VIVEK SHUKLA
The writer is a Delhi-based senior journalist and author of two books ‘Gandhi's Delhi: April 12, 1915-January 30, 1948 and Beyond’ and ‘Dilli Ka Pehla Pyar - Connaught Place’
Posts by: VIVEK SHUKLA
Beyond the Red Fort: Delhi’s hidden Mughal past
From Zafar Mahal in Mehrauli to lesser-known mosques, gardens, and sarais, Delhi’s Mughal heritage extends far beyond its iconic monuments, revealing stories of decline, continuity, and neglect that continue to shape the city’s historical landscape today
Khan Market: stories behind a landmark
Built to rehabilitate Partition refugees, Khan Market has evolved into one of Delhi’s most exclusive retail and dining hubs. Beneath its modern sheen lie stories of displacement, resilience, and enterprise that continue to shape its identity more than seven decades later
Reimagining Civil Lines beyond the Raj
As the Centre considers reshaping Civil Lines, the historic neighbourhood stands at a juncture between preserving its colonial-era architecture and redefining identity through contemporary use, sparking conversations on heritage, and the future of one of Delhi’s oldest administrative districts
Unchanging addresses in a changing Delhi
Across parts of Delhi, some families have continued to live at the same address for generations, rebuilding their homes over time but remaining rooted to place, offering a glimpse into continuity and belonging in a city shaped by constant change
As Delhi counts trees, a story of bloom and loss unfolds
As Delhi undertakes its first comprehensive tree census under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, the exercise turns attention to the city’s green cover — its seasonal beauty, historical evolution, and the growing pressures it faces from rapid urbanisation and infrastructure expansion
Middle East crisis: As LPG runs short, memories of 1971 return
A shortage of LPG cylinders linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis has disrupted small eateries and daily routines in parts of Delhi, prompting comparisons with the shortages seen during the 1971 war, when residents faced long queues and limited access to essential supplies
From 200 cars to crores on Delhi’s roads
The Economic Survey of Delhi 2025–26, tabled in the Assembly recently, shows the capital adding over 6.4 lakh vehicles in a year, taking the total to 8.76 million — prompting a look back at how Delhi became India’s vehicle capital
From Karol Bagh to Tis Hazari, marking Good Friday
From neighbourhood processions to services in historic churches, Delhi marks Good Friday through prayer, fasting, and reflection, as communities across the capital come together to observe the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and carry forward traditions shaped by faith, history, and local practice