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Connaught Place and the Making of New Delhi
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- GenresNonfictionHistoryIndia
167 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 8, 2021
Years ago, I spent a memorable Delhi winter with a Swapna Liddle book on 14 historic walks through the city. I walked all of them, lost about 10 kilos, and wore out my sneakers. I also collected the ticket stubs of the places I went to and put them into the book. I still have it. It's getting old, the cover's deteriorating, the stubs are tearing apart, but it still reminds me of that year I spent connecting with the capital's political and spatial history.
I had Connaught Place.. for a long time, and only came to it because I knew that the Central Vista is being cruelly disintegrated by an unthinking, uncaring regime. Reading it, I felt, would be a kind of homage to the kind of inclusive, welcoming idea of India that New Delhi represented, once at least. Because if I could, I would have gone to see it one last time.
It's a good little book that does what it is supposed to do, tell the story of the imagining, construction, and settling of the place we know as New Delhi. But that's not why I read this book now. I read from a place of anguish, that this and other books like these, may be the only places where we remember what a capital and a country was like. I want to be wrong, and I want the Delhi I know and love to be spared the wanton destruction that comes with attempts to rewrite and reshape history to serve political ambitions.
I'm not hopeful, though. So I read, and remember. You should too.
I had Connaught Place.. for a long time, and only came to it because I knew that the Central Vista is being cruelly disintegrated by an unthinking, uncaring regime. Reading it, I felt, would be a kind of homage to the kind of inclusive, welcoming idea of India that New Delhi represented, once at least. Because if I could, I would have gone to see it one last time.
It's a good little book that does what it is supposed to do, tell the story of the imagining, construction, and settling of the place we know as New Delhi. But that's not why I read this book now. I read from a place of anguish, that this and other books like these, may be the only places where we remember what a capital and a country was like. I want to be wrong, and I want the Delhi I know and love to be spared the wanton destruction that comes with attempts to rewrite and reshape history to serve political ambitions.
I'm not hopeful, though. So I read, and remember. You should too.
January 18, 2019
And the Making of New Delhi, the subtitle being the more important, since Swapna Liddle’s book is not just about Connaught Place but about what is today known—probably erroneously—as Lutyens’ Delhi.
Visiting Delhi for the Delhi Durbar in 1911, King George V made an announcement which caught everybody, including high government officials, by surprise: the capital of India was to be shifted from Calcutta to Delhi. Naturally, a grand city befitting a capital would have to be created, a city that would be worthy of its predecessors at the spot of what had been the seat of power over a vast part of India for several centuries.
How that decision was implemented—the acquisition of land, the appointment of architects and town planners, the actual design and construction of Government House (today Rashtrapati Bhavan), the Secretariat buildings, and the areas around—forms the main part of the first half of this book. Beyond that, it examines other aspects of ‘New’ Delhi: the layout of the city, the provisions for everything from water to schools and colleges, the building of accommodation for everyone from the Viceroy’s staff to clerks in government offices, the building of Connaught Place itself. The book doesn’t stop at that; it goes on to explain how New Delhi grew and developed over time. How it was impacted, even during its early days of construction, by World War I and the national movement. How the onset of World War II, and the coming of American soldiers to Delhi, helped change the social fabric of the city. How Independence and Partition affected the city, and how the city has changed ever since, up to the past year.
I loved the way Swapna brings so many diverse aspects of New Delhi together in this book. It’s a slim book, just 157 pages long (if you skip the hefty bibliography at the end), yet it is a very composite and useful introduction to the creation of New Delhi. The thought that propelled it, how growing nationalism played a part in the shift from Calcutta to Delhi, and in the very way New Delhi grew. How Lutyens, Baker, and other architects and town planners, along with the contractors and the thousands of ‘coolies’ they employed, made Delhi.
There is plenty of broad-level information here about how New Delhi came to be. There is some delightful trivia (the explanations behind the place names of Pandara Road and Jangpura, for instance, are pure gold!), and there are lots of photographs that illustrate the text. There is some delicious humour: a contemporary description of Bahawalpur House, for instance, had me chuckling at the sarcasm of it. There are some startling (at least for the average lay reader) revelations of what Lutyens himself thought of India and Indians.
Besides all of that, though, there are interesting insights offered into how racism, colonialism and other considerations shaped decisions over time. This, for me, was one of the most rewarding aspects of this book. Yes, it’s full of interesting and even entertaining information, but what underlies New Delhi, its creation and its development—that is especially enlightening.
If there’s one grouse I had, it’s with the size of the maps near the beginning of the book: far too small to be really usable. The illustrations showing the initial placement of Government House etc vis-à-vis its final placement, for example, would’ve been far more useful if allowed a full page each.
