Publications
Novel approach for the LULC change detection using GIS & Google Earth Engine through spatiotemporal analysis to evaluate the urbanization growth of Ahmedabad city
Over the past decade, Ahmedabad has experienced significant urbanization, with a 23.56% increase in land use and land cover (LULC) patterns, accompanied by a notable decrease of 13.74% in agricultural lands and 4.78% in barren areas. This rapid transformation, which threatens vegetation cover, was meticulously analyzed using advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) and Google Earth Engine (GEE) tools, achieving an impressive LULC classification accuracy of 89% with a Kappa coefficient of 0.85. The study highlights the urgent need for adaptive urban planning strategies that account for these environmental dynamics to mitigate the impacts of urban expansion on ecosystems.
Air Quality Index prediction using machine learning for Ahmedabad city
A machine learning approach using the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm with RBF kernel demonstrated superior accuracy in predicting air quality index (AQI) for Ahmedabad, India, compared to other SVM kernels and models like SARIMA and LSTM. This study leveraged data from the Central Pollution Control Board of India, employing advanced preprocessing techniques to enhance model performance. The findings highlight the potential of sophisticated machine learning methods in improving traffic routing and identifying critical pollutants, offering a promising tool for urban air quality management.
Extreme heat, gender, and access to preparedness measures: An analysis of the heatwave early warning system in Ahmedabad, India
Ahmedabad, India's pioneering Heat Action Plan (HAP) and early warning system (EWS) for heatwaves face significant gender disparities in access and effectiveness. Research reveals that female outdoor laborers, often illiterate with low phone ownership, experience asymmetrical heat warning access due to intersecting vulnerabilities such as occupation, income, and education. While verbal warnings and community engagement partially mitigate these gaps, the study highlights a critical oversight: income constraints force women to work during extreme heat despite heightened vulnerability. The HAP's focus on targeting vulnerable groups underscores the need for deeper investigation into gender-specific drivers of heat risk. These findings emphasize the importance of inclusive, people-centered EWS design to address social vulnerabilities effectively in India and globally.
Investigating the contrast diurnal relationship of land surface temperatures with various surface parameters represent vegetation, soil, water, and urbanization over Ahmedabad city in India
A significant dynamic relationship between land surface temperature (LST) and various surface parameters—vegetation, urbanization, soil, and water—was identified in Ahmedabad, India. The study, spanning 13 years (2003–2015), analyzed diurnal LST variations using MODIS and Landsat data across summer, monsoon, and winter seasons. Findings revealed that different land surfaces influence LST patterns, contributing to the urban heat island (UHI) effect. This research highlights how urban planning, reduced vegetation, and pollution exacerbate UHI occurrence, offering insights for mitigating heat-related climatic challenges in congested urban areas.
Assessing a fit-for-purpose urban building energy modelling framework with reference to Ahmedabad
A novel fit-for-purpose urban building energy modeling (UBEM) framework has been developed, which balances the level of detail (LoD) required for different types of buildings to optimize data collection and model reliability. The study found that higher LoD is crucial in occupancy modeling for residential and educational buildings, while commercial buildings require more detailed envelope characteristics. This approach enables targeted data collection efforts, improving the accuracy and efficiency of UBEMs at large geographical scales. The framework was demonstrated using a case study in Ahmedabad, India, highlighting its potential to enhance sustainable urban design and operations.
Constructing national identity through World Heritage: the international and intranational politics of the built environment in Ahmadabad
Ahmadabad's designation as India's first UNESCO World Heritage city in 2017 reveals the dual politics of heritage narrative construction, both internationally and domestically. While globally, Ahmadabad is framed as a multicultural site to attract global audiences, internally it serves as a subtle tool for ethno-nationalist control, curating Islamism while excluding Muslim and migrant populations most closely tied to its heritage. This study, using semi-structured interviews and document analysis, uncovers how socio-political and economic forces manipulate built heritage to shape national identity, highlighting the complex interplay between international recognition and internal exclusion.
Post occupancy and participatory design evaluation of a marginalized low-income settlement in Ahmedabad, India
A participatory design approach in low-income settlements can enhance user satisfaction but may lead to contradictory environmental outcomes due to limited awareness and financial constraints. This study, conducted in Ahmedabad, India, demonstrates that combining post-occupancy evaluation (POE) with participatory design reveals complex power dynamics and hierarchical agencies within the built environment. It underscores the need for a socio-technical approach that integrates environmental standards with contextual socio-cultural needs while planning for future growth. The research highlights the importance of incremental, affordable demonstration projects to foster inclusive development and long-term sustainable transitions in housing developments.
