History of Delhi

History of Delhi
Having a peak into the history of Delhi would give you an insight to the rich heritage of Indian culture and tradition. It also lets you know the lives and work style of various rulers who ruled Delhi in yester years. As the history books suggest, Delhi has been built and re-built more than 5 times at different sites in and around Delhi but the correct reference is found in the Mahabharatha as the city of Pandavas, also called Indraprastha, some 3000 years ago. The city has a historic importance of its own with every crumbling walls of the city has a story to tell. Delhi has witnessed a rise and fall of major power during 12th century. Until the influx of outsiders, Delhi was home to the Hindu rulers somewhere during the 12th century. Muslim rule in India was established in 12th century after Mohammed Gauri defeated Prithviraj Chauhan.

Indraprastha:

Indraprastha was formed in Delhi in 1000 B.C during Mahabharatha which is assumed to have been around the annex of Purana Quila. According to Mahabharatha, Pandavas named this region as Indraprastha which was known as Khandava-Prastha.

Maurya Capital:

Our history reveals that Delhi was on the great national highway of the Mauryas that linked their capital Patliputra (now Patna in Bihar) with Taxila (Takshashila), now in Pakistan. The route is believed to have been chosen by Buddhist Monks while traveling to Taxila. This very fact shows the strategic and historical importance of Delhi.

The Chauhans took control in the 12th century and made Delhi the most important Hindu centre in northern India.


Delhi Sultanate:

Delhi was acquired by Qutab-Ud-Din Aibak in 1193 which was followed by mighty Mughals from the year 1526 to 1857. Later on Khilji followers built their new capital at Siri, the second city of Delhi.

Tughlakabad was the third city of Delhi built inside the great fortress with 13 outer gates. It was built during the reign of Ghiyas-Ud-Din from 1321-25.

The fourth city of Delhi was called Jahanpanah, which was built by Muhammed Bin Tughlak. Later on the capital was shifted to Daulatabad in Deccan which resulted in the loss of soldiers because it was a difficult march of 1120 kilometers. Finally Tughlaq forfeited his decision and Delhi got back the status of capital.

The fifth city was called Ferozabad whose remains can still be found in the city. It was built by Feroz Shah Tughlak in the year 1351 on the banks of river Yamuna. It was later destroyed by Shah Jahan to build Shahjahanabad.

The remains of the sixth city can be found in the form of tomb and monuments within the Lodi gardens. Old Delhi happens to be the sixth city.

British Rule:

In 1911, king Goerge visited India and it was during his tenure that Delhi became the new capital of India. Delhi saw some significant developments during this period in the form of buildings, infrastructure, parliamentary buildings and public offices. The interception of British rule in India also witnessed a new city being formed in the name of New Delhi or the Lutyens’ Delhi.

It can be said that New Delhi has a regal and majestic history which is quite vivid from the rise and fall of various rules. There is no denying the fact that history of India revolves around the rich history of Delhi.


Taking a tour to Delhi's rich heritage and cultural history is not a cumbersome task. There are holiday hub providers who provide complete information on the history of Delhi. These tour operators make your travel and exploration an easy task by providing every comfort and pleasure despite the hectic lifestyle of delhi.