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# Delhi

"CAPITAL OF INDIA" :- NEW DELHI

# About Delhi

Delhi is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques.The city's importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of empires and magnificent monuments, but also in the rich and diverse cultures.

In Delhi, you will discover that the city is sprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancient monuments, fascinating museums and art galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places and bustling markets.Delhi has been the political hub of India. Every political activity in the country traces its roots here.

In February 2014, Government of India approved Delhi's bid for World Heritage City status.Delhi is the largest commercial centre in northern India.

# History

Delhi, the capital of India has a strong historical background. It was ruled by some of the most powerful emperors in Indian history. The history of the city is as old as the epic Mahabharata. The town was known as Indraprastha, where Pandavas used to live. In due course eight more cities came alive adjacent to Indraprastha: Lal Kot, Siri, Dinpanah, Quila Rai Pithora, Ferozabad, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad and Shahjahanabad.

Delhi has been a witness to the political turmoil for over five centuries. It was ruled by the Mughals in succession to Khiljis and Tughlaqs. The early Mughal emperors favoured Agra as their capital, and Delhi became their permanent seat only after Shah Jahan built (1638) the walls of Old Delhi.

In the year 1803 AD, the city came under the British rule. In 1911, British shifted their capital from Calcutta to Delhi. It again became the center of all the governing activities. But, the city has the reputation of over throwing the occupants of its throne. It included the British and the current political parties that have had the honour of leading free India. After independence in 1947, New Delhi was officially declared as the Capital of India.

# Geography

Delhi covers an area of 1484 Sq. Km. out of which 783 Sq. Km. is under the rural and 700 Sq. Km. is under the urban section. The land stretches about 51.9 km long and 48.48 km wide. The region falls under the seismic zone IV which makes it prone to earthquakes; however, the city has not witnessed any major earthquake as such but certain trembles have been experienced because of earthquakes in Gujarat and neighbouring places.

Delhi does not follow any specific pattern geographically and it is widely erratic. It transforms from agricultural fields in the north to the dry parched hills which branches out of the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan in the south. To explain its boundaries in a better way, the extreme end spans from Sarup Nagar in the northern part to Rajorki in the southern part. Towards the extreme west is Najafgarh and extreme east is the holy Yamuna River, Shahdara and Bhajanpura which are major shopping centres. The main city of Delhi ends in Saket on the south and central northern area is Connaught Place whilst the western boundary limits at National Highway - 8.

# Culture

Delhi's culture has been influenced by its lengthy history and historic association as the capital of India. This is exemplified by many significant monuments in the city. Delhi is also identified as the location of Indraprastha, the ancient capital of the Pandavas.

# Cuisine

As India's national capital and centuries old Mughal capital, Delhi influenced the food habits of its residents and is where Mughlai cuisine originated. Along with Indian cuisine, a variety of international cuisines are popular among the residents. The dearth of food habits among the city's residents created a unique style of cooking which became popular throughout the world, with dishes such as Kebab, biryani, tandoori. The city's classic dishes include Butter chicken, Aloo Chaat, chaat, dahi vada, kachori, chole bhature, Chole kulche, jalebi and lassi.

The fast living habits of Delhi's people has motivated the growth of street food outlets. A trend of dining at local dhabas is popular among the residents. High profile restaurants have gained popularity in recent years, among the popular restaurants are the Karim Hotel, the Punjab Grill and Bukhara. The Gali Paranthe Wali (the street of fried bread) is a street in Chandni Chowk particularly for food eateries since the 1870s. Almost the entire street is occupied by fast food stalls or street vendors. It has nearly become a tradition that almost every prime minister of India has visited the street to eat paratha at least once. However, other Indian cuisines are also available in this area but this street specializes in north Indian food .

# City Administration

As of July 2007, the National Capital Territory of Delhi comprises nine districts, 27 tehsils, 59 census towns, 300 villages and three statutory towns, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (The Delhi metropolitan area lies within the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT), which has five local municipal corporations- North Delhi Municipal Corporation, South Delhi Municipal Corporation, East Delhi Municipal Corporation, NDMC and DCB. The former MCD was divided into three smaller Municipal Corporations – North Delhi, South Delhi and East Delhi.

Delhi houses the Supreme Court of India, and the regional Delhi High Court, along with the Small Causes Court for civil cases, Magistrate Court and Sessions Court for criminal cases, has jurisdiction over Delhi. The city is administratively divided into eleven police-zones, which are subdivided into 95 local police stations.

# Holy Places

- Akshardham Temple : This newly built temple is spread across 30acres of land near the banks of Yamuna and has been architecturally inspired from various ancient temples of India.
- Birla Temple : One of the oldest temples in Delhi, it is also called Birla Mandir and Lakshmi Narayan Temple. Its just 2 kilometers away from the Connaught Place.
- Lotus Temple : Also known as Bahai Temple or Temple of Peace, this place in Delhi is the best one to gain knowledge on spirituality.
- Jama Masjid : This is the largest and one of the most beautiful mosques in India built by Shah Jahan and is the finest specimen of the Mughal architecture.
- Safdarjung Tomb : The architectural style of this tomb is referred to be one of the last Mughal styles of architecture.
- Sis Ganj Gurudwara : This gurudwara is located on the site where Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh was martyred on the orders of Mughal king Aurangzeb.
- Chattarpur Temple : This is the famous Goddess Durga temple in Delhi. It is built in South Indian style.
- Bangla Sahib : This famous gurudwara is located near Connaught Place. It is dedicated to Guru Harikishen Sahib.

# Hotel

Dusit Devarana : Visit
The Leela Palace : Visit
The Oberoi : Visit
Taj Mahal Hotel : Visit
The Metropolitan Hotel : Visit

# Hospital

Below is a list of major hospitals in Delhi :-

- AIIMS Hospital Delhi . Contact:- +91-11-26588500 / 26588700
- BLK Hospital . Contact:- +91-11-30403040
- Apollo Hospital . Contact:- +91-011 2692 5858
- SAMA Hospital . Contact:- +91-011 4311 1888
- MAX Hospital . Contact:- +91-011 4055 4055
- Fortis Hospital . Contact:- +91-011 41503222
- Sir Ganga Ram Hospital . Contact:- +91-011 4225 4000
- RML Hospital . Contact:- +91-011 2336 5525

# Economy

Delhi is the largest commercial centre in northern India; it has an estimated net State Domestic Product (FY 2010) of INR1595 billion (US$25 billion) in nominal terms and INR6800 billion (US$110 billion) in PPP terms. As of 2013, the per capita income of Delhi was Rs. 230000, highest in India. GSDP in Delhi at the current prices for 2012-13 is estimated at Rs 3.88 trillion (short scale) against Rs 3.11 trillion (short scale) in 2011-12.

Delhi has one of India's largest and fastest growing retail industries. Manufacturing also grew considerably as consumer goods companies established manufacturing units and headquarters in the city. Delhi's large consumer market and the availability of skilled labour has attracted foreign investment. In 2001, the manufacturing sector employed 1,440,000 workers and the city had 129,000 industrial units.

# Famous Personalities

- Sharukh Khan
- Sonia Gandhi
- Rahul Gandhi
- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
- Sheila Dikshit
- Sahib Singh Verma
- Madan Lal Khurana
- Nandita Das

And Many More...

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