Delhi, the capital of world's largest democracy, India, is a perfect synthesis of a rich past and a vibrant present, a city resplendent with exotic monuments with some of the finest specimens of modern architecture. It is no mean task to describe a city which owes its existence to builders and designers who spanned 5000 years, from the celestial architect Vishwakarma to Edwin Lutyens, who designed the area of New Delhi that is the political seat of power now.
Delhi was born as early as 1000 BC when a settlement sprung up near the Purana Quila on the banks of the river Yamuna. Hindu mythology, however, records a settlement many hundreds of years earlier at the ancient site of Indraprastha. Lal Kot, first of the cities to come into being, arose out of the dust of this north Indian plain in 736 AD. Six more followed each on the heels of the other. Siri, the second city (14th century AD); Tughlakabad, the third city (14th century AD); Jahanpanah, the fourth city (14th century AD); Ferozeshah Kotla (14th century AD), the fifth city; the Lodi Tombs provide evidence of the sixth city (16th century AD); and Shahjahanabad (17th century AD), the most prominent of the city's earlier seven avatars.
Delhi today consists of the 'Old Delhi' and the 'New Delhi'. Old Delhi or 'Shahjahanabad' (17-19th century) as it was earlier known clearly bears the marks of the rich mughal culture with its mosques and monuments, as well as lively, populous colorful bazaars, narrow streets alive with mouth watering fares, all very chaotic yet nostalgic. Thousands of years of history get compressed into a living experience as one traverses through these narrow lanes, monuments, forts and mausoleums.
New Delhi is the name given to the imperial capital created by the British. Great International events held in the city in the past two decades like the Asiad, CHOGM, NAMEDIA, XIX Commonwealth Games 2010, and various cultural festivals have given rise to excellent infrastructure like flyovers, gigantic stadia, wide roads, a wide spectrum of hotels and restaurants, concert halls and other facilities.
New Delhi has undergone vast expansion and now encompasses residential and commercial development to the west and south, plus the satellite towns of Noida, Gurgaon, and Faridabad. The city has more than twenty five active galleries. Conducted tours, seminars, film shows and study classes on art appreciation, history and conservation are frequently organized. Most of the performing art centers are around Mandi House, Bhagwan Das Road in the New Delhi area. There is an amazing range of activity from cultural walks, talks, theatre productions and exhibitions to films by Indian and foreign directors: one can find an option at India Habitat Centre (Lodhi Road), Max Mueller Bhavan (Kasturba Gandhi Marg), French Cultural Centre (Aurangzeb Road), Siri Fort Auditorium (Khel Gaon Marg), Lalit Kala Akademi (Mandi House) and other places.
New Delhi has undergone vast expansion and now encompasses residential and commercial development to the west and south, plus the satellite towns of Noida, Gurgaon, and Faridabad. The city has more than twenty five active galleries. Conducted tours, seminars, film shows and study classes on art appreciation, history and conservation are frequently organized. Most of the performing art centers are around Mandi House, Bhagwan Das Road in the New Delhi area. There is an amazing range of activity from cultural walks, talks, theatre productions and exhibitions to films by Indian and foreign directors: one can find an option at India Habitat Centre (Lodhi Road), Max Mueller Bhavan (Kasturba Gandhi Marg), French Cultural Centre (Aurangzeb Road), Siri Fort Auditorium (Khel Gaon Marg), Lalit Kala Akademi (Mandi House) and other places.