Combating climate change-induced heat stress: Assessing cool roofs and its impact on the indoor ambient temperature of the households in the Urban slums of Ahmedabad
Cool roof technologies significantly reduce indoor temperatures in urban slums, offering a practical solution to combat climate change-induced heat stress. A study in Ahmedabad found that interventions such as Thermocol insulation, solar reflective white paint, and Modroof effectively lowered indoor temperatures compared to traditional materials like tin or asbestos/cement sheets. These findings are crucial for vulnerable populations, particularly slum dwellers, where inadequate housing structures exacerbate health risks during extreme heat events. The research utilized data loggers to measure temperature and humidity, alongside socioeconomic surveys, providing a comprehensive assessment of cool roof performance. This approach is scalable and adaptable, making it a viable solution for informal settlements in developing countries where formal housing solutions are often inaccessible.
Monitoring land use changes and its future prospects using cellular automata simulation and artificial neural network for Ahmedabad city, India
Urban sprawl poses a significant threat to sustainable development, and a study on Ahmedabad, India, reveals that the built-up area increased by 156.93 km² from 1976 to 2017, while agricultural land, open spaces, urban vegetation, and water bodies declined. Using cellular automata (CA) and artificial neural network (ANN) models with GIS techniques, researchers predicted that this trend will continue, with built-up areas potentially covering most of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation by 2027 if current patterns persist. The study also validated its predictions with a high Kappa coefficient (0.69 overall), indicating strong accuracy. This research provides critical insights for urban planners to develop sustainable city planning strategies.
Outsiders in the periphery: studies of the peripheralisation of low income housing in Ahmedabad and Chennai, India
Residents of formal low-income housing on urban peripheries experience multifaceted disconnection, rendering them 'outsiders in the periphery.' This dynamic is driven by three key factors: the lack of resident involvement in housing production due to pre-built units, spatial isolation limiting mobility and socioeconomic opportunities, and substandard infrastructure that hinders place-making. The study, based on mixed-method fieldwork in Ahmedabad and Chennai, challenges conventional narratives around urban peripheralization, which typically focus on high-end or informal settlements. It reveals how formal low-income housing, increasingly constructed on isolated sites, fails to integrate residents socially or spatially, undermining the inclusive potential of affordable urban development.
Nutrition among children of migrant construction workers in Ahmedabad, India
Alarmingly high rates of undernutrition—affecting over 50% of children under five—were found among migrant construction workers' offspring in Ahmedabad, India. The study, conducted across five urban worksites between 2017 and 2018, revealed that stunting (40.5%), wasting (22.1%), and underweight prevalence (50.4%) were driven by intersecting factors: parental misconceptions about malnutrition, prolonged work hours disrupting childcare, inadequate breastfeeding practices due to worksite constraints, and limited dietary diversity. Qualitative methods, including interviews and participant observation, uncovered how socio-cultural norms, poor sanitation, economic hardship, and lack of healthcare access compounded nutritional deficits. This research exposes the often-overlooked vulnerability of migrant children in India's informal economy, urging targeted policies to address their unique nutritional needs.
Streets as Public Spaces: Lessons from Street Vending in Ahmedabad, India
Street vending in Ahmedabad, India, significantly enhances urban vibrancy, safety, and inclusivity by increasing foot traffic, fostering social cohesion, and allowing diverse groups to participate in economic exchange. A study analyzing 4,000 vendors across four time points, combined with perception studies of clientele (disaggregated by gender, income, and age) and spatial relationships with land-use and street hierarchy, demonstrates that street vendors are vital to equitable and dynamic public spaces. This research underscores their role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals 8 (decent work) and 11 (sustainable cities), offering insights for global urban planning.
