India’s vibrant capital, Delhi, is a city with a rich history and culture. It has a lot of stories told by streets full of people and tall buildings. Read along as we dig into these ten facts about Delhi that will leave you mesmerized.
- The Red Fort Initially White: On the contrary, anyone seeing it for the first time can easily mistake the iconic red fort to be regal and mighty due to its imposing red sandstone walls towering over the city. But did you know that it was originally white? Emperor Shah Jahan built The Red Fort in 17th century making it adorned with white marble hence earning it names such as “Quila-i-Mubarak” which means ‘The Blessed Fort’. This name came after British who later painted their walls in red thus giving birth to the present name.
- World’s Tallest Minaret: Amongst remnants of Qutub Minar complex stands high the Qutub Minar; an outstanding example of Indo-Islamic art and architecture. The tallest minaret on planet earth is 73 meters tall; this is Qutub Minar. Constructed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in the 12th century, there are detailed carvings and inscriptions on the same till date; hence being named UNESCO World Heritage Site where history lovers must visit this place if they want to learn more.
- Asia’s Largest Spice Market: Bustling Khari Baoli’s lanes would be a mind-boggling experience. Being in Old Delhi, Khari Baoli is India’s biggest spice market that dates back to the seventeenth century. Cardamom and saffron are some of the fragrant spices you’ll find at Khari Baoli, as well as exotic herbs and dried.
- Delhi was Walled by 14 Gates: During its golden era, Delhi was a fortified city with strong walls having 14 great gates on them. Every gate had its own history and significance, they were used for defence from attacks while also being architectural marvels. Some remain silent like Ajmeri Gate and Kashmiri Gate of fame while others have been lost over time due to urbanization.
- Bird Watching Nirvana: Delhi surprisingly boasts of several species of birds despite being a busy city hence bird watchers’ heaven it is. For instance, in Hauz Khas calm lakes or Lodhi Gardens that have large green lawns where migratory birds stay during winter periods together with indigenous ones. Be keen not to miss famous kingfishers, peacocks wandering around or hiding owls within the clustered city spaces of the town.
- Delhi’s Second Oldest Stadium: Historic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is situated right at the heart of Delhi and is one of the oldest and most iconic stadiums in India. Built in 1926, this stadium has been used for various sports events, cultural performances, national celebrations over the years and so on . Having hosted the inaugural Asian Games in 1951 as well as serving as venue for Commonwealth Games in 2010, the memory of such occasions makes it special among all things that happened here.
- Referred To In The Mahabharata: Delhi has an ancient history going back thousands of years with mentions in texts like the Mahabharata. According to legend, Indraprastha was a city founded by Pandava prince Yudhishthira on the banks of Yamuna River, which is present day Delhi. The epic battle of Kurukshetra, as it is told in the Mahabharata, was situated near Delhi as if adding a mythological dimension to the vast cultural heritage of the city.
- Capital Since 1931: Delhi has been India’s political capital from 1931 when it replaced Calcutta (now Kolkata) as the seat of British colonial administration. The decision to shift the capital was influenced by several reasons including its strategic location in northern India and historical significance as capital for many empires throughout history. Even today, Delhi remains as India’s political epicentre with Parliament house, Rashtra Pati Bhavan and numerous government offices located here.
- Unique Museums: In Delhi there are many different museums which help give insight into its rich culture and past. Delhi’s love affair with museums extends from the National Museum with exhibits dating back to ancient civilizations up to Sulabh International Museum that chronicles their evolution through ages – from medieval times till now in a unique manner.
- New Delhi was Designed by a British Planner: The planning and layout of New Delhi, the present administrative capital of India was well thought out by Edwin Lutyens, a British architect in the early 20th century. The grandeur vision of Lutyens for New Delhi was inspired from classical European architecture as well as incorporating motifs from Mughal design. This led to a cityscape marked with broad boulevards, expansive parks and massive government structures such as Rashtra Pati Bhavan and India Gate that still dominate New Delhi’s skyline presently.
Delhi’s tapestry is made of historical threads, cultural connections and innovative elements which makes it a distinctive city. From ancient monuments to bustling markets, contemporary infrastructure, vibrant cultural scene; the captivating charm of Delhi has continued to appeal tourists worldwide. As we strip away layers covering fascinating history and ongoing revolution in Delhi’s fabric, we meet a city that remains forever young while growing older – truly Indian spirit will always be seen here.