TOUR DE DELHI volume 1 | Page 3

Heritage of Delhi

The capital of India, Delhi or locally pronounced as Dilli is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi,once the capital of Islamic India,is labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with old Havelis and many mosques. In comparison, the developed city of New Delhi also known as the Lutyen’s Delhi revamped by the British Raj under the direction of British Architect Edwin Lutyen, is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and government buildings. Delhi has been an important political centre of India since millenials, and has been the capital of several empires.

Delhi has a strong historical background. It was ruled by one of the most powerful emperor in Indian history. Delhi was formerly known as Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas. The politically cruicial state of Delhi was ruled by several empires ever since, and has been a subject to many battles and turmoils . It was ruled by Mughals in succession to Khilji’s and Tughlaqs. Delhi was invaded by several other Muslim empires like Lodhi Dynasty. It was in the year 1526,Babur founded the Mughal Empire, an empire which gave Delhi rulers like Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan and Delhi its significant political and cultural position in the country.Shah Jahan built walls in Old Delhi 1638, post which Delhi became the permanent capital of Mughals.

Monuments like Purana Quila and Jama Masjid are witness to Delhi’s architectural marvels. It is amidst the serenity of Purana Quila that you will find the history of the city come alive.They bring alive the past grandeur of the city.

It is after the establishment of the Red Fort by Shah Jahan, that the administration had taken a shift to the attractive palaces of fort. When you visit the place today, only a limited space has been given for public access. Greater part of the fort has been owned and maintained by the army people. But the historical Value remains the same.

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