There are no records or early history of Delhi prior to the Muslim conquests of 1613AD. Even then it is fact that the history of Delhi begins from the time of the Pandvas. Youdhistra fouded a beautiful city over a barren land and named it Indraprastha for it was as beautiful as the abode of the king of gods “Indra” Where now Old Fort stands.In reality, Delhi’s strategic position is so strong that it makes the key to power and riches in the subcontinent. It lay on the bank of the life giving Yamuna, a tributary of the great mother Ganga River. Here, on the flat fertile plain, almost every triumphant conqueror would lay waste the defeated city and build afresh one, often naming it after himself. The site has had eight major cities (plus many smaller strongholds) energetic bursts of buildings by powerful rulers anxious to be remembered by posterity. Yet only two of the cities still live.
Anangpal who ruled from 663 AD to 681 AD reconstructed Delhi and Anangpal 2nd made delhi his full-fledged capital in 1051AD. The Lal Kot and inscriptions on Iron Pillar are the monuments of his time. The other Hindu fort of Rai Pithora built by Prithvi Raj Chouhan in near about 1180. The end of 12th century saw the replacement of the Hindu rule bye the Muslim rule. In 1250 AD Qutub-ud-Din proclaimed himself to be the first emperor of the slave dynasty who built several mosques with the materials and in places of Hindu temples. Khilji dynasty succeeded the Slave dynasty in 1290AD Jalaluddin Khiliji was its founder and was assassinated by his nephew Alauddin Khiliji, who proved to be a successful and powerful ruler. He built Alauddini Darwaza near Qutub Minar. The uncompleted Alai Minar is also his great work, which could not be completed due to his death. After khilji dynasty Tuglak (1320-1412), Sayeed (1414-1451), and Lodis (1451-1526) ruled Delhi. Leaving monument such as Tuglak fort, Lodi tomb and garden and Ferozeshah Kotla in which the great Ashoka Pillar stands were built at this time.Then comes Mughals, Babar (the first of the mughal emperors), left little mark on Delhi. His successors have added their own imprint to this city, which now wears a graceful, and harmonious aspect Mughal emperor Shahjahan built Shahjahanabad a walled city as the 7th capital city and it was the Mughal capital till 1857 AD when British Government shifted the capital to Calcutta. But in 1911 AD Delhi once again became the capital as the British Government transferred the Viceregal Headquarters here from Calcutta and they formed New Delhi.
The site chosen for it was the wilderness of Raisina, south of Shahjahanabad. Given the vast span of centuries during which Delhi has been of historical significance, it is not surprising that conservationists feel it should be recognized as a world Heritage City.
Today’s Delhi blends its historic past with a vibrant present. Great monuments old and not so old lie side by side besides crisp new office and residential buildings, harmonizing the past with the present. Thus the city is real delight for the tourists who wishes to learn about the past and present of India and Indian people.Mirza Ghalib the world renowned poet, has rightly described this amazing city as “the soul in the body of the world”
Every Tourists, local or foreign, from rent a luxury air-conditioned car to the common man’s D.T.C. Bus or Metro-Rail must visit Delhi and see its towering and imposing buildings, which are the fine contrast of historical background, religious feature of modern architectures, parks and garden with or without musical fountains or amazing park.
