Delhi known locally as Dilli and by the official name National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT), is the largest metropolis by area and the second-largest metropolis by population in India. Located on the banks of the River Yamuna, Delhi has been continuously inhabited since at least the 6th century BC. After the rise of the Delhi Sultanate, Delhi emerged as a major political, cultural and commercial city along the trade routes between northwest India and the Gangetic plain. It is the site of many ancient and medieval monuments, archaeological sites and remains. In 1639, Mughal emperor Shahjahan built a new walled city in Delhi which served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1649 to 1857.
After the British East India Company had gained control of much of India during the 18th and 19th centuries, Calcutta became the capital both under Company rule and under the British Raj, until George V announced in 1911 that it was to move back to Delhi. A new capital city, New Delhi, was built to the south of the old city during the 1920s. When India gained independence from British rule in 1947, New Delhi was declared its capital and seat of government. As such, New Delhi houses important offices of the federal government, including the Parliament of India, as well as numerous national museums, monuments, and art galleries.
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Raj Ghat is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. The black marble platform marks the spot of Gandhi's cremation on January 31, 1948. The words on the memorial "He Ram" translates to "O God" are believed to be the last words uttered by Gandhi.
Mahandas Karamchand Gandhi (10/2/1869 - 1/30/1948) was the political and spiritual leader of India during the Independence movement. He pioneered satyagraha - non-violence civil disobedience which helped India gain independence. He is known around the world as Mahatma Gandhi or "Great Soul" in India he is known as Bapu or "Father." His birthday -Oct 2- is a national holiday.
Jama Masjid is the principal mosque of Old Delhi. It was commissioned by the Shahjahan (built the Taj Mahal,) was completed in 1656AD. It is the largest and best-known mosque in India. It lies at the start of Chandni Chowk, the main street of Old Delhi. The courtyard can hold up to 25,000 worshippers.
India is perhaps one of the only countries in the world where there has never been any anti-Semitic sentiments expressed by the local communities. Jews continue to live and prosper in India, through with a population of only 6,000. Jusah Hyam Hall was established in 1956 by the small Delhi Jewish Community. The hall also serves as a center for Jewish and interfaith studies.In 2009 there were only six Jewish families remaining in Delhi.
Bangla Sahib is the most prominent Sikh gurdwara [house of worship] in Delhi. It is known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan. The water [Amrit] in the pond [Sarovar] inside the complex is considered holy by Sikhs. Bangla Sahib was built by Sikh General, Sardar Bhagel Singh in 1783 during the reign of Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II. Guru Har Krishan resided here in 1664. During his stay in Delhi there was a smallpox and cholera epidemic. Guru Har Krishan helped the suffering by giving aid and fresh water from his well. He too contracted the illness and died on March 30, 1664. Its water is now revered as having healing properties and is taken by Sikhs throughout the world back to their houses.
The Qutb Minar is the world's tallest brick minaret at 72.5 meters (238 feet.) Construction started in 1193 under Qutb-ud-din Aibak, India's first Muslim ruler. The topmost storey of the minaret was completed in 1386 by Firoz Shah Tughlug. It is the earliest and most prominent example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The Qutb complex contains other ancient and medieval structures and ruins. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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