This groundbreaking publication presents an exquisite study of the maps of Delhi, from the onset of the 19th century till the master plan of 2021. It is the first organised collection of the maps of the city, a breathtakingly illustrated cartographic history of the capital. Dr Guerrieri has described each map individually, elaborating on its idiosyncrasies, aesthetic details, and rich historical information. The book includes a chronology of magnificent ancient and modern hand-drawings as also digital maps of the city. The evolution of planning and architecture, which elegantly unfolds through the maps, mirrors the political, social, and historical progression of the capital. Maps of Delhi is both beautiful and stimulating, while also offering deeply insightful commentary for the most discerning of scholars, and is an indisputable milestone for those wanting to research the capital. The book reveals, as A.G. Krishna Menon notes in the foreword, the charm of printed maps and the many pleasures and insights they offer when they are physically handled. It brings to light how Delhi is, truly, ‘a city of cities’.
Pilar Maria Guerrieri holds a PhD in Architectural Design, Architectural Composition, Criticism and Theory. She has conducted extensive research on European and Indian cultures, the development of megacities, and the effects of cultural exchanges, with primary focus on Delhi, pre- and post-Independence. She has published in numerous international journals and participated in various national and international conferences.
A.G. Krishna Menon is an architect, urban planner, and conservation consultant. He drafted the INTACH Charter for the Conservation of Unprotected Architectural Heritage and Sites in India in 2004 and is currently the Convener of the Delhi chapter of INTACH.