One of my favourite books on travel and architecture is Where the Streets Lead (1997) by Sarayu Ahuja (the other is Brahmins and Bungalows by Kavita Vatsa, 2004). In her chapter on Siddhpur (Gujarat), Ahuja writes about being struck by the regimented atmosphere of the Bohra street and, intrigued, speaks with an elder who sheds light on the spatial logic behind a traditional Bohra home. Those interested in exploring the rich and enigmatic world of the Bohras—their distinctive urban character and remarkable architecture—can now turn to Madhavi Desai’s pioneering study. Originally published by the Council of Architecture in 2007, it has been reissued in a beautifully produced, compact edition by CEPT.
By a happy coincidence, Michael O’Sullivan’s excellent book on the Bohras, Khojas and Memons—No Birds of Passage: A History of Gujarati Muslim Business Communities (2024)—has also been published recently. His thorough account of the social organization of Bohra society complements Desai’s work.