Capital of India

Main languages: Hindi, English, Punjabi and Urdu

 

History:

 

Delhi is the second largest metropolis of India and is also the capital of the country. This city is one of the oldest inhabited cities of the world. It had been the capital of various ancient kingdoms. The British shifted the ancient capital of India to Calcutta for sometime, which was restored in 1947. Delhi has references in the Mahabharata when it was the known as Indraprastha, the legendary capital of the Pandavas. The Mauryan Empire expanded the region and the Chauhan Rajputs of Ajmer conquered it and renamed it Qila Rai Pithora. The Delhi Sultanate had been established by Qutb-ud-din Aybak, the first ruler of the Slave Dynasty. The fall of the slave dynasty was followed by the rule of the Khilji's, Tughluq's, Sayyid's and the Lodhi's. It was finally capture by Babar of the Mughal Dynasty and was ruled by the same for centuries and finally the British took over this capital.

 

Geography and demography: 

 

The Yamuna River lies on the east of New Delhi which is now the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Gangetic Plains cover most of Delhi and located at 28°61′N, 77°23′E.  Yamuna flood plain and the Delhi ridge are two main features of this city. The soil here is fertile alluvial soil suitable for agriculture. Delhi falls under seismic zone-IV which makes it prone to earthquakes. As per the 2001 census the city had a population of 13,782,976. 

 

Climate:

 

Delhi experiences a semi-arid climate but temperatures vary between summers and winters. The summers are dry and hot with maximum temperature going up to 47 degree centigrade. The winters in October with extreme temperatures that range from −0.6 °C to 14 °C. Monsoons arrive here in June.

 

Economy:

 

The city is the second financial capital of India and is the home to the parliament of the country. Most of the important government buildings, residents of the ruling government, consulates and embassies are located here. Connaught Place is one of the most important economic and cultural centres. The city has a per capita income of 53,976 INR or 1,270 USD.  The service industry is the most vital contributor of the economy along with information technology, hotels, banking, media, telecommunications and tourism. Consumer goods and community services have also expanded.

 

Tourism and culture:

 

Delhi is the home to various multi ethnic groups and religions. All festivals are celebrated here with pomp and it is the home to some of the best Hindu and Islamic cultures. The Akshardham Temple here is the biggest Hindu temple complex in the world and the Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India. Some of the best shows and exhibitions in India are held here. There are three World Heritage Sites located here. These include the Red Fort, Qutab Minar and Humayun's Tomb. Other historical monuments here are the India Gate, Puran Quila, Jantar Mantar, Laxminarayan Temple, Akshardham and the Bahá'í Lotus Temple. The associated memorials houses of notable personalities are in Raj Ghat. The capital is also the stoppage for most hill stations. The Qutub Festival here is popular. Shopping is a main activity by tourists. All cuisines are available here and the Punhabi cuisine and Mughlai delicacies are popular. 

 

Education:

 

The capital also has some of the finest institutions of India like the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology, Delhi College of Engineering, Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi School of Economics, and many more.

 

Transportation:

 

The city has an international airport and is well connected through railways to the remotest corners of India. National Highways are easily accessible from here too. 

 

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