Delhi is the capital and third largest city of India. The city consists of Old and New Delhi (Old Delhi, New Delhi). In Old Delhi, which from the 17th to the 19th century. was the capital of Muslim India, there are many mosques, forts and monuments from this period. New Delhi, once a city of the British Empire, built by the British as the capital of the country, it is extensive and spacious. It is home to most government buildings and embassies.
Delhi, proud of their history, it acts as the center of state administration and is the country's main transport hub. It is one of India's busiest international airports and the hub of the northern part of the country's communications network. Moreover, Delhi is situated on an overland road that crosses Asia. The city of Delhi occupies most of the federal territory of Delhi, forming a federal district, such as. Brasilia, Canberra or the Washington District of Columbia.
Although few tourists express a flattering opinion about Delhi, the city has a long and fascinating history and places worth seeing. Otherwise, many things are available here at the click of a finger. If you are traveling to India for the first time, Delhi with its four main bases will be the most appropriate for tourists, that he would understand India and get used to this fascinating country.
HISTORY
Delhi was not always the capital. However, it played an important role in the history of India. An epic Mahabharata from over 3000 years mentions the settlement of Indraprastha located roughly in present-day Delhi. Above 2000 Years ago, the capital of the kingdom of Emperor Asoka was Pataliputra (near today's Patna). In more modern times, bo w XVII i XVIII w., Mughal rulers chose Agra as their seat. The capital of the country under British rule was Calcutta until 1911 r., when New Delhi was built. Relatively recently, India, in shape of, as we know it now, they were united into one state organism. Moguls, even at the height of his power, they were unable to control South India. Delhi, on the other hand, has always been either an important city, or the capital of the northern region of the subcontinent.
There were at least eight cities in the area of present-day Delhi. The first four were to the south, in the area of the Kutab Minar complex. The oldest known Delhi, Indraprastha, was concentrated near Purana Kila (Old Fort). At the beginning of the 12th century. The Tomar and Chauhan dynasties ruled the last Hindu kingdom of Delhi stretching between Kutab Minar and Suran Kund, currently in Harjana state.
The next city was Siri, erected in the 12th century. by Al ad-Din in the vicinity of today's Hauz Khas. Tughlakabad, now they have fallen into disrepair, he was the third of Delhi, built 10 km southeast of Kutab Minaru. The fourth city known as Jahanpanah, dated to the 14th century, it was also the work of the Tughlak dynasty and stood near Kutab Minaru. Firuzabad, fifth Delhi, is located in the area of Firuz Szach Kotla, currently in New Delhi. On the ruins of Firuzabad, you can see the remains of a mosque, in which Timur prayed, when he conquered India, and a column of Asoka brought here from an unknown place.
Says Delhi, at Purana Kila next to India Gate (Gates of India), currently in New Delhi, erected a Sher Shah. The Afghan ruler defeated the Mughal Humayun and temporarily took control of the city. Seventh Delhi, Shah Jahanabad, it was the work of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Having built them in the 17th century., he moved the capital of the great mogul from Agra to Delhi. Granice Szachdżaha-peace, many of which have been preserved, are roughly in line with the boundaries of what is now Old Delhi. Lal Kila comes from the times of Shah Jahan (Red Fort) and the majestic Jamie Masjid (The great mosque). Eighth city, New Delhi, built by the British. W 1911 r. the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi was announced, and because the construction has not yet been completed, the new capital waited for its inauguration until 1931 r.
Over the centuries, Delhi has experienced many invasions. W XIV c. the city was plundered by Timur, w XVI w. the great mogul Baber of Afghanistan took it, a w 1739 r. Persian ruler Nadir Shah sacked Delhi and took the Kohinur diamond and the famous Peacock Throne to Iran. The British captured Delhi in 1803 r. During the nationwide uprising of 1857 r. resistance forces against the British concentrated in the city. Even before the creation of the Muslim state of Pakistan in 1949 r., Delhi was primarily inhabited by the Muslim population, while Urdu was the main language. Today, Muslims have been replaced by Hindus from the Punjab, and Hindi became the dominant language.
Architecture
The buildings and various architectural structures present throughout the city tell about the rich history of Delhi. The relics come from the early days, middle and late pathan and early period, the middle and late Mughal period.
Early Pathan Period (1193-1320) It was characterized by a combination of Hindu and Muslim styles. The main architectural element, introduced by Muslim newcomers, there were domes and arches. The Kutab Minar architectural ensemble comes from this period.
The Middle Pathan Period (1320-1414) The construction of the Tugh-lakabad dates back to the beginning of this period. Later ones include the mosque at Firuz Shah Kotli, Firuz Shah's mausoleum in Hauz Khas, the Nizam ad-Din mosque and the Khirki mosque. Initially, the local stone and red sandstone were used; later, the stone walls covered with mortar were covered with a gypsum surface. The sloping walls and high platforms of the mosques were distinctive structural elements.
Late Pathan Period (1414-1556) The mausoleums of the Sajjids and Lodis and the Old Fort come from this period. Impressive domes were built, decorations were made of colored marble and ceramic tiles.
Mughal period (155&-1754) In the early Mughal period, red sandstone was used for construction, marble was used in the architectural details. Great examples are the Mausoleums of Humayun and Azam Khan. The middle Mughal period abounded in onion domes and tall minarets. More and more marble began to be used. The construction of the Red Fort falls in this period, Great Mosque and Fatehpuri Mosque. However, the lad / Mahal in Agra remained the most perfect building of the time.
The late Mughal period was characterized by an overload of details. The Sunehrf Mosque on Caud-ni Chauku in Old Delhi and the Mausoleum of Safdar Jang date from this decadent period. The Safdar Jang Mausoleum is the last notable Mughal monument.