The 28th Delhi Book Fair 2024

A posts on the crowds, books and my experiences of The Delhi Book Fair 2024.

Remembering Professor Sunil Kumar

He was one of the greatest historians who worked on the history of medieval delhi, which served as capital of the Delhi Sultanate (1192-1526 CE) for 300 years.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha - Amazing Thailand

This series is based over my reflections upon visiting Thailand.

The Immortal Kumbh Mela - Mahakumbha of 2013

Believed to be the largest congregation of mankind in the world, read my series of posts to know how it feels like to be amongst a magnitude of people

Shahjahanabad (Const 1648 CE)- The Legacy of Delhi Series (Vol 8)

'Shahjahanabad' is the eighth post in a series of 9 articles on the former capital cities which were built in the historical region of Delhi. Read on to know more..

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Friday, August 16, 2024

Tarikhstan Podcast #3 - Tomb of Muhammad Shah Sayyid


Delhi has many beautiful gardens. Lodi Gardens is one of the famous gardens of Delhi. It has many old and beautiful monuments. They are all hundreds of years old.

One of them is the Tomb of Mohammad Shah Sayyid. He was once, the Sultan of Delhi.

This beautiful tomb was built by his son in 1445 CE. His name was Alam Shah Sayyid. 

The design of this monument is very interesting. In this video I explain to you, why this monument can't be missed!


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Monday, August 12, 2024

The 28th Delhi Book Fair 2024

This Sunday I visited the 28th Delhi Book Fair (and Stationery Fair) 2024 after so many years! I visited this fair for the first time after Covid pandemic. Even though it is the poorer cousin of the World Book Fair (which happens in February), I have always had a soft corner for the Delhi Book Fair (which happens in August) as it is a much local affair. Local booksellers come here more than national level booksellers and government institutions. This made me realise that I have tribal instincts when it comes to my city despite being a traveler!

The pictures below show my visit to the Book Fair - 

The banner at the Entrance with quotes from Baba Ambedkar, APJ Abdul Kalam and Rabindranath Tagore. 

The book fair was taking place in hall 12A. It is one of the older halls still standing (the rest have been demolished), so I was a bit nostalgic walking through it🥹!

There were two Reading Zones in the Book Fair, which was a very good idea!

While I squatted at the Reading Area I admired this colourful silhouette of Monuments! 
Can you tell which Delhi monuments are shown here 😊?

This was the other reading area.

There were so many stalls selling books on Sale!

The crowds were immense since it was the last day of the Book Fair. 

The Food Court was jam packed, as usual😓! There were huge queues at the Cash Counter so we decided to head outside for Lunch😋!

The best thing about the Book Fair are the Coffee Table books on offer!

This book on Space really intrigued me🤔!

There were a lot of stalls selling books for kids and parents and children were poring over them!

And, there were comics on sale too, much to the excitements of the kids🥳!

There were story books for children in other languages too🎈! This was the stall of National Council for the Promotion of Urdu Language✍️! (They give really good discounts btw🫰!)

The section of biographies etc. in the National Council stall.

And, these are the books I bought😌! 

Let me tell you a bit about my selections. The Perfumed Garden is based on an erotic Medieval Persian Manuscript, it mirrors the Kamasutra. An Era of Darkness by Shashi Tharoor is about the British Rule and exploitation of India (An era of darkness by shashi tharoor is a highly rated book!), Dongri to Dubai is a Non Fiction work on the Mumbai Underworld by a crime journalist S Husain Zaidi. These books were on 'Sale'.

The other three books are in Urdu. Dehli ke Chishti Mashaikh is a book talking about the Sufis of Delhi belonging to the Chishti Silsila (written by Prof. Qasemi), Bazm e Aakhir is about the life in Red Fort right before the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 CE and lastly, Duniya ke Behtarin Kahaniya consists of select stories form the world, translated into Urdu.
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Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Mumbai, in November - Via my Camera

 I had an opportunity to visit Mumbai in November for Work. So, took some time off to cover some of the important sites of the city, which is the financial capital of India.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly known as Victoria Terminus), a World Heritage Site, under lights

It is an incredible railway station and the building is palatial. One cannot think about Mumbai and not think about the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.

The Gateway of India

The Gateway of India, Colaba, Mumbai. It has been constructed at the Apollo Bunder, on the Arabian Sea. An icon commonly associated with Mumbai, it is almost a 100 years old. 

The interior façade of the Gateway. The last batch of British Troops ceremoniously marched out from this Gate to mark an end to British Rule in India.

The interior façade of the Gateway as seen from the side!

The Gateway has been design keeping in mind the traditional Indian and traditional Islamic Architectures. So when you observe this monument you will see features which you traditionally associate with Indian monuments spanning across Ancient and Medieval India.