The Impact of the Land Cover Dynamics on Surface Urban Heat Island Variations in Semi-Arid Cities: A Case Study in Ahmedabad City, India, Using Multi-Sensor/Source Data
Ahmedabad, a rapidly growing semi-arid city in India, exhibits unique surface urban heat island (SUHI) dynamics influenced by land cover changes. Unlike typical arid cities, Ahmedabad shows a negative SUHI during summer daytime due to higher rural land surface temperatures (LST), primarily caused by sparse vegetation and bare croplands. However, positive SUHIs emerge during winter daytime (0.4 °C) and nighttime in both seasons (up to 3.2 °C). A field campaign confirmed rural LSTs can exceed urban LSTs by ~5 °C, highlighting the need for careful biophysical interpretation. Despite urban expansion from 2003–2018, SUHI intensity remained stable, though its spatial footprint grew. Multi-sensor data analysis revealed no correlation between summer daytime SUHI and evapotranspiration in urban areas, but a strong negative correlation (-0.73) existed for LST and evapotranspiration.
Analysis of cooling effect of water bodies on land surface temperature in nearby region: A case study of Ahmedabad and Chandigarh cities in India
A significant cooling effect of water bodies on land surface temperature (LST) is demonstrated, with Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh showing an average temperature dip of 7.51°C during summer and 3.12°C in winter over three years. The Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad also exhibits notable cooling, reducing temperatures by approximately 1.57°C to 1.71°C on its right bank and around 0.69°C to 0.65°C on the left bank within a 200–300 m influence distance. This study provides direct evidence using remote sensing techniques, specifically Landsat images from 2009–2011, highlighting how surface water features mitigate urban heat island (UHI) effects through evaporation. The findings underscore the potential of water bodies in sustainable urban planning to combat rising temperatures caused by unplanned development and reduced green cover.
Connecting water science and policy in India: lessons from a systematic water governance assessment in the city of Ahmedabad
A systematic assessment of water governance in Ahmedabad, India, reveals critical gaps in learning capacity, stakeholder engagement, and implementation, hindering effective management of water scarcity, pollution, and heat risks. The study found that while the City Blueprint Approach (CBA) offers potential for bridging science-policy divides, its effectiveness depends on addressing these limiting conditions. By analyzing Ahmedabad's Heat Action Plan as a case study, researchers demonstrated how targeted improvements in governance can enhance urban resilience. This work underscores the need for interactive approaches to foster meaningful collaboration between scientific insights and policy-making, particularly in vulnerable cities of the Global South.
Development of Employment Sub-centres in the City of Ahmedabad, India
Research on Ahmedabad, India, reveals significant urban development trends characterized by the emergence of new employment sub-centres and the rapid growth of peripheral areas, indicating sprawl-type development and polarization reversal. The study found that retail and commercial sectors have experienced exponential growth from 1980 to 2010, while industrial sector growth has stagnated. This heterogeneous development is strongly linked to access to labour and transport infrastructure, providing critical insights for urban planners in locating future employment activities and transit-oriented development nodes.
Impact of wastewater-irrigated urban agriculture on diarrhea incidence in Ahmedabad, India
A study in Ahmedabad, India, found that wastewater-irrigated urban agriculture significantly increases the incidence of diarrhea among farming households. The research compared Escherichia coli concentrations and diarrheal disease risk across three irrigation water sources: groundwater, surface water, and wastewater. Wastewater showed the highest E. coli levels (4.02 × 109 per 100 mL), far exceeding international standards, with corresponding diarrhea incidence rates of 13.1 episodes per 1,000 person-weeks—more than double that of groundwater-irrigated areas (7.92 episodes). The study, conducted over 12 months in 187 households, used a case-cohort design and bimonthly health diaries to document water quality and health outcomes. The findings highlight the urgent need for safer irrigation practices in urban agriculture to protect public health.
Private Sector in Affordable Housing? Case of Slum Rehabilitation Scheme in Ahmedabad, India
A case study of slum rehabilitation in Ahmedabad, India, reveals significant challenges in implementing public-private partnership (PPP) models for affordable housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), despite the involvement of a mediating NGO. While PPPs aim to leverage private sector finance and expertise alongside public land provision, this study highlights bottlenecks that hinder effective slum redevelopment, underscoring the complexities of integrating private sector participation in affordable housing initiatives.
