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.
The
historic Purana Qila, which has stood witness to Delhi's rejuvenation, periods
of anarchy, and the rise & fall of empires, brings alive history of the
capital. Amidst the tranquility of the splendidly panoramic environs of Purana
Qila, Delhi's historic and legendary past come to life. After Shah Jahan built
Red Fort the attention of administration shifted to gorgeous palaces of the
fort. Today the fort is open for the public but only limited area can be accessed.
More than half of the fort area has been taken over by the Army. But even what
is open to visit reminds one of the splendour and lavish life style which our
rulers lived. Delhi has seen the death of many empires and resisted bloody attempts
to eliminate her. Nadir Shah had ordered his soldiers to plunder and massacre
Delhi. It is said that he got so much wealth from Delhi that he was not able
to carry in home. Abdali and Taimur Lane were no different they had tried their
best to demolish the city of Delhi but it was some kind of a boon which helped
it to regain its lost glory each time Delhi was plundered.
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.
