The book not only captures the essence of a bygone era in Aligarh but also highlights the nuanced lives of its residents, providing a literary window into the forgotten stories of a community often overshadowed by history's grand narratives.
Team Clarion
ALIGARH — In his latest book ‘City on Fire: A Boyhood in Aligarh,’ filmmaker, author, and journalist Zeyad Masroor Khan sheds light on the often-overlooked lives of locksmiths in the old city of Aligarh. The narrative delves into the challenges faced by these workers, whose bodies and faces are perpetually covered in black grease paint, rendering them almost unidentifiable.
The book offers a captivating glimpse into the socio-cultural fabric of Aligarh during the transformative 1990s. Khan, who grew up in the Muslim-dominated area of the old part of Aligarh, weaves together tales of political, cultural, and economic shifts that define the era. One notable story involves a dwarf dacoit, recognised as the wealthiest outlaw in Aligarh’s criminal history, who constructed a personal fortress on the outskirts of the city. The fortress featured narrow paths resembling caves, accessible only to a dwarf, making it nearly impossible for anyone to apprehend him.
Khan’s narrative also paints a vivid picture of the locksmith community, narrating how the ubiquitous black paint used in their work made it challenging to distinguish one worker from another. The book further explores the dense settlement of Aligarh, particularly in Nai Upar Kot, where streets are lined with three distinct types of houses: those of the workers, businessmen, and factory owners.
Describing the conditions of the workers’ homes, Khan writes, “The poor houses belong to the workers and their walls are waiting for the day when the owners will get them painted. The curtains on the windows are made of old sheets or jute sacks. The stairs are narrow and dark.” In stark contrast, the affluent houses, belonging to a select group of businessmen and factory owners, stand tall and conspicuous, serving as tangible symbols of prosperity.
‘City on Fire’ not only captures the essence of a bygone era in Aligarh but also highlights the nuanced lives of its residents, providing a literary window into the forgotten stories of a community often overshadowed by history’s grand narratives.