Caste and capital in the remaking of Ahmedabad
Ahmadabad's urban transformation, often celebrated for its economic dynamism, actually reinforces caste-based segregation and exclusion. Despite the city's reputation as a space where identities dissolve under capitalism, new Dalit middle-class neighborhoods like Chandkheda have emerged on the periphery, distinct from older industrial-era Dalit settlements. These areas, born of post-liberalization economic mobility, are marked by three exclusionary mechanisms: spatial segregation, caste vigilantism, and intra-Dalit discrimination. The study reveals that caste and capital collude to create 'post-liberalization Dalit ghettos,' where distinctions based on micro-caste identities persist or intensify, often masked by the rhetoric of secular urban development. This ethnographic research highlights how economic progress can paradoxically deepen social divisions in middle-class residential spaces.
Greening Ahmedabad—creating a resilient Indian city using a green infrastructure approach to investment
Ahmedabad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and commercial hub of Gujarat with over 5 million residents, is transforming its urban landscape through strategic green infrastructure (GI) investments to enhance resilience against socio-economic and ecological pressures. The city's 3rd Development Plan, led by the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA), aims to integrate GI projects like the Sabarmati Riverfront into functional ecological networks. A key finding from this study is that while the plan outlines ambitious goals, its implementation faces challenges in balancing strategic objectives with localized socio-environmental needs. The research evaluates the transition from policy rhetoric to practical delivery, drawing on stakeholder insights to assess whether GI projects are effectively addressing both broad and community-specific requirements.
Ahmedabad: the middle class megacity
Ahmedabad's transformation into a 'Megacity' is driven by the middle class, which leverages neoliberal urbanism to advance exclusionary economic and political agendas. This study reveals that the middle class uses processes like crisis, participation, celebration, and capture to align its interests with broader neoliberal goals, often bypassing electoral democracy. Through ethnographic evidence, it demonstrates how discourses of development, nostalgia, and community are enlisted to promote the 'Gujarat model,' both within the state and beyond. The research highlights the middle class's pivotal role in shaping urban policies that prioritize economic growth over inclusive development.
Creation of cultural heritage inventories: case of the historic city of Ahmadabad
A comprehensive cultural heritage inventory for the historic city of Ahmadabad, India, serves as a critical tool for conservation and urban management. This inventory, covering 543 hectares with over 6,000 properties, highlights the importance of integrating built heritage assets with their surrounding context to ensure effective preservation. The study demonstrates that traditional field surveys, combined with digital data management systems using CAD, GIS, and other platforms, can efficiently capture and assess heritage resources while maintaining cost and time efficiency. Although currently limited to monitoring listed properties, the potential for broader urban planning applications is significant once fully integrated into city management systems.
Public Transport Accessibility Levels for Ahmedabad, India
A novel methodology adapted from London's public transport accessibility framework reveals significant spatial disparities in Ahmedabad, India’s public transport network. This approach integrates GIS mapping with key metrics—average walk speed, distances to stops, and peak-hour route frequencies—to generate Public Transport Accessibility Levels (PTAL). Findings highlight critical gaps that could inform urban planning, such as land-use integration, transit-oriented zoning, and parking policies. The study demonstrates how PTAL mapping can serve as a practical tool for prioritizing public transport investments and reducing traffic congestion in historic cities like Ahmedabad.
Technology, informal workers and cities: insights from Ahmedabad (India), Durban (South Africa) and Lima (Peru)
Informal workers in three global cities—Ahmedabad (India), Durban (South Africa), and Lima (Peru)—leverage diverse, often basic technologies to enhance their livelihoods, yet adoption is constrained by economic, regulatory, and urban infrastructure challenges. A 2015 study by the WIEGO network and local partners reveals that while these workers adapt tools ingeniously—ranging from manual devices to internet platforms—their use is limited by low incomes, theft risks, and city-specific systems governing energy, transport, and waste. The findings highlight a critical gap: policy frameworks and urban technological systems must better accommodate the needs of informal economies to foster inclusive growth.
Urbanization and human health in urban India: institutional analysis of water-borne diseases in Ahmedabad
Rapid urbanization, coupled with ageing infrastructure and governance inefficiencies, exacerbates the spread of water-borne diseases in Ahmedabad, India. The study identifies a vicious cycle driven by institutional factors, social actors exploiting systemic weaknesses, and political dynamics that perpetuate disease exposure. Using path dependency and rational choice perspectives, it analyzes data from 327 households across two wards through surveys and interviews over two years, applying principal component analysis to uncover underlying inefficiencies. Breaking this cycle requires addressing the political underpinnings of urban health disparities.
