this book in hand, I can swipe away all the apprehensions and zitters.
This book is a complete travel guide in itself. It not only takes you through 14 historic walks, it also makes sure you understand the history behind the place, its name. You know what is the nearest metro station, what the ticket costs, what amenities are available at the place. What else do you need? And you can carry this book right with you.
It is very surprising but out of the 14 walks listed, I had not heard of one particular monument, even after having been born and brought up in this city. Totally unacceptable if you love sight-seeing like me!
It is something about history that lures us in. So when it is a historic walk, why not? The pictures and clear maps in the book make this an easy process.
I only wish that the pages were more glossy, the pictures colored, ah! But that doesn't really go with the theme, does it? The page texture, the black and white photos go so well with the theme of historic walks.
It's a book to get hold of and start walking.
If you are visiting Delhi anytime soon (or even if you live here), get this copy before you step out of your hotel/ home and you won't need a guide who anyways knows much less and bizarre than the well-researched facts this book brings you home to.
Alright I'm ready. There goes a water bottle and this book in my backpack and I'm set for these 14 historic walks, care to join me?
This review is a part of the Book Reviews Program at BlogAdda.com. Participate now to get free books!
January 26, 2014
My companion through my time in Delhi, this book is a life saver for the bibliophile/history buff/loner stereotype that I fall into. A collection of guided walks through the capital and its countless places of historical/archaeological importance, this book helped me discover Delhi in a way I never thought I could.
I did all the walks with the exception of the ones in Mehrauli, which I had to skip for lack of time and sheer distance; the ones I enjoyed most were the Red Fort, Kashmiri Gate, Nizamuddin and Tughluqabad, in that order.
My train back home towards Pondicherry is tomorrow, and my copy of the book lies tattered, dog eared, & filled with stubs of tickets bearing the seal of the much maligned Archaeological Survey of India. It has stains from the kebabs I had at Nizamuddin, the Daulat ki Chaat I gobbled down in Chandni Chowk and smudges of dirt from where I set it down at the Lodhi gardens.
I'm thankful Swapna Liddle wrote this book, I really am.
I did all the walks with the exception of the ones in Mehrauli, which I had to skip for lack of time and sheer distance; the ones I enjoyed most were the Red Fort, Kashmiri Gate, Nizamuddin and Tughluqabad, in that order.
My train back home towards Pondicherry is tomorrow, and my copy of the book lies tattered, dog eared, & filled with stubs of tickets bearing the seal of the much maligned Archaeological Survey of India. It has stains from the kebabs I had at Nizamuddin, the Daulat ki Chaat I gobbled down in Chandni Chowk and smudges of dirt from where I set it down at the Lodhi gardens.
I'm thankful Swapna Liddle wrote this book, I really am.
February 4, 2012
A delightful guidebook about Delhi walks - http://alchemistpoonam.wordpress.com/...
June 13, 2016
On December 11, 1911, Emperor George V of Britain announced the change of the capital of India, from Calcutta to Delhi. Immediately, architect Edwin Luytens, who had designed Hamstead Garden Suburb in London was called upon to build the new city. Luytens along with his associate, Herbert Baker did what he could best do, taking inspiration from the garden city of Hamstead Garden Suberb, they sat to design the new city, which was already a collection of smaller cities in villages made through a period that started from Chandragupta II to 1803, when the British East India Company occupied Delhi. What he had on hand is a number of structures already built, which he would have to build around, leaving everything as it is, and yet, introducing the distinctive style of architecture borrowed from Europe and Britain.
Dr Swapna Liddle, author of Delhi: 14 Historical Walks, tells the full story, covering the entire period from 375 to 1803, and thereafter, in the most fascinating manner, taking the reader through 14 walks, that not only detail in brief the history of Delhi, during that time, but urge the reader to walk with her, through the famous monuments of that time, the gardens, cities, baulis (water storage tanks), memorable architectural buildings made during that period, mosques and much more. Yet, the book is not a history book, but one that brings alive the history of that time, as if the walker were to be actually passing through that time period, as h/she takes the enchanting walk. No speed, no hurry, just leisurely passing through time and reliving the past, as it were. If you already loved to walk, you will be excited, if you were not a walker, then, be sure you will become one. Although, I must say, for the extremely lazy, the graphic description of each walk is good enough to ‘walk the words’ with Liddle.
Each walk is drawn out and detailed carefully. As the chapter begins, there is a picture followed by a map of all the important points, leading up to the timings, tickets, facilities available on the spot, closest Metro Station, Parking etc, before the walk to each one begins. Relax! You might be holding the book in your hand, but the author does not leave you stumbling back and forth, trying to find, this highlighted point or that on that particular walk. The magic is, she walks with you and guides you through each one, hand-holding you to explore with her, the fine details of each walk. Absorb the easy to read historical background and the periods, emperors under which these structures were made.
My own experience of the book in Shahjahanabad – Oh did you say, you didn’t know what i was talking about? – for the uninitiated, it is Chandni Chawk, as it is called now, I had missed the Jain temples which are believed to have existed from the days of the Mahabharata, the name being derived from the rich Jains who live around the temples, dealing in silver and gold. I was amazed to see the beautiful temples, for, to me, it was always, Chandni Chawk for Parathawali gali, or Jama Masjid, and Kharim’s right opposite Gate # 1 as you descend from the Jama Masjid, the foundation of which was laid in 1605, and took 6 years to complete, and cost Rs 10,00,000 (Rupees Ten Lakh/ $ 1 million).
The romance with the much written about period of Delhi, The Mughal Period (1526 – 1803) almost 3 centuries add a lot to the architectural splendour of Delhi, the most beloved, to me is of course, Humayun’s Tomb.
