Delhi is believed to

be

Delhi is believed to

be

the site of In

draprastha,

the site of In

draprastha,

capital of th

e Pandavas

capital of th

e Pandavas

in the Indian epic

in the Indian epic

Mahabharata,

Mahabharata,

founded around 5000

founded around 5000

BC.BC.

Hindu texts state th

at

Hindu texts state th

at

the city

the city

Delhi used to be

Delhi used to be

referred to

in Sanskrit

referred to

in Sanskrit

as Hastinapur,w

hich

as Hastinapur,w

hich

means elephant-city

means elephant-city

The name Delhi may be

The name Delhi may be

derived fro

m the word

derived fro

m the word

Dhillika

Dhillika

Delhi has always been a

Delhi has always been a

convenient link between

convenient link between

Central A

sia, the

Central A

sia, the

northwest fr

ontiers and

northwest fr

ontiers and

the rest o

f the country

.

the rest o

f the country

.

• The Indian capital city of Delhi has a long history.

Raja Dhilu (King Dihlu) founded ancient Delhi in 800 BC.

• The earliest architectural relics

date back to the Maurya Period (300 BC); since then, the site has seen continuous settlement

• In 1966, an inscription of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (273-236 BC) was discovered near Srinivaspuri, which is near Noida.

• Two sandstone pillars inscribed with the edicts of Ashoka were brought to the city by Firuz Shah Tughluq in the 14th century.

• The famous Iron pillar near the Qutub Minar was commissioned by the emperor Kumara Gupta I of the Gupta dynasty (320-540) and transplanted to Delhi during the 10th century.

The Tomar Rajput dynasty founded Lal Kot in 736 near the Qutub Minar.

The Chauhan Rajput kings of Ajmer conquered Lal Kot in 1180 and renamed it Qila Rai Pithora.

The Chauhan king Prithviraj III was defeated in 1192 by the Afghan Muhammad Ghori.

Anangpal Tomar, a Chandravan-shi Rajput ruler of Delhi , often described as the founder of Delhi, built the citadel Suraj Kund around 731.

City :- IndraprasthaDate :-1450 BC (approx.)Site :- In Purana Qila

City :- Lal Kot or Qila Rai PithoraDate :- 1060 AD; built by Rajput Tomaras. Site :- QutubMinar-Mehrauli complex.

City :- TughlaqabadDate :- 1321-23 AD. Built by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.

Site :- 8km from the Qutub complex.

City :-JahanpanahDate :- Mid-14th century. Built by Mohammad- bin-Tughlaq,

Site :- Between Siri and Qutub Minar

City :- SiriDate :-1304 AD; built by Alauddin Khilji.

Site :- Near Hauz Khas and Gulmohar Park

City :- New DelhiDate :- 1920s. The formal announcement to move the seat of power from Calcutta to Delhi of India.Site :- Connaught Place and Rajpath.

City :-FerozabadDate :- 1354 AD; by Feroze Tughlaq.

Site:- Kotla Feroze Shah.

City :- Dilli Sher Shahi (Shergarh)Date :- 1534; This Delhi was actually started by Humayun,

Site :- Opposite the zoo. Around Purana Qila.

City :- ShajahanabadDate :- Mid-17th century. Shah Jahan,

Site :- The existing Old Delhi, the Red Fort, Jama Masjid

From 1206, Delhi became the capital

of the Delhi Sultanate under the

Slave Dynasty. After the end of the

Slave dynasty, a succession of

Turkic and Central Asian dynasties,

the Khilji dynasty, the Tughluq

dynasty, the Sayyid dynasty and

the Lodhi dynasty

held power in the late medieval

period and built a sequence of

forts and townships in Delhi.

In 1398, Timur Lenk invaded India

In 1526, Zahiruddin Babur, the

former ruler of Fergana, defeated

the last Lodhi sultan and founded

the Mughal dynasty which ruled

from Delhi, Agra and Lahore.

In the 16th century there was

an interruption in the Mughal

rule of India as Sher Shah Suri

defeated Babur's son Humayun

The third and greatest Mughal

emperor, Akbar, moved the

capital to Agra resulting in a

decline in the fortunes of Delhi.

In the mid-seventeenth century,

the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan

(1628-1658) built the city that

sometimes bears his name

(Shahjahanabad).

In 1659. Nader Shah defeated

the Mughal army.After this

victory, Nader captured and

sacked Delhi.

In 1761, Delhi was raided

by Ahmed Shah Abdali.

At the Battle of Delhi on

11 September 1803,

General Lake’s

British forces defeated

the Marathas.

Delhi passed to British

control in 1857 after the

First War of

Indian Independence;

the last Mughal Emperor

Bahadur Shah Zafar II

was was exiled to Rangoon.

