Delhi history

The history of Delhi is a kaleidoscope of eras, dynasties, and cultures spanning several millennia. The city has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, and today it is referred to as the "capital of seven empires," as at least seven ancient cities have existed on its territory at different times.

Foundation and first mentions. The first mentions of a settlement on the site of modern Delhi are rooted in deep antiquity and are associated with the legendary city of Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas from the ancient Indian epic "Mahabharata". It is believed to have been founded around 1400 BC. Although archaeological findings confirm the existence of ancient settlements in this area, the reliable, documented history of the city begins much later. In the 8th century AD, the Rajput Tomara dynasty founded the fortified city of Lal Kot here, which is considered the first historically documented city within the territory of Delhi.

Key factors of formation. The rise of Delhi as an important centre was driven by several key factors:

• Geographical location: The city is strategically located on fertile lands between the Aravalli Range and the Yamuna River, which provided natural protection, access to water, and control over trade routes leading from Central Asia into the depths of India.
• Political power: A decisive moment in the city's history was the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate in 1206. From this moment, Delhi transformed into the capital of a powerful Islamic empire, attracting vast resources, artisans, and scholars.
• Trade: Thanks to its status as a capital and its advantageous location, Delhi quickly became one of the largest trade and craft centres in Asia.

Early cultural and economic features. During the period of the Delhi Sultanate, the city became an arena for a unique synthesis of Indian and Islamic civilizations. This was evident in architecture, where Hindu motifs intertwined with Persian and Afghan elements, a striking example of which is the Qutub Minar complex. Science and literature developed, and the Urdu language began to emerge. The economy flourished due to developed crafts, especially textile production and metalworking. The city's markets attracted merchants from different corners of the world, making Delhi one of the wealthiest cities of its era.

Key Milestones in the History of Delhi

The history of Delhi is a chronicle of the rise and fall of great empires. The city has been destroyed and risen from the ashes many times, becoming the capital of powerful dynasties and a cultural centre throughout the centuries.

• c. 1200 BC — The legendary foundation of the city of Indraprastha, capital of the Pandavas from the epic "Mahabharata", on the site of which Delhi is believed to stand today.
• 736 AD — The Rajput Tomara dynasty founds the fortified city of Lal Kot, the first historically confirmed urban settlement in this area.
• 1206 — Qutb ud-Din Aibak establishes the Delhi Sultanate, and Delhi becomes the capital of a major Islamic empire in India for the first time.
• 1398 — The forces of Tamerlane (Timur) invade Northern India, capturing and brutally sacking Delhi, leading to a temporary decline of the city.
• 1526 — Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, wins the Battle of Panipat, captures Delhi, and establishes a new powerful dynasty.
• 1648 — Emperor Shah Jahan completes the construction of the new fortress city of Shahjahanabad (now Old Delhi) and moves the capital here from Agra.
• 1857 — Delhi becomes one of the main centres of the Sepoy Mutiny against British colonial rule.
• 1911 — British King George V announces the transfer of the capital of British India from Calcutta to Delhi.
• 1931 — The official inauguration ceremony of New Delhi, designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, takes place.
• 1947 — Following the partition of British India, Delhi becomes the capital of the independent Republic of India.

Stages of Transformation: Major Milestones in Delhi's Development

The development of Delhi is marked by a series of key events that radically changed its appearance, economy, and cultural landscape. From a medieval capital to a modern metropolis, each stage has left its unique mark on the city's history.

• Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate (1206). This moment became a turning point in the city's history, transforming it into the capital of a powerful empire and one of the largest cultural and trade centres in Asia. Active construction began, and a unique architectural style emerged combining Islamic and Indian traditions, a vivid example of which is the Qutub Minar complex.
• Construction of Shahjahanabad (17th century). The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan founded a new city, known today as Old Delhi, with the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid mosque at its centre. This urban planning project defined Delhi's cultural and commercial core for centuries, retaining its significance to this day.
• Transfer of the Capital to Delhi and Creation of New Delhi (1911–1931). The decision by British authorities to move the capital from Calcutta to Delhi led to the emergence of New Delhi. Designed by architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, this area became the embodiment of imperial grandeur with wide avenues and monumental government buildings, forever changing the city's administrative and architectural appearance.
• Partition of British India (1947). This event caused a massive influx of refugees into Delhi, leading to a sharp increase in population and a radical change in its social and demographic composition. The city began to expand rapidly, new residential areas appeared, which became a powerful stimulus for further, sometimes chaotic, urban development.
• Economic Liberalisation (1990s). Although the reforms were nationwide, they had a huge impact on the capital. Delhi and its satellite cities, such as Gurgaon and Noida, transformed into India's largest business, financial, and technological hub. This led to a construction boom, the growth of the middle class, and the formation of the city's modern economy.
• Launch of the Delhi Metro (from 2002). The construction of the metro became a true transport revolution for the congested metropolis. The modern and extensive metro network not only connected distant districts but also gave a powerful impetus to the development of the suburbs, improved the environmental situation, and made moving around the city significantly more comfortable.

