Twilight in Delhi Lesson Plan

How is Delhi presented at the start of the novel? How does this set the scene for the novel?

Ali first discusses the Delhi of the past. The city was first built after the great battle of Mahabharat by Raja Yudhishtra in 1453 B.C. Since then, it has been sought and fought after, destroyed and rebuilt. It was once the city of kings, poets, and nobles. However, the city is no longer ruled by kings; it has been taken over by foreigners. The poets and storytellers have no inspiration and the pride and grandeur of the city have disappeared. Ali laments this fact, stating that those who gave life to the city have long since passed. The only remnants of the glory days are a...