Visiting Delhi for the Delhi Durbar in 1911, King George V made an announcement which caught everybody, including high government officials, by surprise: the capital of India was to be shifted from Calcutta to Delhi. Naturally, a grand city befitting a capital would have to be created, a city that would be worthy of its predecessors at the spot of what had been the seat of power over a vast part of India for several centuries.
How that decision was implemented—the acquisition of land, the appointment of architects and town planners, the actual design and construction of Government House (today Rashtrapati Bhavan), the Secretariat buildings, and the areas around—forms the main part of the first half of this book. Beyond that, it examines other aspects of ‘New’ Delhi: the layout of the city, the provisions for everything from water to schools and colleges, the building of accommodation for everyone from the Viceroy’s staff to clerks in government offices, the building of Connaught Place itself. The book doesn’t stop at that; it goes on to explain how New Delhi grew and developed over time. How it was impacted, even during its early days of construction, by World War I and the national movement. How the onset of World War II, and the coming of American soldiers to Delhi, helped change the social fabric of the city. How Independence and Partition affected the city, and how the city has changed ever since, up to the past year.
I loved the way Swapna brings so many diverse aspects of New Delhi together in this book. It’s a slim book, just 157 pages long (if you skip the hefty bibliography at the end), yet it is a very composite and useful introduction to the creation of New Delhi. The thought that propelled it, how growing nationalism played a part in the shift from Calcutta to Delhi, and in the very way New Delhi grew. How Lutyens, Baker, and other architects and town planners, along with the contractors and the thousands of ‘coolies’ they employed, made Delhi.
There is plenty of broad-level information here about how New Delhi came to be. There is some delightful trivia (the explanations behind the place names of Pandara Road and Jangpura, for instance, are pure gold!), and there are lots of photographs that illustrate the text. There is some delicious humour: a contemporary description of Bahawalpur House, for instance, had me chuckling at the sarcasm of it. There are some startling (at least for the average lay reader) revelations of what Lutyens himself thought of India and Indians.
Besides all of that, though, there are interesting insights offered into how racism, colonialism and other considerations shaped decisions over time. This, for me, was one of the most rewarding aspects of this book. Yes, it’s full of interesting and even entertaining information, but what underlies New Delhi, its creation and its development—that is especially enlightening.
If there’s one grouse I had, it’s with the size of the maps near the beginning of the book: far too small to be really usable. The illustrations showing the initial placement of Government House etc vis-à-vis its final placement, for example, would’ve been far more useful if allowed a full page each.
March 7, 2019
This is a book on chronological development of New Delhi.Right from planning to modern existence,everything has been explained in a crisp way.The editing is fantastic and there are some rare photographs.Swapna Liddle is an expert on Delhi's history.So her research has to be immaculate as always.
Books on cities are rare .This is one genre which is not talked about much.Considering,Swapna Liddle has written two fantastic books on Delhi(read my review of Chandni Chowk),her work and research deserves five stars.
Books on cities are rare .This is one genre which is not talked about much.Considering,Swapna Liddle has written two fantastic books on Delhi(read my review of Chandni Chowk),her work and research deserves five stars.
June 3, 2019
'Connaught place and the making of New Delhi' as the name suggests is an account of a the shaping of the capital city of Modern India.I would recommend it for all those who seek to know the considerations that go in the making of city structures. How were cities planned and how difficult it is address many constituencies, cultures, issues of legacy.New Delhi is one such city in which the vision of the decision makers and the architect was to bring forth structure that exhibited Indian culture, Mughal influence and certainly the Imperial design. The book is rich in bringing forth the different aspects of the making of new city in short space. The selection of land for the capital at the Raisina Hills in lieu of other options, construction process, the background work and efforts like ,stone quarrying,brick kilns,workers and craftsmen, gradual growth of its defining features gives an impression of taking a walk into the garden of history.The alignment of the space for the Princely states,the naming of the streets and also how it has changed names with change in dispensation (Nothing lasts forever?), importance of Queens way, (Rajpath)the avenues, wide roads,architects imagination and involvement in assigning character and purpose to the halls and designs of the important buildings has been dealt with clarity . Special attention has been given to the making of Connaught place its ,emergence ,the spirit of reverie and the civic life that developed around it. Liddle ,goes on to describe the evolution of entertainment spaces at connaught place,the bands, theaters, famous restaurants ,Ice cream outlets and stores.The residential colonies,Government quarters get adequate attention .The role of Lutyens which has been examined critically.It appears in the book that Lutyens contribution and significance in the making of the New Delhi has been overstated and that he had serious differences with fellow contenders (achitects like Lancester) as well as the Viceroy himself and a lot of his plan,design was pruned.
I am impressed by the range of Information she has been able to convey without making it boring for a non Historian. I thought that some more detail on the trees and gardens could have given more to the readers.It emanates from the reading of this work that that author certainly loves her subject,New Delhi ,but her treatment is objective and does not glorify or castigate for the sake of it.
