Picture Essay – Poverty Pornography in Sarojini Nagar

Mother India looking sexy in poverty pornography. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] Following a Beggar in Sarojini Nagar Market (S N), One of Delhi’s Busiest Bargain Bazaars India is now more than just a the flavor of the…

Photo Essay: Reading Past and Present in Humayun’s Tomb, India’s Most Melancholic Monument

Walking and talking history at a world heritage site that inspired the Taj Mahal. [Pictures and text by Mayank Austen Soofi] The Fall It was a cold winter night but the sky in Delhi was unusually clear and devoid of…

Photo Essay – Time Out Jama Masjid

Visiting the society of Muslims in the world’s greatest and grandest Mosque. [Pictures and text by Mayank Austen Soofi] Mecca has Masjid-al-Haram and Istanbul boasts of Blue mosque. The former has its ancient authenticity compromised by Petrodollar-funded air-conditioned renovations and…

'White Ghosts' at Red Fort: Late Evening Sufi Music Concert at a 17th Century Delhi Monument

Old Delhi charm; Ramadan night magic; Red Fort glitter; Pakistani pop stars’ charisma; and my digicam.– by Mayank Austen Soofi Since this was Delhi, we reached Red Fort one hour after the scheduled start of the concert. It is not…

Live From Jantar Mantar – The Iron Lady of Manipur Comes to Delhi

Far away from New Delhi, beyond the heart of mainstream India, forgotten in the eastern corner of the country, close to the Burmese border, lies a troubled Himalayan province with a population of around 2.2 million people, less than even…

Photo Essay: To Delhi or Not To Delhi, That is The Question

A Dutch diplomat calls Delhi filthy, but an American scholar seems more riveted than repulsed. Mr. James Mutti is a holder of a Master’s degree in South Asian Studies. Mr Mutti has made three trips to India. He talked to…

A Dutch Diplomat Calls Delhi Filthy, and Its People a Nuisance

A Delhi-based Dutch diplomat is apparently so frustrated being a resident of this chaotic Asian capital city that he was moved enough to confess that "New Delhi is the most miserable place I have ever lived in". The venerable diplomat…

Book Review: Home – Chronicling the Lives of Middle Class Women of Delhi

[Picture and Review by Mayank Austen Soofi] THE noteworthy matter of interest about Home is that it happens to be the first novel to have come out of Random House India. The binding is fine, the paper is tough and…

Photo Essay: A Short Walk in Connaught Place

[Pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi. They cannot be used without his permission.] The official name of Connaught Place is Rajiv Chowk, named after India’s late Prime Minister. However, it is usually called CP by Delhi Wallas. Its colonial design, built…

Photo Essay: How does a Delhi Walla Commute in the Times of Terrorism?

[Pictues by Mayank Austen Soofi] 8:15 AM: On Way to Office; Bomb Warning in a Delhi Transport Corporation Bus! 8:16 AM: Lurking Fear – Could This Man be a Bomber? THE END