3 Review(s)

City of Djinns: A Year In Delhi is a delightful exploration of the city of Delhi, in all its facets and flavors. The author takes the readers on an interesting journey through the streets and through the history of Delhi. Summary Of The Book City of Djinns: A Year In Delhi is the result of the author’s experiences during his stay in Delhi. The newly married author, with his wife, spent a year in the city, amid its chaos and its charms. He spent his time exploring not just the tourist spots, but every side street and the nooks and crannies of the city. Thus, he reveals the city’s character in all its nuances. He explores Delhi’s history, from the time when it was the glorious Indraprastha of the Mahabharata period, to its revival into a place of importance under Prithvi Raj Chauhan. He delves into the Islamic invasion and influence on the city, beginning with the Delhi Sultanates and culminating in the splendour of the Mughals. He then traces the effects of British colonial rule and its impact on the city. Dalrymple also presents the modern aspects of the city and its many different faces. He talks with the descendents of the Mughals, and the Anglo-Indians who feel more English than Indian. He talks to ordinary people to gather the different tones and flavors of the place. The author also introduces some delightful characters into the narrative. Thus, the readers are treated to hilarious portraits of his landlady, Mrs. Puri and also his cab driver, Balwinder Singh. He also goes into the social, political and religious aspects of the city. He describes the ruins around the city and also famous landmarks like The Red Fort and other great examples of the city’s architecture. He describes the foods, the seasons, and the Delhi weather. Delhi is a city of many layers, each seeming to be distinct and separate, yet each combining and contributing to the overall character of the city. City of Djinns: A Year In Delhi peels off each layer, and reveals all the fascinating history and myths and legends about Delhi. City of Djinns: A Year In Delhi is more interesting than a history of the city and more informative and revealing than a travelogue. It is a book that will be equally attractive both to Indians and to people from other places who are interested in learning about India. About William Dalrymple William Dalrymple is a British author and broadcaster. He is also the author of From the Holy Mountain: A Journey in the Shadow of Byzantium, In Xanadu, The Last Mughal, The Fall of a Dynasty, Delhi 1857, and Nine Lives: In Search of the Sacred in Modern India. William Dalrymple has an enduring interest in India and the Indian subcontinent. He has also written about Central Asia and the Middle East. His award winning travelogues and historical works have been bestsellers in the non-fiction category around the world. He has also presented TV shows like Sufi Soul and Indian Journeys. The awards and honors he has received include the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award, the Mungo Park Medal, and an award for The Best Documentary Series at BAFTA. He has also received a Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bradford.