“As you pass through the gate, you get your first glimpse of the magnificent Humayun’s Tomb...The entrance set into them lead into a total of 124 chambers. In one of them is the grave of Humayun and others house the many graves of family members...”
Awesome! Come let’s discover this and many more, with book in hand. Let’s walk Delhi: 14 Historical Walks by Swapna Liddle
PLEASE RESPECT
When you are visiting a mosque on this walk, please cover your head with a scarf and leave your leather shoes outside the mosque. In case, you wish to carry them with you, inside, please place the soles together, facing inward and not outward.
Dr Swapna Liddle, author of Delhi: 14 Historical Walks, tells the full story, covering the entire period from 375 to 1803, and thereafter, in the most fascinating manner, taking the reader through 14 walks, that not only detail in brief the history of Delhi, during that time, but urge the reader to walk with her, through the famous monuments of that time, the gardens, cities, baulis (water storage tanks), memorable architectural buildings made during that period, mosques and much more. Yet, the book is not a history book, but one that brings alive the history of that time, as if the walker were to be actually passing through that time period, as h/she takes the enchanting walk. No speed, no hurry, just leisurely passing through time and reliving the past, as it were. If you already loved to walk, you will be excited, if you were not a walker, then, be sure you will become one. Although, I must say, for the extremely lazy, the graphic description of each walk is good enough to ‘walk the words’ with Liddle.
Each walk is drawn out and detailed carefully. As the chapter begins, there is a picture followed by a map of all the important points, leading up to the timings, tickets, facilities available on the spot, closest Metro Station, Parking etc, before the walk to each one begins. Relax! You might be holding the book in your hand, but the author does not leave you stumbling back and forth, trying to find, this highlighted point or that on that particular walk. The magic is, she walks with you and guides you through each one, hand-holding you to explore with her, the fine details of each walk. Absorb the easy to read historical background and the periods, emperors under which these structures were made.
My own experience of the book in Shahjahanabad – Oh did you say, you didn’t know what i was talking about? – for the uninitiated, it is Chandni Chawk, as it is called now, I had missed the Jain temples which are believed to have existed from the days of the Mahabharata, the name being derived from the rich Jains who live around the temples, dealing in silver and gold. I was amazed to see the beautiful temples, for, to me, it was always, Chandni Chawk for Parathawali gali, or Jama Masjid, and Kharim’s right opposite Gate # 1 as you descend from the Jama Masjid, the foundation of which was laid in 1605, and took 6 years to complete, and cost Rs 10,00,000 (Rupees Ten Lakh/ $ 1 million).
The romance with the much written about period of Delhi, The Mughal Period (1526 – 1803) almost 3 centuries add a lot to the architectural splendour of Delhi, the most beloved, to me is of course, Humayun’s Tomb.
“As you pass through the gate, you get your first glimpse of the magnificent Humayun’s Tomb...The entrance set into them lead into a total of 124 chambers. In one of them is the grave of Humayun and others house the many graves of family members...”
Awesome! Come let’s discover this and many more, with book in hand. Let’s walk Delhi: 14 Historical Walks by Swapna Liddle
PLEASE RESPECT
When you are visiting a mosque on this walk, please cover your head with a scarf and leave your leather shoes outside the mosque. In case, you wish to carry them with you, inside, please place the soles together, facing inward and not outward.
August 1, 2023
This book was my companion when I visited Lodhi Gardens for the first time, and exploring the complex with the book to guide me was such a joy. The map was extremely useful and I would alternately read up on a monument before entering it, or doing it in reverse. Both ways, it was wonderful.
I obsessively read about the other walks too (arranged in historical order), and found them extremely informative and written it an accessible manner. For someone who has not read about the history of the city, this is a great introduction. Those who have read a bit about the city, too, will find a different way to see them.
I obsessively read about the other walks too (arranged in historical order), and found them extremely informative and written it an accessible manner. For someone who has not read about the history of the city, this is a great introduction. Those who have read a bit about the city, too, will find a different way to see them.
April 21, 2014
A coffee table book describing 14 walks through Delhi that are very difficult to picturize if you are not at the place or never been to Delhi. Not meant for a casual reader in another state. Would have been good if I were visiting these places with each chapter. The author points out small details one is likely to miss especially in the scenario where the guides are usually absent and if at all present, are ill informed. Her work has to be appreciated though.
November 14, 2015
Best book to carry with while visiting monumental places in delhi. It not only gives a brief history of places but also has route plans which I loved most. You've to simply follow it and it will make you understand the importance and historical relevance of monuments in a much better way. It reveals many interesting and not much famous facts about almost all monuments, which is usually not mentioned anywhere else.
July 6, 2015
To know Delhi have this book.. one of the most helpful books about Delhi..
If you are travelling to Delhi or even u r staying here from childhood, buy this book u will come to know a lot about this city
For any query mail at manish.ray03@gmail.com / write at https://www.facebook.com/raysclicks
If you are travelling to Delhi or even u r staying here from childhood, buy this book u will come to know a lot about this city
For any query mail at manish.ray03@gmail.com / write at https://www.facebook.com/raysclicks
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September 1, 2012My review of the book:
http://passey.info/2012/02/historic-w...
http://passey.info/2012/02/historic-w...
February 14, 2013
This is more like a guide book / field book that you can take with you on walks around Delhi. Detailed review here: http://www.anureviews.com/delhi-14-hi...
July 6, 2014
Great book with bits of information I didn't know about. I used to think Delhi doesn't have much to see but this really makes me want to explore the city.
January 8, 2015
Was a greet book to refresh my memory of high school history and to learn more on the go! Particularly enjoyed the sections on Lal Qila, Chandini Chowk and Jama Mashid, and Mehrauli.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews