Delhi, the capital of India, has a strong historical background. It was ruled by some of the most powerful emperors in Indian history. The history of the city is as old as the epic Mahabharata. The town was known as Indraprastha, where Pandavas used to live. In due course, eight more cities came alive adjacent to Indraprastha: Lal Kot, Siri, Dinpanah, Quila Rai Pithora, Ferozabad, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad and Shahjahanabad.
- Delhi has been a witness to political turmoil for over five centuries. It was ruled by the Mughals in succession to Khiljis and Tughlaqs. In 1192, the legions of the Afghan warrior Muhammad of Ghori captured the Rajput town, and the Delhi Sultanate was established (1206). The invasion of Delhi by Timur in 1398 put an end to the sultanate; the Lodis, last of the Delhi sultans, gave way to Babur, who, after the battle of Panipat in 1526, founded the Mughal Empire.
- The early Mughal emperors favored Agra as their capital, and Delhi became their permanent seat only after Shah Jahan built (1638) the walls of Old Delhi. From Hindu Kings to Muslim Sultans, the reins of the city kept shifting from one ruler to another. The soils of the city smell of blood, sacrifices and love for the nation.
- In 1803 AD, the city came under British rule. In 1911, British shifted their capital from Calcutta to Delhi. It again became the center of all governing activities. But, the city has a reputation for overthrowing the occupants of its throne. It included the British and current political parties that have had the honor of leading free India.
- After independence in 1947, New Delhi was officially declared as the Capital of India.
- Delhi is home to many famous historical monuments and landmarks such as India Gate, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Hauz Khas Fort and Humayun’s Tomb. These monuments provide a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Delhi.
- India Gate is a war memorial located in New Delhi. It is dedicated to the 82,000 soldiers, both Indian and British, who died during World War I and Third Anglo-Afghan War. The Amar Jawan Jyoti is a burning structure right underneath the archway that symbolizes eternal soldiers of India.
- The Red Fort was constructed over ten years from 1638 to 1648 when Shah Jahan shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. It was then known as Qila-e-Mubarak.
- Delhi is also home to many famous people such as Mahatma Gandhi who played a crucial role in India's independence movement. Raj Ghat is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated following his assassination in 1948.
In conclusion, Delhi is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage. It has been ruled by some of the most powerful emperors in Indian history and has been witness to many important events in Indian history. The city is home to many famous historical monuments and landmarks that provide a glimpse into its rich past.