Post by : Saif Rahman

Delhi, renowned for its majestic forts and ancient tombs, hides a wealth of secrets and supernatural tales. Historian Eric Chopra's latest book, “Ghosted: Delhi’s Haunted Monuments,” illuminates these hidden narratives. It delves into the city’s most mysterious locations and the spectral sagas wrapped around them.

Published by Speaking Tiger and set to launch on November 25, “Ghosted” offers an intriguing exploration of the capital’s lesser-known domains. From abandoned palaces and historic mosques to neglected tombs, it reveals the deeper stories of Delhi—filled with echoes of saints, sultans, poets, and lovers still lingering among its ruins.

The book guides readers through historically rich yet eerie sites such as Jamali-Kamali, Firoz Shah Kotla, and Khooni Darwaza. These locations are steeped in compelling stories—like jinns that heed prayers and queens confined to their palaces, alongside Sufi saints whose blessings echo through time.

Chopra portrays Delhi as “a city between two worlds”—one steeped in reality and another alive with memory and myth. “Ghosted,” he says, emerged from his insatiable curiosity and his experiences wandering through Delhi's ruins. “As a historian and a Dilliwala, I’ve always been captivated by the legends entwined with this city's monuments. People frequently inquire about the ghosts and jinns in Delhi and the palpable haunting of its history,” he shared.

Chopra is well-versed in historical narratives as the founder of Itihāsology, which celebrates India’s rich history and art. Through heritage walks in Delhi, he has led numerous individuals through ancient paths, revealing how history continues to resonate in the city. His new book perpetuates this journey, blending archival facts with folklore and long-held oral traditions.

As noted by the publisher, “Ghosted” showcases the myriad layers of Delhi—from its regal heritage to its spiritual enigmas. “Eric is a natural storyteller,” remarked Sudeshna Shome Ghosh, Executive Publisher at Speaking Tiger. “His thorough research and fervor for history allow him to interconnect the past with the present, making his book appealing to readers of all ages as they discover Delhi through his storytelling.”

What sets “Ghosted” apart is its transformative approach to history—Chopra narrates not just events but immerses readers in the city’s essence, depicting each decrepit wall and crumbled arch as a vessel of memory. He interweaves history with sentiment, inviting readers to envision evenings filled with whispers of prayers, poetry, and footsteps echoing from bygone eras.

Those who read “Ghosted” will encounter Delhi’s overlooked figures—not just rulers and saints, but everyday individuals who experienced love, loss, and made their indelible marks on the city. Chopra’s narrative makes Delhi feel like a living archive, where the past, legend, and mystery intertwine seamlessly.

For many, “Ghosted” transcends the traditional history book. It reinforces that cities like Delhi are woven from stories—stories that resonate in the stillness of old structures, within the evening chill, and among enduring memories.

With “Ghosted,” Eric Chopra invites his audience to traverse Delhi not merely as observers, but as participants—feeling the ghosts of time, hearing history’s whispers, and witnessing how the city’s enchanted beauty harmonizes its illustrious past with its enigmatic present.

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