#LesserKnownMonuments: A Saint, A Folktale And Other Stories

Online talk by Rana Safvi

Indian architecture offers one of the most glorious forms of built heritage anywhere in the world. India, with its geographical expanse, rich history and diversity, is a veritable feast for the senses in every way, especially its spectacular range of built heritage. 

Starting from the earliest cave shelter paintings, rock-cut architecture and the first urban cities of the Indus Valley Civilization to modern skyscrapers, the country has it all. 

In our talk #LesserKnownMonuments acclaimed author Rana Safvi will take us into the secret, hidden parts of India beyond the usual tourist destinations. The often overlooked monuments of India are rich with history, architecture and scenery begging to be explored. Travel back in time and on a journey to explore the vast architectural heritage of India.

Please note: The event link will be shared a couple of hours before the talk 

About the author: 

Rana Safvi is a passionate believer in India's Ganga Jamuni tehzeeb (syncretic culture) which she documents through her writings, podcasts and videos. In 2011 she started the Twitter forum #shair which was responsible for popularizing Urdu online. A platform with around 30,000 members.

She has published eight books on culture, history, and monuments of India. These are Tales from the Quran and Hadith", The Delhi Trilogy : Where Stones Speak, The Forgotten Cities of Delhi and Shahjahanabad the Living City of Old Delhi. She has translated both the editions of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan 's seminal work on Delhi -Asar us Sanadid, Dastan e Ghadar and four accounts of 19th and 20th century Delhi from Urdu to English. Her latest book is A Saint, A Folk Tale and Other Stories : Lesser known monuments of India. 

She is currently part of a University of Sheffield project called Forgotten Food. Part of that project is Desi Delicacies, a food anthology which has been a bestseller in 2021. She has contributed a chapter on Qorma, Qaliya and Awadh cuisine in it. She is also a regular contributor to various national newspapers and magazines.