Delhi history is deeply entwined with mythology and legend. It is identified with Indraprastha, the legendary city mentioned in the Mahabharata, said to have been founded by the Pandavas around 1400 BCE. While archaeological evidence remains scant, the myth underscores Delhi’s antiquity.
By the 6th century BCE, Delhi formed part of the Northern Indian region under the Kuru kingdom. It later became an important node in the Mauryan Empire (321–185 BCE) and subsequent regional powers.
The Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526)
Slave Dynasty (1206–1290): It was founded by Qutb al-Din Aibak, during which time the Qutb Minar and the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque were built.
Khilji Dynasty (1290–1320): Under Alauddin Khilji, Delhi flourished as a centre of power and culture. His administration introduced economic reforms and repelled Mongol invasions.
Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414): Known for architectural innovations and ambitious projects like Tughlaqabad Fort, the dynasty also faced rebellions and invasions.
Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451): A relatively weak period marked by territorial decline.
Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526): The Lodis were the last rulers of the Sultanate at the time it fell to Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire.
Mughal Period (1526–1857)
The Mughal Empire started with Babur’s victory at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. Delhi became a landmark centre of Mughal splendour, especially during Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan shifted the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi in 1638 and ordered the construction of Shahjahanabad, also called Old Delhi. Some of these are the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid.
Aurangzeb’s period (1658–1707) was the peak of the Mughal power and the start of its fall. In the 18th century, Delhi saw invasions by Persian emperor Nadir Shah in 1739 and the Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Durrani that led to political instability.
British Colonial Period (1857–1947)
The Indian Rebellion of 1857, popularly known as the First War of Independence, changed the course of Delhi’s modern history. It became one of the centres of revolt, and by its outcome, the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah II, was deposed, and Delhi came under direct British rule.
In 1911, the British shifted the capital of India from Calcutta to Delhi due to its historical and strategic importance. New Delhi was designed by architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker and inaugurated as the seat of British power in 1931.
Post-Independence Era (1947–Present)
After India gained its independence in 1947, Delhi became the national capital of the Republic of India. Partition brought an influx of refugees, reshaping the city’s demographic and cultural landscape. The post-independence period saw rapid urbanisation and development, with Delhi turning into a cosmopolitan metropolis.
Today, Delhi is the seat of politics, trade, and culture. It maintains its historical old Delhi and its newly planned city, New Delhi. The city is home to a host of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Humayun’s Tomb, Qutb Minar, and the Red Fort.
Famous Monuments and Their Histories:
Qutb Minar
The Qutb Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a tall symbol of Delhi’s mediaeval history. Rising to the height of 73 meters, this magnificent minaret symbolises the advent of Islamic rule in India. The construction was initiated by Qutb al-Din Aibak in 1192 after his victory in Delhi. However, it was his successor, Iltutmish, who completed the structure by adding subsequent stories. The Qutb Minar is an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The tower is lavishly ornamented with exquisite carvings and lines of verses from the Quran. It tapers, rising as it goes along, and has five marked stories, each set with balconies supported on ornate brackets.
Equally interesting is the Qutb Complex in which the Minar stands. It is home to the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, which was the very first mosque to be established in India, built by using the debris of temples demolished by Hindu and Jain sects. Another standout is the Iron Pillar, an extraordinary metallurgical achievement of ancient India, as it does not rust out even after over 1,600 years. So all these put together weave a tale of cultural syncretism and historical import.
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a good example of Mughal architecture. Commissioned in 1570 by Empress Bega Begum, the chief consort of Emperor Humayun, this tomb stands as a tribute to her husband’s legacy. This majestic structure was designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, a Persian architect, who combined Persian architectural styles with Indian craftsmanship.
The red sandstone and white marble-clad tomb holds latticework designs with ornate detailing. Around the mausoleum, the Charbagh gardens lie, being an intrinsic part of a Mughal garden design that consists of quadrants formed by water channels portraying paradise. Humayun’s Tomb is considered to be one of the precursors of the Taj Mahal as a symbol of development in Mughal architecture along with the long-lasting beauty the design endures.
Red Fort
The Red Fort, or Lal Qila, is a colossal monument to the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638, it was the capital of the Mughals and still stands as a mighty symbol of India’s history. The red sandstone walls stretch over two kilometres, encompassing an area that contains palaces, gardens, and halls.
The key structures within the fort include the Diwan-i-Aam, where the emperor would address the public, and the Diwan-i-Khas, which is a more private space with intricate marble inlay work. The Moti Masjid, or Pearl Mosque, and the Rang Mahal, or Palace of Colours, are also located within the fort. Today, the Red Fort is the venue for India’s Independence Day celebrations, where the prime minister hoists the national flag and addresses the nation, making it a significant place.
Jama Masjid
Commissioned by Shah Jahan and completed in 1656, Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. Situated in the heart of Old Delhi, the mosque can accommodate over 25,000 worshippers in its expansive courtyard. Built using red sandstone and white marble, it exemplifies the grandeur of Mughal architecture.
The mosque boasts three large domes, two tall minarets, and a wide flight of steps leading to its entrances. Its interior walls are adorned with beautiful calligraphy and floral motifs that create a serene atmosphere for prayer and reflection. Jama Masjid remains one of the significant religious and cultural landmarks that attract thousands of visitors and devotees every day.
India Gate
India Gate is a sober and striking war memorial in New Delhi, dedicated to 70,000 Indian soldiers martyred during World War I. Designed by famous British architect Edwin Lutyens, it was completed in 1931. There is an imposing arch along the lines of the Arc de Triomphe, and it bears the names of some 13,000.
During independence, there was an eternal flame in addition to the Amar Jawan Jyoti to salute the soldiers who died later in the wars. Encircled by lush green lawns, India Gate has become a popular entertainment spot for locals and foreign tourists alike, while still reminding people of the nation’s sacrifices.
Lotus Temple
Completed in 1986, the Lotus Temple is a stunning piece of architecture and a Bahá’í House of Worship. This architectural masterpiece, created by Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba, takes on the lotus-like form that signifies peace, purity, and unity. Made up of 27 free-standing marble-clad petals that are grouped into clusters forming nine sides, this temple is surrounded by pools and serene gardens.
Unlike traditional religious structures, the Lotus Temple is open to people of all faiths, encouraging universal harmony and spiritual reflection. It has received numerous architectural awards and attracts millions of visitors each year, making it one of Delhi’s most visited landmarks.
Akshardham Temple
The Akshardham Temple, inaugurated in 2005, is an excellent example of modern Indian craftsmanship. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, the temple complex has portrayed the richness of India’s art, culture, and spirituality. The Mandir is the main temple that has intricate carvings showing scenes from Indian mythology, flora, fauna, and deities.
Besides the central shrine, other attractions of the complex include an IMAX-style film on the life of Swaminarayan, a cultural boat ride that describes India’s past, and a spectacular musical fountain show. The landscapes of gardens are tranquil as well, but the grand and detailed structures of the temples make them a modern miracle of Indian architecture.
