Delhi in Historical Perspectives [Hardcover]

First published in Urdu in 1972, this book captures in rich detail the cultural, social, economic and spiritual fabric of Delhi over seven centuries, using original literary, travel, biographical, hagiographical and administrative accounts in Persian, Hindavi and Urdu.Ather Farouqui's translation, which has made this important book accessible to a wider readership, does justice to Nizami's simple, conversational style, which is yet replete with literary allusions.Many books have been written on the fascinating and chequered history of the city of Delhi. Few, however, have the breadth and scope of K.A. Nizami's book, first published in Urdu in 1972. It captures in rich detail the cultural, social, economic and spiritual fabric of the city over seven centuries, using original literary, travel, biographical, hagiographical and administrative accounts in Persian, Hindavi and Urdu.Despite the political turbulence during this long stretch of time spanning the Sultanate and Mughal periods, culturally the city retained its basic composite and tolerant character-a tolerance and amity bred in the main in the city's many Sufi khaneqas. And for this reason, economic and political circumstances notwithstanding, culturally and socially the city continued to bloom. The poetry of Amir Khusrau and Ghalib are high points in the city's cultural and literary efflorescence and the book devotes considerable space to them.Translator's Note1. Delhi under the Sultanate2. Delhi under the Mughals3. Ghalib's DelhiIndexAbout the Author and TranslatorK. A Nizami,Late Professor, Former Professor and Vice Chancellor, Department of History, Aligarh Muslim University,Ather Farouqui,General Secretary, Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu (Hind), Urdu GharLate Professor K.A. Nizami was Professor and Vice Chancellor, Department of History, Aligarh Muslim University; He was also the Indian Ambassador to Syria from 1975-77Dr Ather Farouqui is the General Secretary, Anjuman-i Taraqqi-i Urdu, New Delhi.