India's capital, Delhi, is steeped in history and is one of the oldest cities in the world. The city has been the center of several powerful empires and dynasties that have shaped its culture, architecture and heritage over the centuries. This blog takes you on a journey through the rich history of Delhi.
The first mention of Delhi dates back to the 6th century BC. According to the Hindu epic, it was called Mahabharata Indraprastha. The city is said to have been founded by the epic hero Pandavas. However, there is little archaeological evidence to support this claim.
The first historical records of Delhi date back to his 11th century, during the reign of the Tomara dynasty. Tomaras was taken over by the Chauhans who founded the city of Qila Rai Pithora in the 12th century. The city was the capital of the Chauhan dynasty until it was sacked by the Muslim invader Muhammad Ghori in 1192.
In the 13th century, Delhi became the capital of his sultanate, Delhi, founded by the Turkish ruler Qutub-ud-Din Aibak. The Sultan was then ruled by the Mamluks, Kirjis, Tughluks, Sayyids and Lodi dynasties. The Sultanate was known for its impressive architecture such as the Qutub Minar, Arai Darwaza and Jamahi Masjid.
In 1526, Mughal Emperor Babur defeated the Sultan of Delhi, Ibrahim Lodi, and established the Mughal Empire. The Mughal Empire ruled Delhi for more than his three centuries, making the city a center of their culture and power. Some of Delhi's most famous monuments, such as the Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb and Jama Masjid, were built during the Mughal era. In 1857, Delhi played a key role in the Indian War of Independence, also known as the Indian Rebellion. The city was the scene of the famous Siege of Delhi, when Indian rebels led by Bahadur Shah Zafar attempted to overthrow the British East India Company. The uprising was eventually quelled and Delhi fell under British rule.
After India gained independence in 1947, Delhi became the capital of the newly formed Indian Republic. The city experienced rapid development with the establishment of several new institutions and landmarks such as India Gate, Lotus Temple and National Museum. Today, Delhi is a vibrant cosmopolitan city that blends rich history with modernity. Its streets are lined with monuments, museums and cultural institutions that tell of its past. A visit to Delhi is a journey through time and an awe-inspiring experience in its grandeur and heritage.