India, Nov. 12 -- With its tree-lined streets, old government flats and colourful murals, Lodhi Colony is one of South Delhi's most recognisable neighbourhoods. Today, it draws visitors for its street art and distinctive old-world charm. But behind its familiar streets lies a lesser-known story of how this part of the capital came to be.

Lodhi Colony's origins can be traced to the early 1940s, when the Second World War brought significant changes to Delhi. Industrial and commercial activities expanded, more people moved to the capital for work, and government operations grew. This created a need for additional housing.

A 1961 Census of India report on Delhi records that the city's population rose from 3.48 lakh in 1931 to 5.22 lakh in 1...