Delhi by Heart: Impressions of a Pakistani Traveller

Didn't know Delhi is so fascinating. Visited 'Humayun's Tomb' but didn't have the precious eyes of Raza with me. Going through the book I realise I've missed so much. His mesmerizing descriptions of the people, the places and the events lures me to visit Delhi once again and follow his itinerary thoroughly.

I love this book. Raza Rumi has given such a detailed account of the relevant history that is associated with Delhi, I wish I could transport back in time and view the splendor of this city.If you have lived in Delhi at any point in your life then you should read this book. The everyday landmarks you may cross without giving a second thought could be of some prominent noble from back in the age.My only regret, I can't read Urdu else would have consumed all of poems, gazals and everything written about Delhi or by its once upon a time residents.

Quite a good read from a Pakistani traveller's point of view. I don't agree with the author on the third chapter still this book is recommended makes a good reading. One thing is remarkable tgat every muslim author of whose work I have read so far agrees that they had a Hindu ancestry.

Just amazing great research one pen has strength to change the world Mr rumi definitely changed many people perspective towards his nation how hard how passionately he engaged himself to pen down evrythng for another nation learn to love live and write these things are beyond religion caste creed and races hats off to you Rumi sir❤️

Delhi by heart a book picked by chance changed my thoughts about Delhi meri jaan. Born n brought up in Delhi, before reading this book probably I just knew its name. Beautifully written and described it gives a new color to my city. Delhi looks beautiful after looking it with the eyes of now a self acclaimed Pakistani friend. Thanks Mr. Rumi for introducing my city to me. thanks for inspiring me to discover the place. Indeed one of the best books read till date.

If you live in Delhi and want to understand its ethos and evolution then this book is a must read. Written by a Pakistani it brings a whole new perspective to one's understanding of Delhi. From Sufism to food, from architecture to arches, from bastis to townships, from personalities to passport issues, the juxtaposition is put together in lucid prose. If you are a fan of Delhi or want someone else to share your passion about the city go ahead and buy this book to put words to you wishes.

Very much balanced, writing not very gripping, some information is great ,some is not even correct, though start of book is very promising but it fades towards end.

Must read for every reading freak out there and the person who loves/admires Delhi

Nice easy read and flow very wellI recommend to anyone this book who is Delhi loverGood read loved it

A superb piece of writing. I shall read it over and over, extremely well written and engrossing.

One of the most interesting and authentic books on Delhi. Must read book for all Delhi lovers. Raza shows that it's very easy to fall in love with Delhi.

“Delhi by Heart” is written by a Pakistani traveler from Lahore and is an admirable ode and a sad lament about the past glory of Delhi, the burgeoning nouveau riches of the Indian capital and the sad condition of some Delhi Muslims stuck in a time warp and unremitting abject poverty in the Delhi slums with no end in sight. Part travelogue, part autobiography and part Delhi's sometimes brilliant and amazing history and sometimes its violent, blood-curdling history written by Raza Rumi-. He is a journalist, a TV commentator and an ex-Government officer who hails from Lahore and traveled to Delhi several times despite some vexing visa issues. He has some very well-connected friends of multiple religious persuasions in Delhi and has journeyed across the length and breadth of this mammoth metropolis. The number of people he has met and has befriended in Delhi is truly impressive. He met and spent time with the iconic late Khushwant Singh and late Qurratulain Haider.—both literary icons of the Indian subcontinent. Sadia Dehlvi is his remarkable host who introduces him to many prominent Delhiites and accompanies him to the dargah of Nizamuddin Aulia and Amir Khusrau. Birth and propagation of Urdu is described with tremendous nostalgia as is the significant and progressive abandonment of this beautiful language ( which is considered a “Muslim and Pakistani language”) in favor of Hindi. He visits the historical monuments—Red Fort, Humayun’s tomb, Qutb Minar and countless others, Ghalib has his own chapter with his many quoted shairs and his brief,Indian sad biography. 1857 mutiny is narrated as a watershed moments when precipitous decline in the status of Muslims commenced. The book provides exhaustive notes and information about ancillary books about Delhi, including. William Dalrymple’s books “Last Mughal” and City of Djinn”, Khushwant iSngh’s “Delhi-a novel” and numerous others. Culinary delights of Delhi, particularly naan, kabob, chaat , biryani and mutton keema --- all of which originated in Delhi, are described with mouth-watering narration. I was riveted by the book, enjoyed reading it immensely and highly recommend it. I would have liked Urdu transliterations of shairs in addition to the translations and would have greatly appreciated inclusions of pictures of Delhi. This however does not detract from this book’s tremendous value. It was a delight to meet Raza Rumi in Louisville on his recent book tour. I am a fan!

It was a wonderful read. Enjoyed reading every page thoroughly. Looking forward to reading more from this author.