EXPLORING DELHI

                                        

                    

The Capital Of India, New Delhi Is Often Said To Be “Dilwaalon Ki Dilli”, A Place Wherein People Have Contented Hearts And Lively Nature. The Numerous Facts About Delhi Not Only Stem From Its Large Number Of Ancient And Historical Artefacts But Also Since It Is Home To All The Three Branches Of Government Of India. With Its Long History Of Empire Successions From The Delhi Sultanate To Mughals And Then The British, The City At Present Stands As One Of The Fastest Developing Cities In The World. Delhi Is Loved By The Tourists As Well As Its Inhabitants For It Is A City Of The Wise And The Spice! There Are Some Facts I Am Going To Tell You.

New Delhi was Planned by a British Architect

Although Delhi was a prominent historical kingdom, modern-day New Delhi was actually designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker. Hence, it is also known as Lutyens Delhi, although no one uses that name anymore. 

One of the Oldest Stadiums in India

Feroze Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi is one of India’s oldest. It is second in age only to Kolkata’s famous Eden Gardens. It was renamed Arun Jaitley Stadium in 2019, but still holds the legacy of its old name. If you’re an IPL fan, you may know this place as the home ground of the Delhi Capitals.

Most Expensive Commonwealth Games

Commonwealth Games held in 2010 in Delhi went on for almost two weeks. To date, it is reported to be the largest and most expensive of all CWGs in the world. But hey, they at least got A R Rahman to perform for the opening ceremony so we’d say it was money well-spent.

Capital Since 1931

Although it seems like the city has been the capital of India forever, here’s another interesting fact about Delhi – it wasn’t. It used to be the capital for many kings before the British invasion. But it was actually Kolkata that was the British capital until 1931, and only after that, did Delhi take back its throne. We guess it’s not giving it back anytime soon.

Mention in the Mahabharata

If you think Delhi is a new city, you couldn’t be more mistaken. Delhi, earlier known as Indraprastha, goes back to the Mahabharata. It was mentioned in the epic as the capital of the Pandavas. The city is no longer called by that name, but you can find a few colleges and a metro station still using it.

Humayun’s Tomb is the Inspiration behind the Taj Mahal

There is no one who hasn’t heard of the Taj Mahal. But there are few who know that it was actually Humayun’s Tomb in Nizamuddin that was the inspiration behind its unique architecture.

New Delhi and Delhi are two different Places

Although used interchangeably, here’s some information about New Delhi – it is not the same as Delhi. Delhi is a state and the city at large, while New Delhi is just an area within it. New Delhi is also the capital of the country. And no, Old Delhi and Delhi are not the same either. These are three different places. Confusing, we know.

Highly populated

To no one’s surprise, Delhi is the second-most populous city in the world, Tokyo being the first. This explains the shared walls between buildings, cars parked on the road and no space between two houses to even breathe. But the parks in every neighbourhood make up quite well for it.

THE RED FORT USE TO BE WHITE IN COLOUR

You Heard It Right, The Magnificent Red Fort Which Defines The Almightiness Of Delhi, Used To Be White Initially. According To A Survey Conducted For Archaeology, Related Research Unravelled That The Fort Was Made Up Of Limestone And When The Stone Started To Wither Away, The British Painted It Red To Preserve It. 

DELHI WAS ONE BOUND BY 14 GATES

Delhi Was Surrounded By 14 Gates Initially Out Of Which Only Five Still Stand. ‘The Kashmere Gate’ Built In 1835 By Robert Smith Is The Northernmost Gate Of The City. ‘The Ajmeri Gate’ Constructed In 1644 Considerably Faces Ajmer. ‘The Lahori Gate’ Is The Main Entrance Into The Red Fort.  ‘The Delhi Gate’ Also Known As The ‘Dilli Darwaza’ Is Another Way Into The Red Fort. Lastly, ‘The Turkman Gate’ Built During The 13th Century Is Located In Shahjahanabad.

 DELHI IS HOMETO THE TALLEST MINARET IN WORLD

Yes! You guessed it correctly, it’s Qutub Minar! The construction of this beautiful Minaret began in 1200 AD by the Delhi Sultanate - Qutub al-Din Aibak and still stands gracefully within the city.

DELHI HAS THE 13TH LARGEST RAIL NETWORK IN 

WORLD

The Delhi Metro Station Stands In The 13th Position In The Entire World With The Length Of The Station Being 193 Kilometres. Also, The Yellow Lines On The Station Are Uniquely Designed To Guide Blind People. It's Public-Friendly Too!

DELHI ALSO HAS THE LARGEST WHOLESALE MARKET IN ASIA

Along with the spice market, Delhi also occupies the largest wholesale market of fruits and vegetables in Asia. The Azadpur market is approximately around 80 acres.

With being the capital of the country, these facts about Delhi bring out many mysterious reasons to explore the city! Do pass on these facts across your friends and family and surprise them as well!

INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM OF TOILETS

It sounds weird but it’s true! Sulabh International Museum of Toilets is on the list of top 10 museums in the world that are strange and extraordinary. Further, it was established in 1992 by Dr Bindeshwar Pathak (pioneer of the Sulabh sanitation movement). The Museum is full of facts, pictures and objects that tell the history of toilet evolution from 2500 BC to the present date. Isn’t it come under the top facts of Delhi?

Location– Mahavir Enclave, New Delhi

Timing– From Monday to Saturday, it opens at 8 AM in the morning and closes at 8 PM in the evening. On Sundays or national holidays, it opens at 10 AM and closes at 5 PM.

                                                                                REGARDS  TUSHAR SETHI