Delhi, the bustling metropolis of India, stands tall on the ruins of seven previous cities that were established throughout different eras of the country’s history. From the mythical city of Indraprastha during the Mahabharat era to the majestic Shahjahanabad built by Emperor Shahjahan in the 17th century, each city holds a rich and vibrant legacy that contributes to Delhi’s diverse culture. Known as the “Seven Cities of Delhi,” each one was founded by a different ruler or dynasty seeking to establish their capital and leave their mark on the region. With each new city built upon the remnants of its predecessors, Delhi has become a mosaic of ancient civilizations intertwined with modern developments.
The origin of Delhi’s name is steeped in mystery and debated among historians. Some believe it came from the medieval name “Dhillika” used during the Tomar dynasty, while others argue it is a corruption of the Hindustani word “dehleez” or “dehali,” both meaning “threshold” or “gateway.” This symbolic moniker reflects Delhi’s role as a gateway to the fertile Gangetic Plain.
In the year 1638, Delhi reclaimed its title as the capital of India when the Mughal empire moved from Agra to establish Shahjahanabad within its boundaries. The city’s glorious past was revived, with grand palaces and bustling bazaars filling its streets once again. Then Delhi-now called Old Delhi was limited to the fortified walls of Shahjahanabad. This city was constructed by Shahjahan in 1638 to serve as his capital. On the other side of the Ajmeri and Delhi Gates were expansive green fields. The population of Delhi in 1911 was merely one lakh, which was smaller than that of a provincial city such as Lucknow. As time went on and the Mughal power weakened under Emperor Aurangzeb’s reign, Delhi began to lose its significance as a capital city. The rise of British rule further diminished Delhi’s status, and the British established their own capital in Calcutta in 1772.
Despite this shift in power, Delhi remained a symbol of India’s rich history and culture. Its proximity to the summer capital of Shimla made it an important strategic location for the British. In 1911, after more than 150 years of establishing their capital in Calcutta, the British decided to move their government offices once again to Delhi.
The bustling city of Delhi, steeped in centuries of history as the former capital of Mughal India, was not yet equipped to cater to the tastes and styles of the British. Critics scoffed at the idea of adapting this ancient city into a modern metropolis. It would take 20 years for the renowned architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker to transform “New Delhi” into a grand showcase of wide avenues, majestic buildings, and pristine bungalows, stretching across the southern outskirts of what was then known as “Old Delhi,” the original core of the Mughal city. Their vision would create a striking contrast between old and new, an ode to imperial power and dominance. After selecting a site south of Old Delhi (formerly Shahjahanabad), the British began building New Delhi as their new capital. In 1927, it was officially named “New Delhi,” and on February 13, 1931, it was inaugurated as the grand new capital of India. Today, Delhi continues to thrive as a vibrant and influential city, shaped by its rich history and diverse cultural influences.
After years of being neglected by the British following the 1857 rebellion, Delhi finally received much-needed attention when it was chosen as the new capital of British India. The decision marked a turning point for the city, which had languished in the shadows of Agra and Calcutta for far too long. The bustling metropolis of New Delhi, with its regal architecture and vibrant culture, would now shine as the center of political power in India. The dusty streets and forgotten alleys of old Delhi would soon be transformed into grand boulevards and sprawling gardens fit for royalty. It was a monumental decision that would shape the future of Delhi for years to come.
In 1854, the first three universities in the country were founded in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras. Delhi, however, did not have a university at this time. It had only three colleges: St. Stephen’s College (established in 1881), Hindu College (founded in 1899), and Ramjas College (established in 1917). These three colleges were affiliated with Punjab University in Lahore, which had become a center for art, culture, and education after the decline of the Mughal empire. The idea of a University in Delhi was first mooted post 1911 after the decision to move the Capital from Calcutta and on May 1, 1922, and Delhi University was established as a unitary, teaching and residential university with three constituent colleges — St Stephen’s, Hindu, and Ramjas.
Ever since 1911, when the British relocated their capital from Calcutta to Delhi, the city has been steadily expanding, engulfing forests, fields, and hills that used to dot its landscape. The face of Delhi changed drastically in 1947 as thousands of people departed for Pakistan and over 450,000 refugees arrived from the other side of the border.
In 1947, the Hindu and Sikh population of Delhi increased exponentially , but the number of Muslims fell sharply. A large number of Punjabi Khatris arrived in the city as it accommodated more than 10% of the 4.75 million refugees from Pakistan. In the two months leading to Independence , Delhi’s population doubled
Within the four bustling metropolises of India, Delhi is often seen as the least culturally developed, a city with a rough and rustic edge. It’s hard to fathom how this could be, considering that Delhi has held the title of India’s capital for nearly 90 years. Yet, amidst the modern buildings and frenzied traffic, there is a distinct lack of refinement and sophistication in Delhi’s streets
Delhi is a city that exudes a sense of confusion and uncertainty about its place in the world. Once the cultural capital of the Mughal Empire, it now struggles to define its future. It exists as a physical space, but lacks a clear sense of identity to those who inhabit it. The streets are filled with the noise and chaos of daily life, yet there is an underlying sense of restlessness and unease. Delhi is a city in a constant state of transition, caught between its glorious past and an uncertain future. Its buildings and monuments stand as reminders of its rich history, while modern skyscrapers and bustling markets hint at its ambitions for growth and progress. Yet, amidst this juxtaposition of old and new, Delhi remains unsure of its true essence. It is a city still searching for its purpose and meaning within its own boundaries.
Musafir 
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