When, I was young, whenever the weather report for the major metropolitan cities was announced in the news, Mumbai (then Bombay) was always represented with the icon of the Gateway. So, whenever I go to Mumbai, I make it a point to go there as for me, personally, the Gateway is the symbol of Mumbai.

Saint Thomas Cathedral, Fort

The side façade of Saint Thomas Cathedral, Fort, Mumbai (Const. in 1718 CE). This cathedral was the central point of reference for the expansion of old Bombay (now known as Fort area) for the Britishers.

Clicking the front façade of the cathedral was not possible as there was a lot of foliage.
 
A tablet at the gate highlighting the heritage value of the Saint Thomas Cathedral, at the entrance.

The interiors of the Saint Thomas Cathedral, Fort, Mumbai.

A fountain and a cross in front of the entrance of the historical Cathedral.

It was an incredible place to be. If we step into the steps of the Britishers who were just trying to settle in Bombay (in the 18th Century CE, when the Marathas were powerful), this Cathedral would have meant so much to them. Faith helps you do things normally you would find difficult. Perhaps that is why they decided to make this cathedral the central point of the Bombay Fort Area.

Victorian Gothic Art and Deco Structures of Mumbai

This inscription, located at the Oval Maidan, marks the series of Victorian Gothic Art and Deco structures which were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage. Nearby are the Mumbai University, Bombay High Court etc. all structures of immense Historical Value. These structures belong to the Victorian Era (19th Century CE) and have been constructed mostly in neo-Gothic Architecture.

Hornbill House, Head Office of the Bombay Natural History Society

The office of the Bombay Natural History Society, one of the oldest societies in India dedicated to the study and conservation of flora and fauna in India. I receive a table calendar published by them every year and it adorns my study.

The Taj Mahal Hotel, Colaba

The Taj Mahal Hotel at Colaba, next to the Gateway of India is a historical hotel. Looking into the Arabian Sea, it is a sight one can't miss. It was constructed in the Indo-Saracenic Style in 1903 CE.


The Taj Mahal Hotel, as seen from the Gateway of India. It was one of the unfortunate targets of the brutal 26/11 terrorist attacks. Seeing the lights of the Taj glimmer on the Arabian Sea made me feel that life goes on, no matter what is thrown at you!

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All Pictures © Rohan Anirudh Singh

Monday, October 24, 2022

The Tarikhstan Podcast Episode #2: Satpula Dam aur Diwali.. Ek Kareebi Rishta.. As per Sir Syed's Asar us Sanadid.. (Hindi)

The second Podcast was in video form and covered the Medieval Era dam of Delhi, known as Satpula (Const 14th Century CE). It belonged to the Delhi Sultanate Era. I read from Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's book Asar us Sanadid (Urdu) in which he writes about the Satpula dam, as he saw it, in 1850s CE...

The Tarikhstan Podcast Episode 2 (formerly Historian Rohan Podcast)

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Friday, June 24, 2022

The Tarikhstan Podcast Ep. 1 - Gandhi, Savarkar and Communalism in India (w/ Thanmaya P.)


 I did a podcast on my alternate channel and am sharing the link with you. When I am not Traveling to historical monuments I am talking about history. Historian Rohan is my alternate handle. The Historian Rohan Podcast Episode #1. Topic: Mahatma Gandhi, Vir Savarkar and Communalism in India (with Thanmaya Prakash)...

The Tarikhstan Podcast (formerly Historian Rohan Podcast) Episode #1

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Monday, June 14, 2021

Sketch of a Teacher (Professor Rizwan Qaiser): II

On 6th May 2021 this blogger, along with 2 former batchmates (Mr. Jitendra Singh and Ms. Sabira Fatimi), organized a condolence meet on Zoom in honor of Professor Rizwan Qaiser, for the benefit of MA Batch (2015-17). These are the excerpts of what he spoke in the meet -


This image of Sir was clicked by one of my batchmates at the Stupa of Sanchi.

‘Sketch of a Teacher’

M S Dhoni once said that he preferred cricketers coming from small towns as they understand the concept of struggle and because they understand the concept of a struggle, they can fight the odds better.

Now while he was saying that for cricketers, I would like to add and say because that individual has seen the struggle, he would not want his children to face the same.

And, that was what Rizwan Sir’s students were, his children.

In an era when some teachers are in the education world to either earn money or have tunnel vision vis a vis their research, Rizwan Sir was one of those teachers who cared for his students while they were in college and cared for them when they were out of it.

In ancient times, the teacher (or the guru) was a father figure. Professor Rizwan Qaiser was one such father figure, a fast reducing class in the contemporary era where some educationists are fast forgetting that concept.

How he would combine his theoretical lectures with real-life examples was incredible. It made sure that we would associate Modern Indian History with our daily lives.

I got my knowledge about Mahatma Gandhi from Rizwan Sir. The Gandhian Concepts of Satyagraha, Ahimsa, Antyodaya were explained and discussed threadbare in the class.

