Delhi is the traditional and present day capital of India. It is the third largest city of the world. It is also the second largest metropolis after Mumbai with a population of over 13 million. Delhi is also one of the oldest continually inhabited cities of India.
Delhi stands in a triangle formed by the Yamuna river in the east and spurs from the Aravalli range in the west and south. It is surrounded by Haryana on all sides except east where it borders with Uttar Pradesh, Delhi has a semi-arid climate with high variation between summer and winter temperature.
As evidenced by archaeological relics, human inhabitation was probably present in and around Delhi during the second millennium B.C. This city is believed to be the site of Indraprastha, legendary capital of the Pandavas in the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. It has been ruled by many dynasties Prithvi Raj Chauhan was one of the last Rajput rulers of Delhi.
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In the early 13th century the city passed into the hands of five successive Turkish and Afghans dynasties of Delhi. They built a sequence of forts and townships that are parts of the seven cities of Delhi. in 1526, Zahiruddin Babur defeated the last Lodhi Sultan and founded Mugal empire. Delhi came under the British control after the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The British declared Calcutta as official capital. But in 1911 Delhi was again made the capital of India. It was made a Union Territory in 1956.
After Independence on 15th August 1947, Delhi was officially declared as the Capital of republic. The 69th constitutional amendment is a milestone in Delhi’s history. In 1991, Delhi was declared as the National Capital Territory. The National Capital Territory comprise nine districts, 158 villages and 62 towns.
Being the Capital of India, Delhi is the centre stage of all political activities. It is in Delhi that political fortunes are made or marred and the nation’s destiny is written. Once it was the city of royal power. Later it was seat of colonial power. Then it was a centre of bureaucratic power. Now it is emerging as important sector of corporate power too.
The principal food crops of Delhi are wheat, bajra, jowar, gram and maize, however emphasis has now shifted from food crops to vegetable and fruit crops, dairy and poultry farming, floriculture etc. These are more remunerative than food crops in the territory.
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Delhi is not only the largest commercial centre in northern India, but also the largest centre of small industries. These unites manufacture a wide variety of items like television, tape recorders, light engineering machines and automobile parts, sports goods, bicycles and PVC goods, softwares etc. Delhi is one of the main hubs of North India’s trading and service industry. The IT sector, handloom, fashion, textile and electronic industry contributes a lot to Delhi’s economy.
Each year Delhi draw a huge number of tourists. The sites of interest are categorized in three areas. First, the British build New Delhi with all its government buildings. Second, all the historical monuments which have been left by the dynasties, who ruled Delhi. At third place, there are some great religious places. Some of the worth visiting places are – India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s tomb, Jama Masjid, Jantar Mantra, Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Birla Mandir, Lotus Temple etc.
Delhi Tourist and Transportation Development Corporation Limited conducts city sightseeing and excursion tours. The corporation has also introduced adventure tourism activities like Para-sailing, rock climbing and boating in Delhi. The corporation has also developed ‘Delhi Haat’ where beverages and food items of different states are available in one place. More such Haats are planned in different parts of Delhi. The ‘Garden of Five Sense’ in south Delhi also attracts a lot tourist.
Being a cosmopolitan city, all major festivals of India are celebrated here. Moreover some tourism festivals have become regular annual events of Delhi. Delhi tourism and Transportation Development Corporation organizes Roshanara Festival, Shalimar Festival ,Jahan- e- Khusrao Festival and Mango Festival every year. The Republic Day celebration, Independence day celebration, Surajkund Craft fair, Indian International Trade Fair are also some occasions which draw attention of a huge number of tourists. Delhi is well connected by roads, trains and air with all parts of India. It has three airports, three major railway stations, and three inter state bus terminals. Delhi Metro Service is also very important in connecting important places within the city.
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Delhi’s culture is diverse because of huge influx of migrants from different pars of the country. The amalgamation of various companies, traditions and religion has painted Delhi in colors which are brought all over India. People belonging to various castes and cultures live in Delhi. As a result, all major festivals are celebrated with equal fervor and gaiety.
Delhi has alluring charm, unique diverse culture and history to be proud of. The geographical location, people, government industry, modernity and hospitality make Delhi fascinating for any visitor. Important developments are taking place in every field. Delhi is getting outstanding fame and recognition internationally also. Delhi is always been a hub of activity, art, culture, fashion etc and will continue to be so.