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Ray Bromley is a Professor of Planning and Geography at the University at Albany, State University of New York. He is the author or editor of seven books, a nine book series, and over 70 articles in scholarly journals and edited books. He research focuses on urban, regional and rural development issues, on micro-enterprise, and on the history of ideas in planning, international development, and community development. He has worked with several United Nations agencies, USAID, and various consultants to USAID and the World Bank. Most of his work has been on Latin America, the United States, and India.
The Streets of Old Delhi: Order in a Seemingly-Chaotic Public Realm
The streets and alleyways of Old Delhi are among the best-known examples of traditional urban environments in India. They are characterized by a great variety of users and activities, changing substantially according to day of the week, time of day or night, weather, seasons, and the cycle of public holidays, religious festivals and other special events. Despite all the hustle and bustle, however, there are informal norms and practices that influence the use of space and that keep accidents, property damage and criminal activity to low levels. This paper explores the continued viability of Old Delhi and the informal norms and practices that keep it functioning.
