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Delhi's
history goes much further back in time than the 13th century. In
1955, excavations at the Purana Qila exposed that
the site was inhabited 3000 years ago. Ware pottery known as
Painted Gray Ware and dated to 1000 BC confirmed this as being
yet another site connected with the epic Mahabharata. The
excavations also cut through houses and streets of the
Sultanate, Rajput, post Gupta, Gupta, Saka-Kushan
and Sunga periods, reaching down to the Mauryan
era (300 BC), thus illuminating almost continuous habitaion. The
association of Emperor Ashoka (273-36 BC) with Delhi has
come to light with the discovery of a Minor Rock Edict in the
locality known as Srinivaspuri. A clearer picture of the
city emerges from the end of the 10th century, when the Tomar
Rajputs recognized themselves in the in the Aravalli
hills south of Delhi. The lonely, rocky outcrop
facilitated the defense of the royal resort which the Rajputs
called Dhilli or Dhillika. The core of the first
of the seven cities was created by Anangpal Tomar who is
said to have built Lal Kot, which is the first
known regular defence work in Delhi. The Chauhan
Rajputs later captured Delhi from the Tomars. Prithviraj
III, also known as Rai Pithora, extensive Lal
Kot, adding massive ramparts and gates, and made Qila
Rai Pithora the first city of Delhi.
One of the most charming aspects of Delhi is the "visibility" of
its historic past. Were it not for the demands of urbanization,
large segments of the city could well be earmarked as
archaeological parks. This is because the rulers of consecutive
dynasties between the 13th and the 17th centuries established
seven cities in different parts of Delhi. A chronological review
of these cities fortunately also serves as a suitable itinerary
for tourists and highlights the important monuments amongst the
1300 formally listed.
Most Popular
Attractions of Delhi:
Red Fort:
Red Fort (Lal Qila) is one of the most
wonderful palaces in the world. India's history is also closely
linked with this fort. It was forth here ht the British deposed
the last Mughal ruler, Bhadur Shah Zafar,
marking the end of the three century long Mughal rule. It
was also from its fortifications that the first Prime Minister
of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru,
announced to the nation that India was free form colonial rule.
The mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, after
ruling from Agra for eleven years, determined to shift to Delhi
and laid the foundation stone of the Red Fort in 1618. For its
inauguration in 1647, the main halls of the palace were draped
in rich embroidery and covered with silk from china and velvet
from Turkey. With a edge of almost one and a half miles, the
fort is an irregular octagon and has two entrances, the Lahore
and Delhi Gates.
Jantar Mantar:
Jantar Mantar is an excessive observatory with masonry
instruments, built in 1724 by Jai Singh, the mathematician and
astronomer king. The Samrat the largest structure shaped
like a right angled triangle, is really a huge sun dial; the
other five instruments are intended to show the movements of the
sun, moon, etc.
Qutub Minar:
The Qutub Minar made of red sandstone
increasing to the height of 72.5mts is an architectural marvel
of the 13th century. Also a must is the visit to Ashoka
Pillar dating back to the 5th century. Though made of iron it
has with stood the weathers of time. A very attractive belief is
assigned to this pillar stand with your back to the pillar, and
if you can hold your hands around it, then make a wish and it
will certainly come true.
Raj Ghat:
On the banks of the river Yamuna is the Raj
Ghat where the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi was
cremated in 1948, soon after India achieved it freedom.
Chandni Chowk:
One of the major markets of Delhi, Chandni Chowk
was once lined with beautiful fountains. But nowadays the place
is very crowded and congested. Chandni Chowk is
situated opposite the Red Fort. The Area has got the Digamber
Jain Temple which houses the Birds hospital. On one end of
Chandni Chowk is the Fatehpuri Mosque which
was erected by the wives of Shah Jahan.
India Gate:
Flanked by attractive ponds and lawns, Rajpath is
host to the Republic Day Parade. The two secretariat buildings
and Rashtrapati Bhawan on the Raisine hills
are situated on the two sides of this enormously broad road.
Previously the Boat Club, besides the Rajpath, was host
to many demonstrations and Rallies. India Gate is towards the
eastern end of Rajpath.
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