City Monument – Bara Gumbad’s Evening Mysticism, Lodhi Garden
Evening miracle. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Waxing lyrical about Lodhi Garden isn’t difficult. But, The Delhi Walla won’t utter a single word about the incredible flora, which I have already spoken about — at night and day….
City Monument – Zeenat ul Masaajid, Near Ansari Road
A Jama Masjid miniature. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Who shrunk the Jama Masjid? That’s the first thought on spotting this monument from the car window while driving down Ring Road. Zeenat ul Masjid greatly resembles that grand…
City Monument – An Old Fridge, The Oriental Fruit Mart
A souvenir that survives. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] This shop is one of the oldest surviving landmarks in Connaught Place. Everything — except the fruits, cookies, protein chocolates and wasabi peas — looks like a collectible. The…
City Monument – A Ruined Mansion, Pahari Bhojla, Old Delhi
Remains of a vanished world. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Their numbers dwindle with each passing year, which is understandable. Old derelict homes do collapse after decades of benign neglect. But this is more than merely sad —…
City Monument – The Unknown Other, Razia Sultan’s Tomb
The mystery of the second grave. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Our city has seen invasions, civil wars, slaughter, riots and murders of kings, princes and ministers. Delhi neighbourhoods are littered with souvenirs of that past. Frustratingly, many…
City Monument – Walled City’s Wall, Ansari Road
Remains of lost time. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Flâneurs go to the Walled City for its street cuisine and to experience its famous and obscure monuments. But what about the Walled City’s wall — yes, it exists….
City Monument – Poet Arthur Rimbaud’s Memorial, Marseille
Poet’s landmark. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] It is close to midnight. The Delhi Walla cannot see the Mediterranean but can hear it. The sea waves are softly washing upon the shore. I’m on the southern edge of…
City Monument – Puma’s Heartbreaking Vandalisation of Old Delhi’s Prettiest Street, Galli Chooriwallan
The attack on beauty. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] So amusing, this. Here is the quick easy way to destroy the most beautiful street in Old Delhi. The Delhi Walla is talking of Galli Chooriwallan, the street of…
City Monument – Hanuman-Ji’s Statue, Jhandewalan Park
Inside the icon. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] It’s so very tempting to regard that gleaming metro train zipping past the Lord Hanuman statue as a near collision of ancient beliefs with the uneasy ethos of the modern….
City Monument – President and First Lady’s Tomb, Prithviraj Road Christian Cemetery
The place of grace. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Perhaps the most fitting tribute to a long marriage, this is a memorial to a husband and wife. The tomb’s marble slab describes him as ‘A gentle colossus’ and…
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