Delhi, the capital of India, has been always a hot seat for power. Different dynasties such as the Mughals, the Khilji and the Tuglaks ruled over the city. The first evidence of Delhi found is the Mahabharata (the Indian epic), way back in the 2500 BC. Then Delhi was known as Indraprastha. The archaeological evidence suggests that Indraprastha of the Pandavas stood where the Old Fort is today. It was the capital of the Pandavas. However, the credit of laiding the foundation stone of Delhi goes to Anagpal Tomar as Dhilli.
The word Delhi has been derived from the word Dhillika. There are different stories to this. Satyarth Prakash (1875 CE) of Swami Dayanand suggests that Raja Dhilu founded Delhi in 800 BC.
Below is the unfolded history of Delhi as several ancient cities:
Indraprastha
It existed in around 1450 BC and the famous site of Indraprastha is Purana Qila. According to archeological findings, this is indeed the earliest city of Delhi.
Lal Kot or Qila Rai Pithora
Built by Rajput Tomaras in 12th century and it was again enlarged by Prithviraj Chauhan, the Rajput King, after capturing it. The famous site is Qutub Minar – Mehrauli complex.
Siri
It dates back to 1304 AD and it was built by Alauddin Khilji of Delhi Sultanate. The famous site of Siri is near Hauz Khas and Gulmohar Park.
Tughlaqabad
It was built by Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq in mid 14th century. The site of tughlaqabad is between Siri and Qutub Minar.
Ferozabad
Built by Feroze Tughlaq in 1354 AD, Ferozabad remained the capital until Sikander Lodi moved to Agra. Feroze Shah Kotla stadium for cricket is famous these days.
Dilli Sher Shahi (Shergarh)
It was built in 1534 and it was in fact started by Humayun, the second Mughal emperor. After his defeat and forced exile, Shergarh was completed by Sher Shah Suri. The site is opposite the zoo around Purana Qila.
Shajahanabad
The fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built Shajahanabad in mid-17th century. He moved his capital from Agra to here. The site famous is the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and main streets of Old Delhi known as Chandni Chowk.
New Delhi
In 1911 there was a formal announcement made to move the capital of India from Calcutta, now kolkata, to Delhi during the famous Delhi Durbar. The main buildings of the Edward Lutyens designs were however completed 20 years later. Since then Delhi is the capital of India.
Want to know more about Delhi city? Below are some of the favourites:
Delhi vacation is never complete without visiting the below mentioned popular tourist spots:
