Delhi

Capital city of India

Delhi, officially the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT), is a city and a union territory of India containing New Delhi, the capital of India. It is bordered by the state of Haryana on three sides and by Uttar Pradesh to the east. The NCT covers an area of 1,484 square kilometers (573 sq mi). According to the 2011 census, Delhi's city proper population was over 11 million, while the NCT's population was about 16.8 million. Delhi's urban area is now considered to extend beyond the NCT boundaries, and includes the satellite cities of Gurgaon, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad in an area now called the National Capital Region (NCR) and has an estimated 2016 population of over 26 million people, making it the world's second-largest urban area according to the United Nations.

History

Tomb of Humayun, Delhi

Delhi has a long history, and has been an important political center of India as the capital of several empires. The earliest architectural relics date back to the Maurya period (c. 300 BC); in 1966, an inscription of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (273–235 BC) was discovered near Srinivaspuri. Remains of several major cities can be found in Delhi, including the legendary Indraprastha from the Mahabharata.

The Delhi Sultanate was a Muslim kingdom based mostly in Delhi that stretched over large parts of the Indian subcontinent for 320 years (1206–1526). Five dynasties ruled over the Delhi Sultanate sequentially: the Mamluk dynasty (1206–90), the Khilji dynasty (1290–1320), the Tughlaq dynasty (1320–1414), the Sayyid dynasty (1414–51), and the Lodi dynasty (1451–1526).

Qutb Minar Ruins

In 1526, Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat and established the Mughal Empire, which ruled from Delhi and Agra. The Mughal Empire ruled Delhi for more than three centuries, with a brief interruption during the reign of Sher Shah Suri.

Geography

Delhi is located at 28.61°N 77.23°E, and lies in northern India. It borders the Indian states of Haryana on the north, west, and south and Uttar Pradesh to the east. The Yamuna River flows through the city, and the Aravalli Range is located to the south of the city.

Climate

Delhi has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cwa) bordering on a semi-arid climate (BSh) with high variation between summer and winter temperatures and precipitation. The warm season lasts from April to October with the monsoon season occurring in the middle of the summer. The cool season lasts from November to March.

Demographics

Delhi is a cosmopolitan city due to the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural presence of the vast Indian bureaucracy and political system. The city has a population of over 11 million, with a density of 11,297 persons per square kilometer.

Economy

Delhi is the largest commercial center in northern India. The city has an estimated net State Domestic Product (SDP) of ₹6,224 billion (US$87 billion) in nominal terms and ~₹13,000 billion (US$180 billion) in PPP terms as of 2017. The tertiary sector contributes 70.95% of Delhi's gross SDP followed by secondary and primary sectors with 25.20% and 3.85% contribution respectively.

Culture

Jama Masjid, 2011

Delhi is known for its rich cultural heritage. The city hosts numerous festivals and events, including the Republic Day parade, Diwali, Holi, and Eid. The city is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous theaters, art galleries, and cultural centers.

Tourism

Delhi is a major tourist destination in India. It is home to several historical monuments and landmarks, including the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, and India Gate.

Red Fort in Delhi

The Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for nearly 200 years. The Qutub Minar is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the tallest brick minaret in the world.

India Gate

The India Gate is a war memorial located astride the Rajpath, on the eastern edge of the "ceremonial axis" of New Delhi, formerly called Kingsway.

Transportation

Delhi is a major transportation hub in India. The city is served by the Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in India. The Delhi Metro is a rapid transit system serving Delhi and its satellite cities.

Education

Delhi is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including the University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi.

Related pages

• New Delhi
• National Capital Region (India)
• List of cities in India by population