Old Delhi

Brief History of Old Delhi

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1639-1648) built a new walled city in Delhi which was designed by Jahanara, the emperor’s favourite daughter. This city served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1649 to 1857 known as “Shahjahanbad” and remain the same till the last Mughal ruled. When British came to India for trading and later ruled India, they made Calcutta, now known as Kolkata, their capital. In 1920, the British shifted their capital to Delhi which remains the capital of India post independence as well.

The history of Old Delhi built by Shahjahan, its wafting aromas, heritage and architecture are just a few of the reasons for getting lost in the allies of this city which a hub of rich culture and heritage. This is where Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru got married who later became the first Prime Minister of independent India.

The history of this city has seen various ups and down, politically & culturally. However, its culture, heritage and traditions regained its shine itself for the coming generations to explore and experience.

Its monuments are the most evident traces of its past, spanning a period of almost a thousand years. Different dynasties built their capitals here. Some altered and extended existing ones, others built new cities. When it comes to the historical monuments and religious shrines, Delhi boasts of having a huge and wonderful collection of structures showcasing different architectural patterns. Their monumental ruins include forts and palaces, tombs, Havelis, shrines for gods and mystics, rest houses, memorials, bazaars are part of the lived environments of local communities.