The making of New Delhi has a very good story line and will be of immense benefit to a wide range of readers from students,academia/officials,critiques. More importantly,it is of immense interest to all those who love New Delhi and want to know about it in a crisp,fast paced read.
I am impressed by the range of Information she has been able to convey without making it boring for a non Historian. I thought that some more detail on the trees and gardens could have given more to the readers.It emanates from the reading of this work that that author certainly loves her subject,New Delhi ,but her treatment is objective and does not glorify or castigate for the sake of it.
The making of New Delhi has a very good story line and will be of immense benefit to a wide range of readers from students,academia/officials,critiques. More importantly,it is of immense interest to all those who love New Delhi and want to know about it in a crisp,fast paced read.
March 6, 2022
This is immensely readable but not a scholarly book; however, there are ample references for anyone who wants further reading. The book mostly covers the conceptualization of New Delhi, selecting the architects and town-planners, then implementing the plan, the opposition, obstructions, restraints that were faced and the eventual fruition of the gigantic task.
There is not much about Connaught Place or as it is now known by its politically correct moniker ‘Rajiv Chowk’ maternally encircled by Indira Chowk – it will eternally be CeePee. There are some fascinating nuggets e.g., the original alignment of Rajpath was proposed to be from Governor’s House (Rashtrapati Bhawan) to Jama Masjid, demolishing parts of the densely populated Paharganj in the process. Thankfully Lutyens was overruled. Unfortunately, this blatantly racist person is better know as the ‘architect of Delhi’ and not Baker.
Pandara road – home to famous tandoori chicken restaurants – was the result of a typo from the originally named Pandava road.
There is not much about Connaught Place or as it is now known by its politically correct moniker ‘Rajiv Chowk’ maternally encircled by Indira Chowk – it will eternally be CeePee. There are some fascinating nuggets e.g., the original alignment of Rajpath was proposed to be from Governor’s House (Rashtrapati Bhawan) to Jama Masjid, demolishing parts of the densely populated Paharganj in the process. Thankfully Lutyens was overruled. Unfortunately, this blatantly racist person is better know as the ‘architect of Delhi’ and not Baker.
Pandara road – home to famous tandoori chicken restaurants – was the result of a typo from the originally named Pandava road.
April 14, 2021
Solid read.
January 11, 2020
Connaught Place and the making of New Delhi
By Swapna Liddle
Published by - Speaking Tiger books
Pages - 157
Released - 15th November 2018
E-book Available
Dimensions - 20x 13.6x 2.2 cm
This is a predecessor of the book 'Chandni Chowk' The Mughal city of old Delhi by the famous Historian of Delhi Swapna Liddle.
This book is about the 'Imperial Capital' of British India - New Delhi . The complete story from the Delhi Durbar held in 1911 till India's independence , the construction of the Imperial Capital between these two events are mentioned.
A lot of research has been done which is reflected in the book. The writer's way of sharing detailed knowledge about the planning , construction period and the challenges faced by the planners Herbert Baker and Edwin Lutyens (who disliked Indian Architecture) is shared.
The book is written in a very engaging and reader-friendly manner.
History of the famous landmark of New Delhi, connaught place is also mentioned.
Connaught place was named after Duke of Connaught , uncle of George V . New Delhi was planned as the largest Imperial Capital of the British Empire.
This book is a must for not only Delhites but also for the Architects and planners as the Architectural patterns followed by the planners , reason behind it, architects of the various palaces of the princely states in New Delhi , their stories s also described.
This book aptly includes some rare historical pictures of the construction of New Delhi.
Readers Rating 5/5 .
Reviewed by - Ankush Rai for Get the facts History
IG @getthefactshistory
By Swapna Liddle
Published by - Speaking Tiger books
Pages - 157
Released - 15th November 2018
E-book Available
Dimensions - 20x 13.6x 2.2 cm
This is a predecessor of the book 'Chandni Chowk' The Mughal city of old Delhi by the famous Historian of Delhi Swapna Liddle.
This book is about the 'Imperial Capital' of British India - New Delhi . The complete story from the Delhi Durbar held in 1911 till India's independence , the construction of the Imperial Capital between these two events are mentioned.
A lot of research has been done which is reflected in the book. The writer's way of sharing detailed knowledge about the planning , construction period and the challenges faced by the planners Herbert Baker and Edwin Lutyens (who disliked Indian Architecture) is shared.
The book is written in a very engaging and reader-friendly manner.
History of the famous landmark of New Delhi, connaught place is also mentioned.
Connaught place was named after Duke of Connaught , uncle of George V . New Delhi was planned as the largest Imperial Capital of the British Empire.
This book is a must for not only Delhites but also for the Architects and planners as the Architectural patterns followed by the planners , reason behind it, architects of the various palaces of the princely states in New Delhi , their stories s also described.
