Forgotten Delhi

Delhi has been often identified with the Red Fort or the India Gate, but the history of this megalopolis is not restricted only to these famous monuments. The history of Delhi is like a beautifully woven tapestry, where the monuments and relics left behind by many of its rulers are so located that the past may be recreated to relive history. Why is the Chandni Chowk so named? What is the myth behind the shrine of Bakhtiyar Kaki? Who was Pir Ghaib and why was he so called? One may not be aware of the final resting place of Delhi's once-famous first and last woman Sultan, Razia Sultan. A passerby may not have given even a passing glance to the almost dilapidated Mutiny Relicthe first evidence of India's struggle for freedomthat adorns the road opposite the GPO. Thousands of Delhiites cross the foot overbridge, popularly known as the Kauria Bridge, without being aware of the real story behind that nomenclature. Forgotten Delhi tries to answer most of these questions in the words of a heritage walker. In a somewhat unorthodox manner, the author unravels the myth and stories behind many of Delhi's relics that form an inseparable part of its heritage but are sadly being forgotten today.

R S Sethi is a 1973 batch IAS officer of the AGMU (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union territories) cadre. He studied at Mayo College, Ajmer and St Stephens College, New Delhi. During his long service, he has held many important positions in Delhi and elsewhere. He served as Deputy Commissioner of Nicobar Islands and Development Commissioner of Port Blair. In Delhi, he worked as Secretary to Lt Governor and held the posts of Deputy Commissioner, District Magistrate, Administrator NDMC and Principal Secretary, amongst other postings. He served in Punjab during the terrorist-affected years of 198788. His other stints were in Goa and Arunachal Pradesh. He also served in the Union Home Ministry as Joint Secretary. He attended a one year course at the prestigious National Defence College, New Delhi. An avid photographer and traveller, Mr Sethi has trekked and climbed extensively in Kashmir, Garhwal, Nepal, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. He has authored books which include Emerald in the Deep Blue, Essential Gita, Upanishads and Koran as also the Theory of Karma. Also in the pipeline is an interesting and significant travelogue entitled All Over the Map.