We keep saying that the lamp of Gandhian values has to be kept lit so that the future generations do not forget the philosophy of the Mahatma. That can only be possible if the teachers have a deep understanding of the subject so that they can explain it to future generations in an ‘interesting’ manner. It is essential for the teachers to ‘impress upon the students' that Gandhiji’s vision of Ahimsa, non-violence, and Antyodaya can ‘never’ get outdated.

With the passing of Professor Rizwan, such efforts have been dealt a blow. Yet, we can take solace from the hope that his students will take up the responsibility of explaining Gandhian Principles to future generations and also stand by them. That would ensure that the Gandhian ideology lives on, especially in trying times like now, and in trying times that could come in the future.

May his Soul Rest in Peace.

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(This is the second article in a two part series. You can click this link to go to the first article.)

Sunday, June 13, 2021

Sketch of a Teacher (Professor Rizwan Qaiser) : I

Professor Rizwan Qaiser passed away recently. He was a scholar of Modern Indian History. The Pandemic claimed him. He is survived by his wife and son. He will be missed.

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With Sir, and my batchmates, at Bhimbetaka Caves
So, why is this blogger of heritage travel writing about a professor of Modern Indian history? Why is this inquirer of Medieval (Pre-Modern) Indian history writing about a professor whose teachings revolved around Indian Nationalism and Modern Indian figures? The answer to these questions lies in the journey this writer has taken ever since he started blogging on this platform.

This blog (and its writers' tryst with blogging) is over 11 years and counting. This period can be divided into 3 stages. The first stage, when I traveled across India for 4 years and blogged. The second stage, when I decided to take my love for history to the next level and go pro with it (read enter the world of academics). The third (and the current) stage, when I found a balance between my academic life and my blogging life.

Professor Rizwan Qaiser (or Rizwan Sir, as we called him) was an important figure in the second stage of this writer's life (in the world of travel, heritage, and history). I completed my Master's of Arts in History from Jamia Millia Islamia in 2017. During my time over there, he was the Head of the Department. I was lucky and also trussed up, by the fact that many luminary minds were teaching in the department of history (like Professor Azizuddin Husain, Professor R Gopinath, Professor Nishat Manzar, Professor A P Sen, Professor R P Bahuguna, and many more) at that point of time. Many of them were not easy on the kids. But, we knew that Rizwan Sir always had our backs. 

I remember one incident clearly. As part of my training in History, I had to learn about European History too. So, in one of the assignments, which I had submitted, my entire batch (apart from one or two kids) was blamed for plagiarism (without checking) by a strict professor (due to the folly of a few). I remember losing my cool over it because as a blogger, I understand the evil of plagiarism and would never partake in it (I empathize with those who stood in front of me that day, as I was in a complaining mode). 

We went to Professor Rizwan with our troubles and he intervened in that moment. In the end, the blanket charge of plagiarism was taken back. All this ended on a bittersweet note for me as the strict Professor gave me very good marks, both in the assignment and in the final exam. 

My memories of taking a course under Rizwan Sir are quite fond. The course was on Mahatma Gandhi. Rizwan Sir, through his lectures and my discussions with him on the subject, made me understand the Gandhian Concepts of Satyagraha, Antyodaya, etc. I would say it was Rizwan Sir, who explained to me what Mahatma Gandhi stood for.

As a teacher, he was articulate, had a firm grip on the subject, and most importantly, he was adept in breaking down concepts, incidents, and theories to make things understandable for the students.

As our time in Jamia came to an end he, at his own risk, as the Head of the Department (because the university was not forthcoming), lead a trip of us history students, to an excursion and exploration trip to Bhopal, Sanchi, Bhimbetka, Bhojpur, and Udayagiri Caves. It was an incredible learning experience. No amount of lectures can substitute an actual visit to a monument.

With Sir, and my batchmates, in Bhopal

Rizwan Sir's care and concern for students extended even after our batch had passed out. He arranged for one of his former students (an academic luminary) to help those who were preparing for the National Eligibility Test. I credit my clearing this test directly to this intervention.

In an era when some teachers are in it just to earn a living, in an era when some teachers have zero connection with history, in an era when some teachers view students as products on a production line (once they leave that line, they are forgotten) Rizwan Sir was one of those teachers who would always have time to sit and give his opinion, to students, or ex-students, whenever they were in a tough situation.

Across the country, he was well known for participating in television and radio debates across multiple forums. In such debates, he was always the voice of reason and logic. Being an ace debater himself, I once recalled him saying, 'these days it's almost as if people have taken steroids before coming to a tv debate!'. For the country, he was a television personality but for his students, he was their teacher.

His teachings on Mahatma Gandhi, Secularism, Maulana Azad, etc will live on through his students.

He will be missed.

May his Soul Rest in Peace. 

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(This is the first article in a two part series. You can click this link to read the second article.