New Delhi, the capital of India, is a city with a rich and complex past spanning many millennia. From its inception in the Mahabharata period to being the capital of British India and contemporary India, the city has witnessed the rise and fall of mighty dynasties. This article delves into the history of New Delhi in depth, tracing the history from the Mahabharata period, ancient period, medieval period, Mughal period, British rule, and post-independence growth.
New Delhi during the Mahabharata Period
Indraprastha – The Mythical City
As per the Mahabharata, Delhi was initially referred to as Indraprastha, the city of the Pandavas.
It was a majestic and affluent city, constructed on the banks of the Yamuna River.
Indraprastha is supposed to have been founded by King Dhritarashtra for the Pandavas upon their return from exile.
Archaeological excavations indicate that the Purana Qila site in Delhi can be the location of ancient Indraprastha.
Ancient Delhi – Pre-Medieval Period
Early Settlements
The Delhi region has been settled since at least the Iron Age (1200 BCE – 600 BCE).
The area was ruled by a number of different kingdoms, such as Mauryas and Guptas, enriching the area culturally and economically.
Ashoka the Great (3rd Century BCE) could have had an influence on the area, as evidenced by some rock edicts discovered close to Delhi.
Emergence of the Tomar Dynasty
The earliest known rulers of Delhi were the Tomar Rajputs, who constructed Lal Kot, the initial fortified city of Delhi (8th–10th century CE).
The most renowned ruler, Anangpal Tomar II (11th century CE), is said to have fortified Lal Kot.
Medieval Delhi – The Sultanate Period (1192–1526)
The Invasion of Muhammad Ghori
In 1192 CE, Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan, marking the beginning of Islamic rule in Delhi.
His general, Qutbuddin Aibak, established the Delhi Sultanate and built the Qutb Minar, one of Delhi’s most famous landmarks.
Delhi Sultanate Dynasties
Slave Dynasty (1206–1290) – Qutbuddin Aibak became the first Sultan of Delhi.
Khilji Dynasty (1290–1320) – Alauddin Khilji expanded Delhi’s influence and built the Siri Fort.
Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414) – Muhammad bin Tughlaq moved the capital to Daulatabad but later returned to Delhi.
Sayyid and Lodi Dynasties (1414–1526) – The Lodis built structures like Lodi Gardens, shaping Delhi’s medieval landscape.
Mughal Rule (1526–1857)
Babur’s Conquest
Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, marking the beginning of the Mughal Empire.
His descendants established Delhi as a cultural and architectural center.
Shah Jahan and the Splendor of Delhi
Shah Jahan (1628–1658) constructed Shahjahanabad, presentday Old Delhi.
Signature buildings are the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Chandni Chowk.
Delhi was a thriving trade, art, and culture center.
Decline of Mughal Rule
Aurangzeb’s policies caused the weakening of the empire, and there were constant invasions by Persians (Nadir Shah, 1739) and Afghans (Ahmad Shah Abdali, 1761).
In 1857, the British had occupied Delhi following the Indian Rebellion (First War of Independence).
British Rule and the Creation of New Delhi (1857–1947)
Delhi Under British Rule
Following the Revolt of 1857, Delhi was brought under direct British rule.
Calcutta was made the capital by the British until 1911, when they resolved to move the capital back to Delhi.
Construction of New Delhi
Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker were appointed to plan New Delhi.
Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, and Connaught Place were constructed as part of the grand vision of the new capital’s architecture.
New Delhi was formally inaugurated as the capital of British India in 193
Post-Independence Delhi (1947–Present)
Partition and Its Impact
Following India’s independence in 1947, Delhi experienced a huge influx of refugees from Pakistan.
Old Delhi became congested, while New Delhi became the seat of politics.
Modernization and Growth
The city grew with the development of new colonies like Lajpat Nagar, Karol Bagh, and South Delhi.
The introduction of Delhi Metro (2002) transformed urban transport.
Delhi has been the venue for international events such as the 1982 Asian Games and 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Popular Sites in Delhi and Their History
Red Fort
Constructed by Shah Jahan in 1648, the Red Fort is a quintessential symbol of Delhi. It was the primary residence of the Mughal emperors and continues to be a representation of India’s independence movement. The fort is the venue for the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address annually.
Qutb Minar
Built by Qutbuddin Aibak in 1193, the Qutb Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world. It marks the commencement of Islamic domination in India and forms part of the Qutb Complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
India Gate
Modelled after the Arc de Triomphe, India Gate was constructed in 1931 as a memorial of war for Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. Amar Jawan Jyoti, the eternal flame, was incorporated post the 1971 IndoPak war.
Lotus Temple
Completed in 1986, the Lotus Temple is a Bahá’í House of Worship, open to people of all faiths. Its striking lotusshaped architecture makes it one of Delhi’s most visited places.
Akshardham Temple
One of the largest Hindu temples in the world, the Akshardham Temple was inaugurate in 200 It showcases India’s spiritual and cultural heritage through exhibits, sculptures, and a massive Yagnapurush Kund.