Co-benefits of low carbon passenger transport actions in Indian cities: Case study of Ahmedabad
A four-fold increase in energy demand from urban passenger transport is projected for Ahmedabad by 2035 under business-as-usual conditions. However, a low carbon scenario (LCS) demonstrates significant co-benefits, including a 74% reduction in NOx and an 83% decrease in PM2.5 emissions compared to the baseline. Key strategies for achieving these reductions include fuel switching—particularly to decarbonized electricity—modal shifts, and substitution of travel demand. The study employs quantitative modeling using the Extended Snapshot (ExSS) Model to assess these scenarios, highlighting how developing cities can leverage carbon finance to avoid infrastructure lock-in and foster sustainable mobility plans without adverse behavioral or environmental consequences.
Documentation and Cultural Heritage Inventories - Case of the Historic City of Ahmadabad
Ahmadabad, India's historic city, showcases exceptional architectural and urban heritage, including monumental structures, traditional housing, settlement patterns, crafts, and mercantile culture. A comprehensive Heritage Inventory was developed between 2011 and 2014 to illustrate its Outstanding Universal Values, using a combination of archival research, field surveys, mapping, and advanced digital databases with GIS. The process faced challenges such as adapting methodologies to field conditions, managing evolving scope, and correlating diverse data formats. While the inventory met its primary goal, its full potential for protection and management will be realized upon integration into statutory lists and urban development plans.
The risk of impoverishment in urban development-induced displacement and resettlement in Ahmedabad
Urban development and infrastructure projects in Ahmedabad, India, have exacerbated poverty among displaced households due to inadequate attention to the risk of impoverishment in policy and local governance practices. Despite claims of inclusive governance, the urban poor are excluded from planning processes, leading to a lack of understanding of their needs and subsequent economic hardship after resettlement. The study highlights the negative consequences of current displacement and resettlement practices on vulnerable populations, emphasizing the need for policies that address impoverishment risks more effectively.
Urban Heat Island Characterization and Isotherm Mapping Using Geo-Informatics Technology in Ahmedabad City, Gujarat State, India
A study on Ahmedabad, India, revealed significant urban heat island (UHI) effects, with surface temperatures in industrial and dense urban areas rising 4–5°C above suburban levels. The research used satellite-based remote sensing data from Landsat ETM band-6 combined with in-situ measurements to map thermal hotspots. Findings highlighted severe temperature disparities linked to urbanization, industrial emissions, and poor planning, underscoring the need for sustainable interventions to mitigate climate impacts on air quality and public health.
Development and Implementation of South Asia’s First Heat-Health Action Plan in Ahmedabad (Gujarat, India)
Ahmedabad, India, has pioneered South Asia’s first comprehensive Heat-Health Action Plan to mitigate the growing threat of heat waves, which are expected to intensify with climate change. The plan combines evidence-based strategies—including probabilistic weather forecasting, policy briefs for vulnerable populations, and targeted public outreach—to reduce heat-related health risks. Developed through a coalition effort involving local data analysis, expert consultations, and community engagement, the pilot program was implemented in 2013 and has since served as a model for scalability to other Indian cities. Key innovations include a 7-day early warning system that triggers adaptive measures before extreme heat events, demonstrating an effective framework for urban heat resilience.
A Cross-Sectional, Randomized Cluster Sample Survey of Household Vulnerability to Extreme Heat among Slum Dwellers in Ahmedabad, India
A study conducted in Ahmedabad, India, identified key factors increasing vulnerability to extreme heat among slum dwellers, including age, preexisting medical conditions, work location, and access to health information. The research used a cross-sectional household survey with randomized multistage cluster sampling to assess heat exposure, susceptibility, and adaptive capacity during summer 2011. Multivariate logistic regression revealed significant associations between these factors and self-reported heat illness, suggesting targeted interventions—such as health education—could mitigate vulnerability in urban slum populations. The findings highlight the need for surveillance and evaluation of future public health strategies to address growing climate-related risks.
Street Theatre as Democratic Politics in Ahmedabad
Street theatre emerges as a powerful tool for democratic politics and the redefinition of criminalized subjectivities within urban spaces, particularly among indigenous communities. This study highlights how the Chharas community in Ahmedabad uses performance to challenge societal narratives, fostering dialogue across differences and asserting their right to be seen and heard in public spheres. The research employs collaborative ethnographic methods, drawing on ongoing fieldwork in Gujarat, to demonstrate how theatre serves as both a socio-spatial tactic and a mechanism for affirmative subjectivities. By bridging performative practice with democratic potential, the study offers a nuanced understanding of cultural resistance and civic engagement in post-colonial contexts.
