Columnists

Narayani Gupta

The writer is a historian of Delhi

Proposed reinvention of Delhi, ironically, bears affinity to colonial thinking

Thu, Sep 19, 2019

This kind of once-in-a-century project should be discussed at the national level, not by tendering. We were caught napping when the cactus-forest of New Kidwai Nagar sprouted, and Pragati Maidan died. Now we are about to see a New Sachivalaya. Could Dilliwalas please wake up and be alert to what is happening to their city?

The litchis of wrath

Sat, Jun 22, 2019

Muzaffarpur is a national tragedy, as much as Gujarat earthquake was, or Kerala floods. But has anyone given thought to next year, a long-term policy?

From refugee market to elitist outpost: the curious journey of Khan market

Mon, Jun 03, 2019

The curious journey of Khan market in the national capital.

Remembering Archana Gupta

Thu, Jan 10, 2019

She became victim to a horrifying sub-culture — ‘celebratory fire’.

India should safeguard places’ names with a body to approve name changes

Sun, Dec 09, 2018

A lot, actually. Place names mark the intersection between time and place, history and geography.

When the Twain Shall Meet

Sat, Jul 07, 2018

Romila Thapar’s new book highlights the need to reconcile culture with nationalism more sensitively.

Invitation To A Jugalbandi

Wed, Dec 06, 2017

Only a cooperative effort of the state and community can protect India’s heritage

Joining dots, gathering traces

Thu, Oct 19, 2017

Lotika Varadarajan used oral history, archival sources to trace journeys of objects

The citizens’ corner

Wed, Oct 11, 2017

The site of protests in Delhi may shift from Jantar Mantar to Ramlila Maidan. But is anyone listening?

With custodians like these

Wed, Feb 22, 2017

Agencies charged with the upkeep and protection of Delhi’s historic buildings find little thrill in their job. They see heritage as a burden, are impervious to its magic.