The significance of Shahjahanabad and Lutyens’ Delhi

Abstract

The built heritage of Delhi is an irreplaceable cultural resource, which needs to be protected for posterity. The heritage resources include symbols of successive civilizations and cities, historic buildings and complexes, historical gardens, canals, bridges, water engineering structures, forts, palaces, citadels, places of worship, tombs, villages, unearthed heritage, etc. During recent decades, Delhi’s growth has threatened its rich heritage. This paper traces the evolution and significance of Delhi from Shahjahanabad (seventeenth century) to Imperial Capital, popularly known as Lutyens’ Delhi (twentieth century).

Keywords:

• Shahjahanabad
• Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone
• Conservation
• Delhi

Acknowledgement

Sincere thanks to Dr Michael Brett-Crowther, who very painstakingly improved the text.