Delhi

Almost mythological in its origin, Delhi is believed to be the site of Indraprastha, the legendary capital of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata; today it is one of the world’s ‘megacities’, home to over 20 million people. It has served as a capital through much of its 1,000 years of existence, from the Rajputs, through the Delhi Sultanate, to the Mughals, the British, and today, in independent India. Although it is common to speak of the ‘seven cities’ of Delhi, a total of 16 different urban centres can be identified over the last millennium.

History has left Delhi with an unparalleled collection of architectural treasures, and a diversity of culture to match. A strong Muslim presence is evident across the city, from Old Delhi in the North to Nizamuddin in the East and Mehrauli in the South. Jain temples sit side by side with Hindu temples and Sikh Gurudwaras, hidden in the niches of Chandi Chowk; Tibetan prayer flags fly from the rooftops of a distinctive colony along the banks of the Yamuna, and Nepalis can be found in service industries across the city. The grand Delhi bungalows of Lutyens’ time continue to be occupied by those in Government or the wealthy elite, and a new class of entrepreneurs and professionals is springing up in the satellite areas of Noida and Gurgaon, alongside their expatriate counterparts.

Delhi was where Jo and I lived for nearly three years from December 2008 until September 2011 and the photographs here were taken during that period.