Housing the Republic: A Biography of the Indian Parliament

An unparalleled biography of India’s Parliament House and a compelling chronicle of the nation’s democratic journey.

Housing the Republic tells the remarkable story of one of India’s most iconic institutions through the events, personalities and debates that have shaped the country’s past and present. Written by acclaimed journalist Sobhana K. Nair, this captivating work traces the evolution of the Parliament House from 1919, when its designs were first approved, to the inauguration of the new Parliament building in 2023.

As both witness and participant, the Parliament has stood at the centre of India’s democratic life. It has seen the birth of the Republic, landmark constitutional debates, moments of triumph and crisis, and even survived a brutal terror attack. Through vivid accounts of historic parliamentary debates and political turning points, Sobhana chronicles the making and remaking of the Indian nation over nine decades of pre- and post-Independence history.

Interwoven with the story of Parliament is the fascinating evolution of New Delhi—the bustling capital city of the world’s largest democracy. Rich in historical detail and contemporary relevance, this book brings together biography, political history and the story of a nation in constant transformation.