Narayani Gupta
The writer is a historian of Delhi
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More From Narayani Gupta
The problem with cherry-picking facts from history
Narayani Gupta writes: Selective reading of historical events produces half-truths, tailored narratives
Tue, Apr 26, 2022
When two backbenchers taught their teacher the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of learning history
Historian Narayani Gupta on how rewriting Indian history textbooks must include a qualitative pursuit in writing and an exemplary rigour in research
Sat, Nov 13, 2021
Book review: Venugopal Maddipati recalls Gandhi to meditate on low-cost housing
A rare book of ideas, Maddipati’s ‘Gandhi and Architecture’ examines the Mahatma’s egalitarian approach to architecture that found echoes among other other socialist thinkers
Sat, Sep 11, 2021
What would a Republic Day jhanki of Delhi look like?
Delhi, a capital constantly on the build, is best captured in the harmony of its familiar monuments and spaces that are open to all citizens
Sun, Jan 24, 2021
Narayani Gupta: ‘Time and again, Delhi has opened its gates to the helpless and hopeful’
The historian, 77, on growing with the nation’s capital.
Sat, Aug 15, 2020
The proposed Central Vista will destroy Delhi’s cultural landscape
Some five decades ago, Delhi used to be dismissed as a city of bureaucrats and shopkeepers, with no culture. Over time, this void has been filled.
Wed, Feb 19, 2020
Proposed reinvention of Delhi, ironically, bears affinity to colonial thinking
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?
Thu, Sep 19, 2019
The litchis of wrath
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?
Sat, Jun 22, 2019
From refugee market to elitist outpost: the curious journey of Khan market
The curious journey of Khan market in the national capital.
Mon, Jun 03, 2019
Remembering Archana Gupta
She became victim to a horrifying sub-culture — ‘celebratory fire’.
Thu, Jan 10, 2019
India should safeguard places’ names with a body to approve name changes
A lot, actually. Place names mark the intersection between time and place, history and geography.
Sun, Dec 09, 2018
When the Twain Shall Meet
Romila Thapar’s new book highlights the need to reconcile culture with nationalism more sensitively.
Sat, Jul 07, 2018
Invitation To A Jugalbandi
Only a cooperative effort of the state and community can protect India’s heritage
Wed, Dec 06, 2017
Joining dots, gathering traces
Lotika Varadarajan used oral history, archival sources to trace journeys of objects
Thu, Oct 19, 2017
The citizens’ corner
The site of protests in Delhi may shift from Jantar Mantar to Ramlila Maidan. But is anyone listening?
Wed, Oct 11, 2017
With custodians like these
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.
Wed, Feb 22, 2017