                                    

State established:

736 AD

Language Khariboli, Haryanvi

Dynasties Tomaras-Chauhans (736-1192)Mamluks (1206-90)Khilji (1290-1320)Tughlaqs (1320-1413)Sayyids (1414-51)Lodhis (1451-1526)Mughals (1526–1857)British (1857-1947)Independence (1947-)

In 1538, the Mughal emperor Humayun laid the foundations of his city named Dinpanah, or the Refuge of the Faithful. The inner citadel of this city is today called Purana Qila or the Old Fort

The highest stone tower in India, the Qutub Minar was built by Qutbuddin Aibak, the viceroy of Mohammed Ghori in 1192. It was built to celebrate Ghori's victory over the Rajputs

The Red Fort, with a The Red Fort, with a circumference of over 2.2 circumference of over 2.2 kilometers,kilometers, was laid out by the banks of was laid out by the banks of the Yamuna river in the 17th the Yamuna river in the 17th century. century. The Mughal emperor Shajahan The Mughal emperor Shajahan built it with the ambition of built it with the ambition of the Mughal power in one the Mughal power in one monument. monument. is perhaps not the right word. is perhaps not the right word. A mini-city is more like it.A mini-city is more like it.

This solemn monument was built in memory of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who died in World War I. It was built in 1931, designed by Lutyens, and was originally called the All India War Memorial

The Jantar Mantar was built in The Jantar Mantar was built in 1710 by Raja Jai Singh II of 1710 by Raja Jai Singh II of Jaipur (1699-1743) in Delhi. Jaipur (1699-1743) in Delhi. This is an observatory consistingThis is an observatory consisting of mason-built astronomical of mason-built astronomical instruments to chart the courseinstruments to chart the course of the heavens. Jai Singh, whoof the heavens. Jai Singh, who was a very scholarly king withwas a very scholarly king with a very keen interest in astronomya very keen interest in astronomy and astrology.and astrology.

The house that housesThe house that houses

the President of India andthe President of India and

the house that boasts of the house that boasts of

having welcomed the mosthaving welcomed the most

powerful men in history.powerful men in history.

The Rashtrapati BhavanThe Rashtrapati Bhavan

was designed by Edwinwas designed by Edwin

Lutyens and built in 1931,Lutyens and built in 1931,

to be the central point of theto be the central point of the

British power in DelhiBritish power in Delhi

The Teen Murti Bhavan housed The Teen Murti Bhavan housed the first Prime Minister of India, the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru.Jawaharlal Nehru. It was designed by Robert It was designed by Robert Tor Russel, the architect of Tor Russel, the architect of Connaught Place, the Eastern Connaught Place, the Eastern and Western Courts on Janpathand Western Courts on Janpath

On 31st Jan. 1948, Mahatma Gandhi'sOn 31st Jan. 1948, Mahatma Gandhi's

last rites were performed here.last rites were performed here.

The memorial stone of Gandhi is The memorial stone of Gandhi is

square in shape made of black stonesquare in shape made of black stone

His last ward- 'Hey Ram' is inscribedHis last ward- 'Hey Ram' is inscribed

on it. Ordinary people, VIPs, foreignon it. Ordinary people, VIPs, foreign

tourists all come here at tourists all come here at

to pay their homage to himto pay their homage to him

Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's

last rites was performed here on last rites was performed here on

27 May, 1964. A tombstone has27 May, 1964. A tombstone has

been erected on his funeral place.been erected on his funeral place.

Next to it, the tomb of Sanjay GandhiNext to it, the tomb of Sanjay Gandhi

who was died in a plane crash in 1980.who was died in a plane crash in 1980.

Built by Shah Jahan Built by Shah Jahan

in 1658, it is one of in 1658, it is one of

the largest mosques the largest mosques

in India with a seatingin India with a seating

capacity of more thancapacity of more than

20,00020,000

This is the tomb of the famous This is the tomb of the famous sufi saint, Nizam-ud-din Auliya.sufi saint, Nizam-ud-din Auliya.The tomb has been through The tomb has been through several renovations ever since several renovations ever since it was built. The present it was built. The present mausoleum dates back to 1562.mausoleum dates back to 1562.

Humayun's tomb is known as the first example of the monumental scale that would characterize subsequent Mughal imperial architecture.The tomb is thefirst to mark the grave of a Mughal emperor; Humayun's father Babur, who founded the dynasty, Humayun's Tomb is now one of the best-preserved Mughal monuments in Delhi.