This book aptly includes some rare historical pictures of the construction of New Delhi.
Readers Rating 5/5 .
Reviewed by - Ankush Rai for Get the facts History
IG @getthefactshistory
May 19, 2025
A book that grounds you to the origins of the city's heart. It will make you proud of New Delhi 's journey from being an elite city to a democratic one( at least CP has evolved)
what a delightful read.
Key takeaways:
The British deprived us of the serene view of Yamuna because it was costing them too much to bring Yamuna back to its natural course.
Jangpura was protected from the depravity of being called Youngpura
Lord Hardinge, Baker, Swinton remain the unsung Architects of Delhi and prevented Lutyens from making Delhi a mere reflection of British style.
Naraina and Moti Bagh( bagh mochi) were possible sites for Parliament
At least the British had the sense of maintaining continuity with the past. They kept the older structures intact.
what a delightful read.
Key takeaways:
The British deprived us of the serene view of Yamuna because it was costing them too much to bring Yamuna back to its natural course.
Jangpura was protected from the depravity of being called Youngpura
Lord Hardinge, Baker, Swinton remain the unsung Architects of Delhi and prevented Lutyens from making Delhi a mere reflection of British style.
Naraina and Moti Bagh( bagh mochi) were possible sites for Parliament
At least the British had the sense of maintaining continuity with the past. They kept the older structures intact.
September 3, 2023
Book #9 of 2023 - Connaught Place and the Making of New Delhi by Swapna Liddle
If you love history told simply as a story, if you love archival stories, and ofc, if you love the history of Delhi, this is the book for you! Liddle’s writing style is short, sweet, and crisp. The book is a very easy read, full of fun little nuggets of information that will hit you with a weird sense of nostalgia. My only complaint is, the book is about the making of New Delhi, and CP is a part of that story. So if you think the book’s main focus would be a detailed account of CP’s evolution, it’ll be a mistake. Otherwise, go for it!
If you love history told simply as a story, if you love archival stories, and ofc, if you love the history of Delhi, this is the book for you! Liddle’s writing style is short, sweet, and crisp. The book is a very easy read, full of fun little nuggets of information that will hit you with a weird sense of nostalgia. My only complaint is, the book is about the making of New Delhi, and CP is a part of that story. So if you think the book’s main focus would be a detailed account of CP’s evolution, it’ll be a mistake. Otherwise, go for it!
September 8, 2021
The greatest compliment I can pay the author is that I wish I had read this book sometime during the twenty years I spent in Delhi. It reads like a perfect guide to the city, without sounding like a history lesson from school.
I have spent a lot of time hanging out at places like Rajpath, India Gate, and Connaught Place. Next time I visit, I will have some context of what these places mean to the idea of this city.
I have spent a lot of time hanging out at places like Rajpath, India Gate, and Connaught Place. Next time I visit, I will have some context of what these places mean to the idea of this city.
May 5, 2022
I liked this book but only because I live in Delhi and was quite familiar with the locations the author was talking about. This should really have been made as a coffee table book, with much more pictures - to read it as a narrative is tougher. The details weight it down and make it boring. I preferred the little fun tidbits, like how Pandara Road came about because of a spelling mistake! Still small enough to include in my library to remember my time in Delhi.
June 2, 2024
This book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the historical, architectural, and cultural evolution of India's capital city. Liddle's meticulous research and engaging narrative sheds light on the intricate process behind the creation of New Delhi, from its inception under British rule to its status as a modern metropolis.
Has some very interesting anecdotes and priceless pictures.
Has some very interesting anecdotes and priceless pictures.
February 11, 2019
The book talks about how New Delhi came into being as a result of political developments by the British. Liked the way the book has been structured, highlighting very clearly how some of the major monuments came into existence, along with their architectural details. One thing I would have liked to read is the post independence New Delhi, there is only one chapter on it.
April 10, 2024
Swapna is a world class historian and it shows in her detailed, immersive descriptions of the creation of Delhi and CP. As a major architecture enthusiast, I especially enjoyed the amount of description on the process, thought, and execution of Delhi as a city masterproject by the British -- really breathed life into a place I love and constantly miss.
November 2, 2024
A city that was conceived in 1911 took almost 2 decades to formally inaugurate in 1931, a capital built for an alien empire adopted and appropriated by the people of an independent democratic nation.
Cannaught Place and the Making of New Delhi is an excellent book to the history of our national capital serving its inhabitants and visitors alike.
Cannaught Place and the Making of New Delhi is an excellent book to the history of our national capital serving its inhabitants and visitors alike.
August 13, 2020
Glorified Wikipedia entry
April 6, 2023
If you like cities, history and architecture, read this.
June 29, 2024
Not a very complete perspective but very well written!
March 5, 2025
The map of the city with original and current names was severely missed.
August 9, 2021
This is one of the most beautiful books on Delhi.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews