One of the ancient cities of India, Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many empires both during independent and pre-independent era. India has been ruled by many empires, but every one of the Rulers retained Delhi as their capital. The current monuments stand tall as memory of the bygone era that had the grandeur and glory of those Rulers. Delhi during Mahabharata period was the seat of power and it remained so till the advent of British. Even then, over a period of time, Delhi cast its charm forcing the British to change their capital to Delhi. The ancient city of Delhi was encompassed on three sides by Haryana and one side by the west Bank of River Yamuna. The political importance associated with this city made it to grow in leaps and bounds and is currently a city with myriad facets.
Sneak Peek into History
The city of Delhi stood silently as evidence to the greatest war of Mahabharata, the war fought for control over the Kingdom between the cousins, Kauravas and Pandavas. The epic mentions that Delhi during Mahabharata time was magnificent city of Indraprastha during 3500 BC. It was one of the five plains (prastha) that included Sonepat, Tilpat, Baghpat and Panipat.
The Archaeological Survey of India has traced that Delhi was also ruled by Mughals, Tughlaqs and the Khiljis. In 16th Century, Persian historian concluded that the city of Delhi (called as Dilli in Hindi) was founded during the Greek invasion to India. Later on, the control over Delhi was taken over by the British in early 19th Century when they shifted their base from Calcutta to Delhi by 1911.
Delhi in Independent India
Post Independence, Delhi was made a Union Territory and the Chief Commissioner, in control of the city was replaced with Lt Governor and later on, Delhi was converted to a capital city. But the unique feature of this city is that it goes for general elections like every other State of India, the elected Government has wide powers on administrative areas. But, law and order still remains with the Central Government and this has been the case since 1993.
New Delhi - The Modern City
On one side, this city retains the remnants of the Delhi during Mahabharata period while on the other hand; it has accepted the fashion trends of modern cities. The safety in the modern Delhi city has been questioned recently but the beauty was never compromised. At one far end, Delhi is a garden city full of trees and on the extreme opposite direction; it is counted as most polluted city of the world. Delhi was rechristened as New Deli in the late 21st Century to match the name of the city in synchronization with its modesty. Delhi is correctly nicknamed as “Dil” of India (heart of India) as many facets of Indian diversity are carefully embedded in the city. A diverse category of people both men and women, both rural and urbanites reside here. Foreigners are no exception, they instantly fall in love with the history of Delhi and the drastic change the city which they are experiencing today. Bustling markets, ancient Lal Quila, sky scrapers, posh residential colonies depict one face of New Delhi.