Ancient History: Delhi’s history dates back over 5,000 years and is believed to be the site of Indraprastha, a city mentioned in the Mahabharata. Over the centuries, Delhi has been the capital of many empires and has witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties, including the Tomars, Chauhans, Mughals, and British.
Medieval Period: Delhi became prominent under the Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526), particularly under rulers like Qutb-ud-din Aibak, Alauddin Khilji, and the Tughlaqs. The Mughal Empire (1526–1857) brought prosperity, and several iconic monuments were built during this period, including the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Humayun’s Tomb.
Colonial Period: Under British rule, Delhi became a key administrative center, and New Delhi was established as the capital of British India in 1911. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, New Delhi became the seat of power after the British shifted the capital from Kolkata.
Post-Independence: Post-independence, Delhi continued to evolve as a cultural and political center. It witnessed significant changes during the Partition of India in 1947, which led to a mass influx of refugees. Today, Delhi is the political seat of India, with the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, and Supreme Court located here.
Landscape and Area
Area: Delhi covers an area of approximately 1,484 square kilometers, making it the largest metropolitan region in northern India.
Geography: Delhi is located on the banks of the Yamuna River and is bordered by the states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The city’s landscape is a mix of the fertile plains of the Yamuna River, low hills of the Aravalli Range, and the urban sprawl of modern developments.
Ridge: The Delhi Ridge, a part of the Aravalli Range, runs through the city and serves as an important ecological zone, providing green cover and a natural barrier against desertification.
Climatic Conditions
Extreme Climate: Delhi experiences an extreme climate, with hot summers, cold winters, and a monsoon season.
Summer (April-June): Temperatures can soar as high as 45°C, making it one of the hottest places in northern India during this period.
Monsoon (July-September): Delhi receives moderate rainfall during the monsoon, with an average of 700-800 mm of rainfall annually. Humidity levels are high during this season.
Winter (December-February): Winters in Delhi are cold, with temperatures ranging between 7°C and 20°C, though it can drop as low as 3°C during peak winter. Fog is a common occurrence.
Historical Places
Red Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648 and is a symbol of India’s independence.
Qutub Minar: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world, standing at 73 meters. It was built in 1193 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak.
India Gate: A war memorial located in the heart of New Delhi, India Gate commemorates the Indian soldiers who died during World War I.
Humayun’s Tomb: Built in 1570, this tomb is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture and served as an inspiration for the construction of the Taj Mahal.
Lotus Temple: Known for its unique flower-like shape, the Lotus Temple is a Baháʼí House of Worship and a modern architectural marvel.
Jama Masjid: One of the largest mosques in India, Jama Masjid was built by Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656 and is an iconic symbol of Mughal architecture.
Rashtrapati Bhavan: The official residence of the President of India, Rashtrapati Bhavan is an architectural masterpiece designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
Akshardham Temple: A modern Hindu temple complex known for its stunning architecture and cultural exhibits.
Festivals
Diwali: The festival of lights is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the city with the lighting of diyas, bursting of crackers, and distribution of sweets.
Holi: The festival of colors, Holi, is celebrated with vibrancy and enthusiasm, marked by music, dance, and the throwing of colors.
Eid-ul-Fitr: Celebrated by the Muslim community, Eid is marked by prayers, feasts, and social gatherings. The Jama Masjid becomes a focal point for prayers during Eid.
Dussehra and Durga Puja: Delhi witnesses grand celebrations of Dussehra with Ram Lila performances and the burning of effigies of Ravana. Durga Puja is celebrated by the Bengali community with elaborate pandals and rituals.
Republic Day Parade: Held annually on January 26, the Republic Day Parade showcases India’s military might and cultural diversity along Rajpath.
Phoolwalon Ki Sair: A secular festival celebrated in Mehrauli, where flower sheets are offered to both the Yogmaya Temple and the Dargah of Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, symbolizing communal harmony.
Environment and Biodiversity
Green Cover: Delhi is one of the greenest capitals in the world, with over 22% of its area under tree cover. The Delhi Ridge, numerous parks, and gardens, such as the Lodhi Garden and the Buddha Jayanti Park, contribute to its green cover.
Wildlife: Delhi’s biodiversity is supported by the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Aravalli Biodiversity Park. These areas provide habitat for several species of birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Environmental Challenges: Delhi faces severe environmental issues, particularly air pollution. The city experiences hazardous air quality levels during the winter months due to factors like vehicular emissions, crop stubble burning in neighboring states, and industrial pollution.
Society
Population: Delhi is the second-most populous city in India, with a population of over 20 million (Census 2011). It is a melting pot of diverse cultures, religions, and ethnic groups.
Language: Hindi is the most widely spoken language in Delhi, followed by Punjabi, Urdu, and English.
Religions: The city has a diverse religious composition, with Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, and Christianity being the major religions practiced.
Education and Economy: Delhi is home to some of India’s leading educational institutions, including the University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Delhi). The economy is driven by sectors such as information technology, telecommunications, media, tourism, and real estate.
Interesting and Hidden Facts
Seven Cities of Delhi: Delhi is said to have been built and destroyed seven times. The cities include Lal Kot, Mehrauli, Siri, Tughlaqabad, Firozabad, Shergarh, and Shahjahanabad.
Home to Asia’s Largest Spice Market: Khari Baoli, located near the Red Fort, is Asia’s largest spice market, known for its wide variety of spices, herbs, and dried fruits.
Cultural Diversity: Delhi is a cultural mosaic with people from across India living in the city. It is home to various cultural hubs like Dilli Haat, which showcases handicrafts and cuisine from different states.
Ghost Town of Feroz Shah Kotla: The Feroz Shah Kotla Fort, built by Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century, is said to be haunted by djinns, and people still visit the ruins to offer letters and prayers.
Underground River: A hidden waterway called the Saraswati River is said to flow beneath the Rashtrapati Bhavan area, believed to be an ancient and mythical river from Vedic times.