The temple represents the BahaiThe temple represents the Bahai faith which is broad in its outlook. faith which is broad in its outlook. This gleaming lotus- like marble This gleaming lotus- like marble structure is located on Bahapur Hills.structure is located on Bahapur Hills.This structure, completed in 1986, This structure, completed in 1986, is a marvel of modern architecture.is a marvel of modern architecture. Set amidst pools and gardens,Set amidst pools and gardens, the view of the temple is very the view of the temple is very spectacular just before dusk spectacular just before dusk when the temple is flood lit.when the temple is flood lit.

Also known as the Lakshmi NarayanAlso known as the Lakshmi Narayan

Temple, it is ideally located in central Temple, it is ideally located in central

Delhi (Mandir Marg). This temple Delhi (Mandir Marg). This temple

dedicated to the goddess of wealth,dedicated to the goddess of wealth,

Lakshmi and Lord NarayanaLakshmi and Lord Narayana

(Lord Vishnu) was built in 1938 (Lord Vishnu) was built in 1938

by the prominent Indian industrialist by the prominent Indian industrialist

Raja Baldev Das Birla and inauguratedRaja Baldev Das Birla and inaugurated

by Mahatma Gandhi.by Mahatma Gandhi.

Built on a hilly place in 1998,Built on a hilly place in 1998, the ISKCON Temple is a complex the ISKCON Temple is a complex of temples. Dedicated to of temples. Dedicated to Lord Krishna,Lord Krishna, this elegant temple is one this elegant temple is one of the largest temple complexesof the largest temple complexes in India. It has a large number in India. It has a large number of Hare-Rama Hare-Krishna cult of Hare-Rama Hare-Krishna cult

followers.followers.

Located very close toLocated very close to

Kashmere Gate in northKashmere Gate in north

Delhi, St. James Church Delhi, St. James Church

is the oldest church in the is the oldest church in the

capital. It was built by capital. It was built by

James Skinner and James Skinner and

consecrated in 1836consecrated in 1836

The famous Mughal Gardens

is located in the premises of the

Rashtrapati Bhavan - the official

residence of the President of India.

The building and gardens designed

by Sir Edwin Lutyens span an area of

about 320 acres that include colourful

flowering shrubs and European flowerbeds.

It is one of the most important

Moghul gardens in the city.

The Shalimar Garden, which

lies in the suburbs of the city,

was once the first-night staging

post for the Moghuls on their

way to Kashmir and Lahore.

In 1658, Aurangzeb was crowned

emperor here.

The beautiful central pavilionThe beautiful central pavilion

built by Shah Jahan is now in a built by Shah Jahan is now in a fairly advanced state of decay. fairly advanced state of decay. Some of the original painted Some of the original painted

flower decoration has survived.flower decoration has survived.

In these well-maintained gardensIn these well-maintained gardens are the domed tombs of Sayyid are the domed tombs of Sayyid and Lodi rulers..and Lodi rulers..In the middle of the garden is In the middle of the garden is Bara Gumbad (Big Dome), Bara Gumbad (Big Dome), a mosque built in 1494. The a mosque built in 1494. The garden has Sheesh Gumbad garden has Sheesh Gumbad Mohammad Shah's Tomb and Mohammad Shah's Tomb and Sikander Lodi's tomb. Sikander Lodi's tomb.

The Delhi zoological Park,The Delhi zoological Park, close to Purana Qila, nearclose to Purana Qila, near ITO, was established in 1959 ITO, was established in 1959 and is spread a massive area and is spread a massive area of 214 acres is regarded as one of 214 acres is regarded as one of the finest zoos in Asia and of the finest zoos in Asia and

efforts have been made to efforts have been made to provide an almost natural provide an almost natural habitat to the animals and habitat to the animals and birds. birds.

At Palam-bound Sardar At Palam-bound Sardar Patel Marg via Karol BaghPatel Marg via Karol Bagh opp. Assam House isopp. Assam House is Buddha Jayanti ParkBuddha Jayanti Park founded on the auspiciousfounded on the auspicious eve of 2500 years of eve of 2500 years of completion of Buddhas Great completion of Buddhas Great

Salvation. Salvation.

The grand, ancient-styled The grand, ancient-styled Swaminarayan Akshardham Swaminarayan Akshardham complex was built in onlycomplex was built in only five years through the blessings five years through the blessings of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj of the Bochasanwasi Shri Aksharof the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan SansthaPurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) and the colossal devotional (BAPS) and the colossal devotional efforts of 11,000 and BAPS volunteers.efforts of 11,000 and BAPS volunteers. The complex was inaugurated onThe complex was inaugurated on 6 November, 2005.6 November, 2005.