The architecture of Delhi is an impressive kaleidoscope of styles, reflecting its centuries-old history as the capital of powerful empires. The city represents a unique combination of ancient Islamic monuments, Mughal grandeur, colonial monumentality, and modern development, making it a true open-air museum.

Architecture of the Delhi Sultanate (12th-16th centuries)

With the rise of the Delhi Sultanate, a unique Indo-Islamic style began to form in the city. This period is characterized by a blend of Islamic architectural traditions (arches, domes) with Indian construction techniques and decor. The brightest example of this era is the Qutub Minar complex. Built of red sandstone, the minaret is adorned with intricate carving and Arabic calligraphy, demonstrating the synthesis of two great cultures. The ruins of the first city fortifications, such as Lal Kot, also belong to this period.

Grandeur of the Mughal Empire (16th-19th centuries)

The Mughal era brought symmetry, elegance, and monumentality to Delhi's architecture. The main materials became red sandstone and white marble. During this period, the city of Shahjahanabad (now Old Delhi) was built, planned around two main axes. Iconic structures of this style include:

• Humayun's Tomb: Built in the mid-16th century, it became a precursor to the Taj Mahal and one of the first examples of Mughal garden architecture with a central building surrounded by a "charbagh" (four gardens) style garden.
• Red Fort (Lal Qila): A grandiose fortress-palace that served as the residence of the Mughal emperors. Within its walls are exquisite pavilions, audience halls, and mosques.
• Jama Masjid: India's largest mosque, built by Shah Jahan opposite the Red Fort, impresses with its scale, three massive domes, and two tall minarets.

British Colonial Period and "Lutyens' Delhi" (20th century)

In 1911, the capital of British India was moved to Delhi, marking the beginning of the construction of a new administrative district — New Delhi. The project was developed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. This style, often called "Lutyens' Delhi," represents monumental neoclassicism, skilfully complemented by elements of Indian architecture (such as jaali screens and chhatri pavilions). The centre of the new city became Raisina Hill, atop which stands Rashtrapati Bhavan (the former Viceroy's House). Wide avenues radiate from it, the main one being Rajpath, leading to India Gate — a memorial in memory of Indian soldiers.

Modern and Postmodern Delhi (from 1947)

After gaining independence, Delhi began to grow rapidly, leading to the appearance of diverse modern architecture. In the city, one can find buildings in the styles of modernism, brutalism, and postmodernism. One of the most recognisable symbols of modern Delhi is the Lotus Temple (1986) — a Bahá'í House of Worship designed in the shape of a blooming lotus flower in the style of structural expressionism. This temple, open to people of all religions, is a vivid example of an innovative approach to architecture and engineering solutions. The city's development continues today, especially in its satellite cities like Gurgaon and Noida, where ultra-modern office centres and residential complexes are being erected.

Notable Figures in the History of Delhi

Throughout the centuries, Delhi has been a centre of attraction for rulers, thinkers, poets, and architects. The fates of many outstanding individuals are inextricably linked with this city, and their legacy still defines its appearance and spirit.

• Prithviraj III Chauhan (12th century) — The last Hindu king to rule in Delhi. He is known for his courageous resistance to the invasion of Muslim conquerors. His reign became a symbol of the pre-Islamic era in the city's history and is celebrated in many Indian legends.
• Qutb ud-Din Aibak (13th century) — The founder of the Delhi Sultanate and the first Muslim ruler to make Delhi his capital. By his order, the construction of the famous Qutub Minar minaret began, which remains one of the city's main symbols today.
• Shah Jahan (17th century) — An emperor of the Mughal dynasty, whose reign is considered the "Golden Age" of Mughal architecture. It was he who founded the city of Shahjahanabad, known today as Old Delhi, and built the majestic Red Fort and the Jama Masjid mosque.
• Mirza Ghalib (1797–1869) — One of the greatest poets writing in Urdu and Persian. He spent most of his life in Delhi, and his work, permeated with love for the city, has become an integral part of India's cultural heritage. His home in Old Delhi (Ghalib ki Haveli) has been converted into a museum.
• Edwin Lutyens (1869–1944) — The leading British architect who designed the new capital — New Delhi. He created a monumental ensemble of government buildings, including Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's Palace) and India Gate, defining the modern administrative look of the city.
• Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964) — The first Prime Minister of independent India and a key figure in the national liberation movement. His political activity was centred in Delhi, from where he led the country for 17 years, laying the foundations of modern Indian statehood.
• Indira Gandhi (1917–1984) — The daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru and the first female Prime Minister of India. She was an influential and controversial figure whose rule left a deep mark on the country's political history. Delhi's main international airport bears her name.