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New Delhi, officially the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT) is the national capital of India. New Delhi is the largest metropolis of India with the population of 16.7 million in 2011; the city is the 2nd most populous metropolis in India and 8th most populous metropolis in the world.
New Delhi is known to have been continuously inhabited since 6th century BC. Through most period of its history,New Delhi has served as a capital of kingdoms and empires. It has been invaded, ransacked and rebuilt several times, particularly during the medieval era, and therefore today's city of New Delhi is a cluster of many capital cities scattered across the city's dimensions. New Delhi is also widely believed to have been the site of Indraprastha (the legendary capital of the Pandavas during the times of the Mahabharata). New Delhi re-emerged as a major political, cultural and commercial city along the trade routes between northwest India and the Gangetic plain after the rise of the New Delhi sultanates. It houses many ancient and medieval monuments, archaeological sites and remains. Lutyens' New Delhi India Gate and Rajpath Situated along the ceremonial Rajpath Avenue (meaning King's Way) in New Delhi, India Gate is a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers who died during the Afghan wars and World War I. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. The cenotaph (or shrine) in the middle is constructed with black marble and depicts a rifle placed on its barrel, crested by a soldier's helmet. Each face of the cenotaph has inscribed in gold the words Amar Jawan (in Hindi, meaning Immortal Warrior). The green lawns at India Gate are a popular evening and holiday rendezvous for young and old alike. Every year the Republic day celebrations are made in New Delhi. The army men and other citizens of India who are awarded or who participate in the celebration walk through the Rajpath. Parliament House (Sansad Bhawan) Sansad Bhavan or the Parliament of India is a circular building designed by the British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker in 1912–1913. Construction began in 1921, and in 1927 the building was opened as the home of the Council of State, the Central Legislative Assembly, and the Chamber of Princes. Presidents House (Rashtrapati Bhawan) Built with a mix of Western and Indian styles, Rashtrapati Bhavan was originally built for the Governor General of India. Inaugurated in 1931 as the Viceregal Lodge, the name was changed in 1959 after India became a republic. Now it is the Presidential Palace of India. Connaught Place Connaught Place is one of the largest commercial areas in New Delhi, India. It's also known as C.P. A heritage building and a nice place to shop, with a lot of variety - both branded and privately owned businesses - and lots of restaurants for every taste and budget. Just be careful of unscrupulous men trying to take you to specific places, they are touts and earn huge commissions, as a result you'll end-up spending much more. Lodhi Gardens Lodhi Garden Once called Lady Wallington Park, laid out in 1930; this beautiful park contains 15th and 16th century monuments that are scattered among its well-kept lawns, flowers, shady trees and ponds. During the early morning and evening hours, the sprawling garden is a favorite spot for fitness freaks and those in search of solitude. Humayun's Tomb Humayun's Tomb was built for Humayun's widow, Hamida Banu Begum. Designed by a Persian architect named Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, the structure was begun in 1562 and completed in 1565. The tomb established a standard for all later Mughal monuments, which followed its design, most notably the Taj Mahal. Red Fort The decision for constructing the Red Fort was made in 1639, when Shah Jahan decided to shift his capital from Agra to New Delhi. Within eight years, Shahjahanabad was completed with the Red Fort-Qila-i-Mubarak (fortunate citadel) — New Delhi's seventh fort — ready in all its magnificence to receive the Emperor. Though much has changed with the large-scale demolitions during the British occupation of the fort, its important structures have survived. On every Independence Day the Flag of India is hoisted by the Prime Minister of India here. Chandni Chowk Chandni Chowk, a main marketplace in New Delhi, keeps alive the city's living legacy of Shahjahanabad. Created by Shah Jahan the builder of Taj Mahal, the old city, with the Red Fort as its focal point and Jama Masjid as the praying Centre, has a fascinating market called Chandni Chowk. Legend has it that Shah Jahan planned Chandni Chowk so that his daughter could shop for all that she wanted. The market was divided by canals. The canals are now closed, but Chandni Chowk remains Asia's largest wholesale market. Crafts once patronized by the Mughals continue to flourish there. Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in central north Delhi, the Laal Quila (The Red Fort) and Fateh Puri Masjid. With the most famous mosque of Delhi Jama Masjid in the vicinity, along with Sis Ganj Gurudwara, Jain Mandir and a lot of small temples, the place witnesses a genuine cultural harmony. Qutub Minar The Qutub Minar is located in Mehrauli in South Delhi. It was built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak of the Slave Dynasty, who took possession of New Delhi in 1206. It is a fluted red sandstone tower, which tapers up to a height of 72.5 meters and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Qur'an. Qutub-ud-din Aibak began constructing this victory tower as a sign of Muslim domination of New Delhi and as a minaret for the muezzin to call the faithful to prayer. However, only the first story was completed by Qutub-ud-din. The other stories were built by his successor Iltutmish. The two circular stories in white marble were built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq in 1368, replacing the original fourth story. The balconies in the tower are supported by exquisite stalactite designs. The tapering tower has pointed and circular flutings on the first storey and star-shaped ones on the second and third stories. The Qutub Minar is also significant for what it represents in the history of Indian culture. In many ways, the Qutub Minar, the first monument built by a Muslim ruler in India, heralded the beginning of a new style of art and architecture that came to be known as the Indo-Islamic style. Other monuments around the Qutub complex are Jamaali Kamaali mosque and tombs, Balban's tomb and Adham Khan's Tomb. Akshardham Temple Akshardham Temple it is the largest Hindu temple in the world. It was built in 2005. In the sprawling 100-acre (0.40 km2) land rests an intricately carved monument, high-technology exhibitions, an IMAX theatre, a musical fountain, a food court and gardens. Jama Masjid The Masjid-i-Jahan Numa, commonly known as Jama Masjid, is the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and completed in the year 1656, it is one of the largest and best known mosques in India. Lotus Temple The Lotus Temple is a Bahá'í House of Worship, situated in South Delhi and shaped like a lotus. It was built by the Bahá'í community. May I Help You!! Got Any Query, Quotation ? |