Basti And Durbar

Challenging the notion that Delhi belongs to no one, author Rakhshanda Jalil presents “Basti & Durbar,” a majestic anthology of thirty-two stories that intimately portrays the city’s complex identity. The collection searches for this “invisible city” through tales spanning its extreme weather, its elite social clubs, its history as a phoenix city built by emperors and laborers, and its role sheltering Partition victims. Featuring both legends and new voices—including Khushwant Singh, Gulzar, Krishna Sobti, and Kamleshwar—the book captures Delhi as a city of lovers and dreamers alongside cynical politicians and fixers, ultimately creating an enduring portrait of Dilli and New Delhi