In 2011, New Delhi celebrates its centenary as the capital of India. But Delhi is a city that has existed for centuries, it has silently witnessed empires come and go, and yet it continues to be a rich cultural, economic, political and historical hub. 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.About the AuthorSwapna Liddle has been walking around the historic precincts of the city of Delhi for many years. She has been on solitary explorations, with friends, and on walks led by other experts. She has also for many years been conducting walks, mainly for people who live in Delhi and want to know it better, but also for visitors to the city. She brings to this interest in the historic landscape of Delhi, an academic background in history, culminating in a PhD on 19th century Delhi.
