Inheritance of gross

Living Legacy: Ever since New Delhi was made the capital 100 years ago, the city, its people and its problems have not changed much.

The unique quirks and problems and characteristics that we associate with New Delhi today, were very much present even a century ago.The imperial capital of the British Raj was one of the most planned and feted cities of its time, but it faced civic problems right from day one of its inception as the capital of India.Here are some of the Delhi- isms unique to the capital, and of course its people….

• Spit second decision: Delhiites of every generation have a rather curious way of admiring the architecture….by spitting on its walls and throwing filth around.This technique of appreciation is not confined only to monuments;the babus in the 20th century used to throw ink from their fountain pens outside the windows, staining(read decorating) the walls outside. Only the almighty knows when the souls of those diligent architects and builders will attain salvation.

• Traffic mismanagement: In the Delhi of 1930′s, the traffic on roads comprised a few cars, tongas, horse-drawn carriages, palanquins and a large number of pedestrians.But even then traffic mismanagement was a huge issue in the city.In National Archives of India, many documents dating back to the 1930′s can be found stating complaints regarding the the traffic arrangements and its control.This 100 year old tryst with jams does not seem to end any soon even with the arrival of the metro.

• Taxis of yore and today’s autos: Overcharging, not going by the meter; rude; declining to go to a destination…. sounds like an autowallah in Delhi,doesn’t it?Well, we are actually talking about the taxi drivers of the Capital a century ago.If most Delhiites love to hate autowallahs today, it was the case with the traffic drivers of the newly declared capital.Three generations later the conflict between the passenger and the auto driver is more fiercer and competitive as ever.

• Hangout zones: Think of a pleasant sunny day with light breeze.Now think of a large open space in the heart of the city with lush green lawns for a family outing.The India Gate lawns….??Exactly.That was indeed the popular hangout area for the middle class Delhiites even three generations ago.Designed by Lutyens, these lawns were very popular in the 1920′s as they served the purpose of military parade rehearsals, playing fields and car parking for visitors coming to the national stadium.

There are more quirky and incredible things that we can associate with our adorable Dilli, that make it so unique and idiosyncratic.Though, I wish some of these characteristics stay for many more centuries but I also hope that the coming generations strive to eradicate the atrocious and disgraceful elements which are degenerating the glorious status of this city.Its our Dilli afterall.