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Delhi is India's
main point of arrival for overseas visitors, and the major transport
hub for destinations in the states of Rajasthan, the Punjab,
Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh as well as central north India. Delhi
city, the showacse of India, has been the centre of political
activity from time immemorial. The ancient fortness, majestic
buildings and historic ruins find their modern counterparts in the
tall skyscrapers, diplomatic enclaves and well-planned townships of
New Delhi. The people here, their lifestyles, traditions and even
the climate are a rich and varied mixture of all that is India.
History of Delhi
Delhi, where a
empire rose and fell before the dawn of history; where citadels of
emperors appeared and disappeared; a city of mysterious eternity
whose old ruins proclaim a majestic and imperial past and whose
present pulsates vibrantly with the ever flowing life of India. The
eternal Jamuna bears witness to the glorious and tumultuous 5,000
year old history of Delhi. A history which begins with the creation
of Indraprastha by the Pandavas and the transformation of this
barren gift of the Kauravas into an idyllic haven.
A history
which encompasses all the various kings and emperors who fixed their
royal citadels here-- Indraprastha, Lal Kot, Quila Rai Pithora, Siri,
Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad, Ferozabad, Dinpanah, Delhi Sher Shahi or
then Shahjahanabad. but, combined and integrated into one, these
'new cities' have always been called Delhi and howsoever many names
it may have acquired, Delhi has always been intrinsically identified
with power and imperial sway. There have been at least eight cities
around modern Delhi, and the old saying that whoever founds a new
city at Delhi will lose it has come true every time -- most recently
for the British who founded New Delhi in 1911.
Delhi was the
focal point for the first war of independence in 1857. Though the
revolt did not reach its desired conclusion, Delhi became a thorn in
the eyes of the British. Not only in ancient times or the mediaeval
period, Delhi has been the center of any activity at all times. As
the Britishers shifted their capital from Calcutta to Delhi, all the
activities during the freedom struggle were directed towards Delhi.
Thus, Delhi also bears the marks of the freedom struggle. The
ultimate goal of the Azad Hind Fauz during the freedom struggle was
to capture Delhi and established Swaraj. The slogan 'Dilli Chalo' is
still used by leaders and political parties when they oraganise any
rally or demonstration. It was the hosting of the tricolour at Red
Fort in Delhi which marked a chapter in the history of India.
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