The capital of India, Delhi is a union territory and metropolitan city that lies in the northern part of the country. It is the second-wealthiest city in India that is known to be a diplomatic and administrative hub. A perfect blend of modern and old-world charm, the capital is brimming with historical sites, sprawling gardens, amusement parks, museums, art galleries, plush markets, glitzy nightlife, popular eateries, and most embracing community. Delhi for sure is the heart of India.
Built and destroyed several times, the antiquity of the capital state is as old as 3000 years. Mentioned in the mythological epic Mahabharata, Delhi was then known as Indraprastha, which was the capital of Pandavas. Lal Kot region in Delhi was founded by the Tomar dynasty in 736. Prithviraj Chauhan conquered the city in 1180 and renamed it as Qila Rai Pithora. Qutb-ud-din Aibak established Qutub Minar in 1193 and marked that region as his territory. Afghan ruler Mohammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan and took control over Delhi and established his Sultanate in 1206, however, his Sultanate ended as Taimur invaded Delhi in 1398. During this period several dynasties such as the Khilji dynasty, the Sayyid dynasty, the Tughlaq dynasty, and the Lodi dynasty came into existence and disappeared leaving behind monuments that witness their presence in the capital.
After the first Battle of Panipat Babur established the Mughal Empire in Delhi in 1526. Sher Shah Suri defeated Babur’s son Humayun and built the Purana Qila in the mid 16th century. In 1638 Shah Jahan built the walls of Old Delhi and made it a permanent capital of the Mughals. During this period he established Red Fort and Jama Masjid and renamed the capital as Shahjahanabad. The capital remained alluring to Marathas and Persian kings who kept attacking Delhi in the 18th Century. In 1803, the East India Company took advantage of the turmoil, and forcefully captured the capital. In 1911, King George announced Delhi as a new British capital.and made it the center of governing activities. The British architect Edwin Lutyens designed the city and the central part of the capital still holds the Imperial architecture of the British era. India got independence in 1947 and New Delhi was officially declared as the capital of India.
Endowed with a rich cultural heritage, a part of Old Delhi still flaunts the ancient style architecture, bustling markets, narrow lanes, and traditional communities who are holding up traditional values of a bygone era. The other side of the capital is ultra-plush and very modernized. The lifestyle of Delhi is influenced by the culture of bound states such as Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. Delhi is amongst the ancient regions of India that has a history of many empires controlling it. Chauhans and Mughals left behind a massive influence on the culture of Delhi and therefore Hinduism and Islam are two major religions that thrive together to make the city most embracing.
The migrants from various parts of India come here to settle for better job opportunities and lifestyle. This indeed has paved a way for the cosmopolitan culture and the merger of old traditions and modern lifestyle. More than 80% of the population speaks Hindi which makes it an official language of the capital city, however, Punjabi, Bengali, Urdu are widely spoken languages. People from different parts of the country live here peacefully and all major festivals of India are celebrated with full gusto. It is an exemplary city in India where Unity in Diversity is evident in social and cultural gatherings and there are a plethora of reasons to visit Delhi.
The hoary past of the capital has left behind many interesting arts and handicrafts including the ones adapted from neighboring cultures. The Mughals patronized several artists and artisans and their art forms still exist in the narrow lanes of old Delhi. A cultural hub of its time, Delhi always attracted the best of painters, craftsmen, musicians, and dancers. Jewelry made with ivory has been the most prominent, however, with the ban imposed on ivory the craftsmen now craft exquisite jewelry out of buffalo and camel bones. Matia Mahal's Pahadi Bhojla is a famous place to spot these pieces of jewelry. Meenakari and Kundan Jewelries of Delhi are fashionably elegant and sophisticated. Vibrant and colorful lacquer work bangles studded with mirrors and beads are appealing and alluring. Delhi is home to many Indian fashion designers and is the hub of the finest quality textile embroidery.
Magic of intricate zari work and euphoria of semi-precious stones studded on the various fabrics has created a buzz in the international market. The refined art of embroidery with gold thread, Zardozi is extremely graceful and elegant. Painting is another art that is famous in Delhi since the Mughal era as the emperors were fond of paintings and they invited painters from around the world. Few of these painters stayed back and their art became an inheritance to the art culture of Delhi. Paper painting, miniature painting, manuscripts, marble paintings are a few types of paintings that are very famous and can be found in many galleries and markets. Pottery and enameling work is the traditional craft of the capital. Making incense sticks, ittars (perfumes), brass molding are the gifts that Mughals left behind in their capital that are famous even today.
North Indian cuisines are the favorite as it falls in a league of the richest cuisines of the world. Be it Butter Chicken from a fancy restaurant or chicken tikka at the Dhaba around the corner, the sumptuous delights of Delhi would leave you drooling. Food variety in Delhi is fathomless and every street in the capital has something delectable to offer. Chhole Bhature, Aloo Tikki, Papri Chaat, Kachori Aloo, Tikkas, Kebabs, Pakodas, Momos are some of the famous street food items and there is no dearth of food joints that offer these dishes but with a unique style.
Dal Makhani, Butter Chicken, Biryani, Chicken Korma, Mutton Rista, Dal Bukhara, Mutton Barra, Kadhai Paneer, Shahi Paneer are a few of the heavenly dishes of Delhi that are famous around the world. With ample of options for a sweet tooth, there are delicacies like Jalebi, Kulfi Falooda, Rabri, Karachi Halwa, variety of Paan, Gulab Jamun, Rasgullas, Ras Malai, etc that has crowned the capital as the most loved dessert hub. Narrow alleys of old Delhi are brimming with food joints that are ancient in origin and their recipes have been passed on to generations. These are the prized dishes from the Mughal era that are the pride of Delhi food culture.
The only city in the world boasting not one but three UNESCO World Heritage sites within its boundaries, Delhi keeps up with the unique distinction that draws a large number of tourists from around the world. This is not all, the capital never ceases to amaze with a plethora of interesting places to visit and myriad things to do.
Delhi for sure is the best tourist destination in India where diversity can be witnessed at its best. The capital city of India is way beyond its overwhelming culture, historical relics, pompous lifestyle and lip-smacking food.
Delhi is the capital city of India. It is a metropolitan city that lies in the northern part of the country. It is the second-wealthiest city and an administrative hub.
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