Delhi travel

History of Delhi

Ancient history and settlement.

The land of the great Mughals – Delhi has numerous stories to tell. It carries the confluence of each dynasty and their reminiscences. Delhi has been wooed, built and destroyed by legends and warriors. According to historians, the place has been phoenix for seven times! Rising more powerful than the last time.

History of the city

Delhi has a glorious past yet a tumultuous one. It also has one of the largest Hindus Temple in the world – Akshardham.

With big names like – Khiljis, Tughlaq and Mughals ruling the city in the past and with female like – Razia Sultana, Delhi has a confluence of cultures and traditions.

In 1192, it was a Rajput township and Sultanate of the Mughal Empire was introduced in 1200. In 1393, the same ended abruptly. Then Lodhis ruled the city as the last sultans.

The glorious past with Mughals

When the walls of old Delhi were built by Shah Jahan, the city became the new capital of the Mughal Empire. The place is known for its Red Fort, Jama Masjid and the glorious treasures like Peacock Throne. Then the city changed rulers of Muslim and Hindu origin.

The British empire and its legacy

In early 1800, the British empire took the reins of the city and its overall administration. The famous architect – Edwin Lutyens took his magic wand and made the city an even more impressive place. The Rashtrapati Bhavan, Raisina Hills and Lutyens Zone – all are the part of his legacy. Then, in 1911 the Calcutta was decided to be the new capital of the state. Later, the country gained its independence in 1947 and the city regained its original status of being the capital city.

Geography of Delhi

Legends have that the city- Delhi was ruled by Raja Dhilu in 1st century BCE. As a result, numerous names of Delhi are corruptions of his name.

Known originally as Indraprastha – the place is the land of the famous Pandava Brothers from Mahabharata.

Major geographic divides –

This place has three major geographic regions –

The Yamuna Flood plans
The Ridge
Gangetic Plains

Location of Delhi

Geographically, the city – Delhi is located near the Yamuna river. This is 100 miles away from the great Himalayas.

Delhi is located at 28.38-degree North and 77.14-degree East.

With an average altitude of 293 meters and above the sea level, this is one of the most dominant features of the region. It originates from the great Aravalli Hills and encircles other portions of the great city. The plains however cover a large part of the city.

Area of the city

The Delhi region stretches over a wide area. The same covers 1483 square kilometers. The mountains of the great Himalayas and Aravalli make for a beautiful location.<>

Yamuna – The largest water body

The major water body of the place – Yamuna runs well towards the Eastern part of the Delhi region. The length of the river is about 33 miles. The breadth of the same is 30 miles! Delhi is one of the second largest metropolitan areas of India. However, it is the capital city of the country since 1947.