The Forgotten Cities of Delhi: Book Two in the Where Stones Speak trilogy

Delhi Trilogy #2

by Rana Safvi

In The Forgotten Cities of Delhi, book two of the Where Stones Speak trilogy covers historical trails in Siri, Jahanpanah, Tughlaqabad, Firozabad, Din Panah, Shergarh and Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti. In her trademark style, Rana Safvi combines narrative history with Sufi couplets and takes you on a walk across the first city of Mehrauli and Firozabad. This period was a major step towards integration of two distinct cultures towards a culture called Indo-Islamic by many historians. In the latter half of this volume, she tells us stories from an area and an era that's perhaps the richest in Delhi's archaeological history - Shahjahanabad and Firozabad on one end, and Jahanpanah and Siri on the other - a stretch that's today dotted with tombs, dargahs and the ruins of the Purana Qila. This area also houses the famous Humayun's tomb and the center of Delhi's spiritual trail: the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, India, Travel, Architecture

449 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2018

About the author

Rana Safvi is a prominent figure deeply committed to India's rich cultural heritage and diverse civilizational legacy. Her work spans a variety of media including writings, podcasts, videos, and translations. With a remarkable portfolio, she has authored ten books that delve into topics ranging from culture and history to the monuments of India. Notable titles among her works include "Tales from the Quran and Hadith," "The Delhi Trilogy: Where Stones Speak," "The Forgotten Cities of Delhi," "Shahjahanabad: The Living City of Old Delhi," "A Saint, A Folk Tale and Other Stories," and "In Search of The Divine: Living Histories of Sufism in India."

In addition to her literary contributions, Rana Safvi has undertaken the task of translating significant works into English. Notably, she has translated Sir Syed Ahmad Khan's pivotal piece on Delhi, "Asar-us-Sanadid," and "Dastan-e-Ghadar," along with four accounts of Delhi from the 19th and 20th centuries. Her prowess extends beyond the written word—she is a regular contributor to various national newspapers and magazines and has actively participated in conferences and seminars.

Rana Safvi's blog, "ranasafvi.com," serves as a treasure trove of cultural, literary, and historical insights. Her expertise even extends to the realm of food history, where she has penned numerous articles and engaged in conferences on the subject. Notably, she is part of the "Forgotten Food" project at the University of Sheffield, contributing to "Desi Delicacies," a best-selling food anthology in 2021. Within this anthology, she authored a chapter focusing on Qorma, Qaliya, and Awadh cuisine.

Overall, Rana Safvi's multifaceted contributions encompass history, literature, cultural preservation, and the exploration of culinary heritage. Through her diverse efforts, she continues to enrich our understanding of India's multifarious tapestry and deep-rooted traditions.

Reviews

[Munish Handa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thought I would get to read more about Delhi but ended up reading a well written set of essays on tombs and burial places
Delhi of the Mughals is but a necropolis... is that all that was the architecture? Barring the impressive Lal Qila, Purana Qila and a few dotted badly Loose stone masoned forts, were tombs the only architectural feat of the mughal era?
If so, then it’s not architectural marvels compared to the beautiful temples of the south
I had expected to read of the stories behind the cities that made Delhi Dilli and not a list of burial places
The author has done a great job though and adding couplets/shers before each entity was a pleasant read

[Shivam Singh]

An amazing read.

I have always been in near constant wonderment of the stories behind the various monuments that doth the modern city limits of Delhi. This book has shone light on those stories, and has in a sense for the reader, brought them back to life.

This book is encyclopaedic in its scope while maintaining a peppy pace and is impossible to put down once begun.

My hearty thanks to the learned author for taking the monumental effort that would have gone into researching for and writing this book. In this age of post-truth, this is a refreshing and informative read.

[Delson Roche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I have been to Delhi many years ago, I never had the opportunity to explore this historic city. This book was a wonderful read and let me explore in its own way some much-forgotten monuments of the city.
The book's narration is not like a chronology of stories but much more based on the chronology of monuments. It took me to a different time and place and I am looking for another opportunity to visit Delhi- and if I cannot, the book has still fulfilled my desire in its own way.

I haven't given it five stars, because the I felt storytelling could have been more entertaining.

[Ajay Asranna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good companion if you plan to visit the ruins and tombs around old Delhi and Mehrauli. But as a stand-alone book, it is not good without being great. The descriptions of architectural details sound repetitive and the writing is plain. However, it does a good job of documenting throwing light on these fragments of history which often gets ignored and stay hidden in plain sight as we go about our self absorbed lives in a bustling metro city.

[Unais Theyyala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delhi, More like a necropolis than a Metropolis has more stories to tell and retell the events and incidents that happened centuries ago. In this Book, The Forgotten Cities of Delhi, Rana Safvi, recollecting those stories and historical events by going to those long forgotten historical monuments. I think it's a guide and shedding light to those forgotten events to those who are keenly interested in History of Delhi

[Kabir Pandit · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a history buff and a life long resident (historic part) of Delhi I enjoyed the book. Well researched, interestingly Rana has lived in Delhi only for a handful of years yet writes with passion and love for the city. Increased my knowledge about the great city of Delhi.

[Deepak Joshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a collectors item. Deftly guiding us through the unknown cities, monuments and ruins. It has beautiful photographs and also choicest couplets from the Galaxy of Urdu Poets. Looking forward to read the remaining two books of the trilogy.

[Asheesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Excellent Book. Very Informative. It has good poetry too.
The illustrations are very good.
author has done a lot of hard work.

[puffin huffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

NGL i thought this would include the more interesting aspects of history and sociology, but instead feels more like an on site documentation of built structures.

[Avanish P Dureha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was always in search of books on the History of Delhi, Books which brought out the character of the city and the influence of various empires. This book meets all those aspirations have been reading the book during the week and visiting the monuments during the weekends. A must read for all intrested in this mysteriously engaging city of djinns.