Capital

More about the book

In this compelling exploration, the author delves into the rise of the global elite through the lens of Delhi, capturing the city's dramatic transformation. The narrative reflects the tumultuous changes following India's economic liberalization, where slums were replaced by shopping malls and luxury apartments, creating an environment of stark inequality. Amid this upheaval, fortunes were amassed, and the city pulsated with ambition and unrest, marked by violent crimes and a palpable tension. Drawing inspiration from V.S. Naipaul's personal journeys, the author presents a vivid portrayal of Delhi through diverse encounters with its inhabitants—billionaires, bureaucrats, drug dealers, and slum dwellers. Each interaction reveals the complexities of life in a city undergoing rapid capitalist transformation, echoing the experiences of a generation reminiscent of Gilded Age New York. Intertwining over a century of history with personal reflections, the narrative offers a literary portrait of one of the fastest-growing cities of the twenty-first century. This dark yet insightful depiction not only illuminates Delhi's unique story but also provides a lens through which to understand our shared global future.