Chandni Chowk meaning the Moonlight Chandni Chowk meaning the Moonlight Square, was designed and laid by Square, was designed and laid by Jahanara Begum. There was NajafgarhJahanara Begum. There was Najafgarh pond, the water of which glitteredpond, the water of which glittered while reflecting the moonlight. while reflecting the moonlight. The palace of the Begum, whichThe palace of the Begum, which today has the biggest electrical today has the biggest electrical market of north India.market of north India. History says that the emperor thoughtHistory says that the emperor thought about founding this market in Old Delhiabout founding this market in Old Delhi to satisfy his daughter's shopping spree.to satisfy his daughter's shopping spree.

Connaught Place, built in 1931, is one of Delhi's most popular shopping centres... The state emporia buildings are also located in this area so are the head offices of major banks, airlines and other such things. The complex, popularly referred to as CP.

National Museum located on National Museum located on

Janpath is a treasure house ofJanpath is a treasure house of

India ’s glorious past. It has in India ’s glorious past. It has in

possession over 2,00,000 workspossession over 2,00,000 works

of exquisite art both of Indian and of exquisite art both of Indian and

Foreign origin covering more thanForeign origin covering more than

5,000 years of cultural heritage. 5,000 years of cultural heritage.

National Gallery of Modern Art,National Gallery of Modern Art,

housed in the residence of housed in the residence of Jaipur's Jaipur's

former maharajas near India former maharajas near India Gate, Gate,

has a superb collection of has a superb collection of paintings paintings

dating from 150 years ago to the dating from 150 years ago to the

present day. present day.

Crafts Museum at Pragati MaidanCrafts Museum at Pragati Maidan Grounds. It has galleries displayingGrounds. It has galleries displaying India 's rich tradition of handicrafts.India 's rich tradition of handicrafts. An added attraction is the presence An added attraction is the presence of craftsperson who are bought here of craftsperson who are bought here from different parts of the country to from different parts of the country to demonstrate their skills. demonstrate their skills.

Nehru Memorial Museum and Nehru Memorial Museum and PlanetariumPlanetarium is located at Teen Murti house, the is located at Teen Murti house, the residence of India 's first Prime ministerresidence of India 's first Prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. After his death the Jawaharlal Nehru. After his death the house was converted into a memorialhouse was converted into a memorial The Nehru memorial has a collectionThe Nehru memorial has a collection of gifts and many other items which of gifts and many other items which he possessed. Nehru Planetarium ishe possessed. Nehru Planetarium is within the compound of Teen Murti. within the compound of Teen Murti. This planetarium gives a overviewThis planetarium gives a overview of of the Indian Space program. the Indian Space program.

The Gandhi Memorial Museum has The Gandhi Memorial Museum has a collection of memorabilia ona collection of memorabilia on Mahatma Gandhi.Mahatma Gandhi.

The Parliament House is one of the The Parliament House is one of the most magnificent buildings in New most magnificent buildings in New Delhi which has one of the brightest Delhi which has one of the brightest clusters of architectural gems clusters of architectural gems possessed by any country in the world. possessed by any country in the world. The building was designed by two The building was designed by two famous architects – Sir Edwin Lutyens famous architects – Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker – who were and Sir Herbert Baker – who were responsible for the planning and responsible for the planning and construction of New Delhi. construction of New Delhi.

The Supreme Court of India is the The Supreme Court of India is the highest court in the country and highest court in the country and moved to the current building in 1958. moved to the current building in 1958. The building is shaped to project the The building is shaped to project the image of the scales of justice with the image of the scales of justice with the Central Wing (above) corresponding to Central Wing (above) corresponding to the centre beam of the scales. In 1979, the centre beam of the scales. In 1979, two new wings - the East Wingtwo new wings - the East Wing and West Wing - were added to the and West Wing - were added to the complex. In all there 15 Court Rooms in complex. In all there 15 Court Rooms in various wings of the building. The Chief various wings of the building. The Chief Justice's Court is the largest of the Justice's Court is the largest of the Courts located in the centre of the Courts located in the centre of the Central Wing.Central Wing.

The Secretariat Building was designed by the British Architect, Herbert Baker. The building isinfluenced by both Moghul and Rajputana styles of Architecture.The building houses the Ministries of Defence, Finance, External Affairs, Home Affairs and The Prime Ministers Office. There are two buildings: The North Block and South Block which both flank Rashtrapati Bhavan.

OOne of the most oldest andne of the most oldest and

progressive cities in the world, progressive cities in the world,

Delhi is the capital of world's Delhi is the capital of world's

largest democracy, India. largest democracy, India.

The city is a perfect The city is a perfect

amalgamation of ancient amalgamation of ancient

and modern. The history of India and modern. The history of India

is related to the history of Delhi.is related to the history of Delhi.