Ahmedabad: shock city of twentieth century India
Ahmedabad, a sprawling urban center in twentieth-century India, emerged as a 'shock city'—a term coined to describe cities that challenge societal norms and accelerate rapid transformation. This book, authored by Howard Spodek, dissects Ahmedabad's role as a catalyst for industrialization, architectural innovation, and social change during this pivotal era. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating urban history, political analysis, and cultural critique to explore how the city's growth reshaped India's economic landscape and societal structures. By examining key events such as the rise of the textile industry, the influence of Mahatma Gandhi, and the evolution of its built environment, Spodek highlights Ahmedabad's unique position in modernizing India while grappling with the complexities of rapid urbanization.
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, the 'Manchester of India,' is characterized by its rapid urbanization and enduring social, economic, and political dynamics. This study, led by historian Henry Spodek, reveals how the city's textile-based economy and leadership under figures like Gandhi, Patel, and Sarabhia shaped its trajectory from 1915 to the late 20th century. The research divides Ahmedabad's history into three eras: 'The Gandhian Era' (1915–1950), 'The Westernizing City' (1950–1980), and 'Creativity and Chaos' (1969–present). Spodek's deep archival research, personal familiarity with the city, and analysis of key events provide a nuanced understanding of Ahmedabad's role as a 'shock city,' mirroring global urban challenges. The study is highly recommended for its rich source material and illustrative depth.
Analysing Evolution of Urban Spatial Structure: A Case Study of Ahmedabad, India
Ahmedabad, India's historic city, exhibits a relatively compact urban spatial structure with a gradual tendency toward dispersal, unlike some other mid-sized global metropolises. This study quantifies the evolution of Ahmedabad's urban form over three decades using time-series population data from the Census of India, providing insights that could inform future planning policies. While the research focuses on Ahmedabad, it suggests potential for broader applications in cataloging similar cities in developing regions. The analysis bridges quantitative understanding with practical urban planning, offering a framework for alternative policy formulations.
The Ahmedabad Urban Development Plan-making Process: A Critical Review
A critical review of Ahmedabad's urban development plan-making process reveals significant gaps in analytical rigor, transparency, and clarity. The study highlights a mismatch between stated objectives and the means to achieve them, suggesting that current planning approaches lack scientific precision. This analysis serves as a benchmark for planners in India and other developing countries, advocating for more transparent and evidence-based planning methodologies.
Atmospheric Particulate Pollutants and their Relationship with Meteorology in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, India's historic city, faces significant air pollution challenges with particulate matter (PM) levels consistently exceeding national standards. A four-year study (2005–2008) revealed that suspended particulate matter (SPM) and PM10 concentrations ranged from 66.0 to 786.0 µg/m³ and 17.0 to 327.0 µg/m³, respectively, with seasonal variations showing higher pollution during summer and lower levels during the monsoon. Rainfall demonstrated a significant negative correlation with pollutant levels, while other meteorological factors like humidity, temperature, and wind speed were also analyzed. The Air Quality Index (AQI) fluctuated between 25 and 193.3, often placing the city in the 'moderately polluted to unhealthy' range. Despite a gradual decline in pollutant concentrations, levels remained just above permissible limits set by regulatory bodies.
The (failed) production of Hindu nationalized space in Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Despite decades of intense efforts by India's largest Hindu nationalist organization, the RSS, and its women's wing, the Samiti, to create a homogenized Hindu space in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, their attempts have consistently failed. The city's inherent heterogeneity in terms of its population, architecture, and social dynamics resists such homogenizing projects. While religious difference is often emphasized by Hindu nationalists, gender and sexuality play equally crucial roles in their constructions, violations, and eliminations of subjects, structures, and territories. The study analyzes RSS and Samiti practices aimed at transforming the city, including paramilitary training, economic boycotts against Muslims, and anti-Muslim violence, drawing from primary sources such as RSS publications, counter-Hindu nationalist materials, and extensive fieldwork data collected between 1987 and 2008. The research highlights the disconnect between Hindu nationalist discourse and practice, while also noting resistant transformations of the city by its inhabitants.
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