The essays deal with themes associated with the historical, mythological and cultural aspects of Allahabad—a spiritual metropolis for devout Hindus for centuries. They view the artistic and architectural beauty of the place, particularly its medieval paintings and monuments, and capture the cultural and spiritual ambience of the place. They discuss the popular narratives of Allahabad, literary world of especially Persian and Urdu letters, the British layout of the city and its importance under the British, and the scholarship and civility of its academic fraternity. They deal with association of the place with leaders of the national movement for independence and events of the time. They focus on Allahabad's prominence in post-1947 Indian politics.