The dusty hamlets of Delhi, overlooked ruins and stony, isolated streets might have been of no concern to its inhabitants. But father-son duo Charles and Karoki Lewis present a visual romance of the villages of the Capital with a comprehensively concise flashback in history and a spread of
photographs. The two have captured eight villages in the book such as Begumpur, Khirki, Chiragh Delhi, Shahpur Jat, Masjid Moth and Hauz Khas with detail. Those who do not know, this book is actually a reissue and was first published in 1997.
The photographic evocation has now got two new additions with Nizamuddin and Mehrauli in the list as well along with the initial six in the very first edition. The language is poetic — it blends into the Lewis’ visible love for the unexplored side of these places in the Capital. The research is immaculate — it includes details that you were oblivious to or never bothered knowing. On top of that, the presentation is irresistibly enticing — you can’t stop yourself from flipping through it until you are done. The book presents a slice of life from these eight pockets of the rapidly urbanising metropolis. It artistically captures in black and white, and colour the calm and gleam of innate happiness that cloaks the life of those, who still reside in these areas keeping their roots intact. A perfect coffee table book, this one is for keeps and a must have if you are as fond of your city as the authors.
Book: Delhi’s Historic Villages
Authors: Charles Lewis and Karoki Lewis
Publisher: Penguin
Price: Rs. 1499