Introduction

Delhi, a city with a glorious and tumultuous past, replete with power struggle, internal strife, stories of vicious conspiracy, love, lust and intrigues – between families, dynasties and cultures. The eternally flowing river Yamuna has been a silent witness to a lot of bloodshed of its 5000 year old history which began with the creation of Indraprastha by the Pandavas.

It has been said that whoever forms a new city at Delhi will inevitably lose it. This has come true with every acquisition till the most recent occupation by the British. And yet Delhi has been looted, plundered, acquired and raped time and again. Greed, anger, foolishness and arrogance have taken over the hearts of many, to create havoc in the city, over and over again, across centuries.

History speaks of Nadir Shah, who had ordered his soldiers to plunder and massacre Delhi. It is said that he got so much wealth from Delhi that he was not able to carry it home. Abdali and Taimur Lane were no different. They had tried their best to demolish the city. And yet – Delhi always rose up from its ashes, like the proverbial phoenix and stood up with its head held high in its full glory every single time.

No one could ever own Delhi forever;  the power always remained with the masses, the common ordinary people. The heart of Delhi remains in the indefatigable energy of its common people, in it’s undefeated attitude.