"The City of Djinns" Turns 100!

The Central Vista (Photo by the Author)

2011 is the hundredth year of Delhi as a post-Mughal capital city . The once capital city of Mughals and that of legendary Pandavas (Indraprastha), Delhi became the capital city of British rule once again in 1911, when King George V announced the shift of capital from Calcutta to Delhi on December 12, in the coronation ground. It was a necessary step to take the attention of the people away from the partition of Calcutta in 1905 though the partition was rescinded the same year Delhi was declared the new capital.
Since the time of Mahabharata Delhi has witnessed violence, agitations and riots- 1857 Mutiny against British Raj, 1947 partition massacre and riots after assassination of Mrs. Gandhi 1984. Despite these bad memories, Delhi has a charm and a lot to offer. Every day thousands of people come to the city searching for something. And the city has something for everyone to offer. The minute old migrant has a dream in his/her eyes and the older migrants have the smiles, satisfaction on their faces- smile/satisfaction of getting something. The city has never let anyone down. It makes you feel good. With its greenery and the constantly changing landscape, which is very unlikely in cities like Mumbai with a homogeneous and hence boring landscape, the city never lets the smile on your face go away. It does not let you go astray.
Let’s celebrate the city this year for what it has given us and also for what it has taken from all of us in return. Let’s not forget that what we have got or are still getting in the city outweighs the loss. Let’s celebrate the hundredth year of Delhi as a capital city, as a modern city!