The Indian capital city of Delhi has a long history, including a history as the capital of several empires. The earliest architectural relics date back to the Maurya Period; since then, the site has seen continuous settlement. In 1966, an inscription of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka was discovered near Srinivaspuri, which is nearNoida. Two sandstone pillars inscribed with the edicts of Ashoka were brought to byFiruz Shah Tughluq in the 14th century. The famous Iron pillar near the Qutub Minar was commissioned by the emperor Kumara Gupta I of the Gupta dynasty (320-540) and transplanted to Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi for millennia, there is no record to stand by that claim. Delhi is generally considered a close to 5000-year old city, as per Ancient Indian text The Mahabharata, since the first ever mention of the city is found in this religious scripture. Therefore, except the scripture, archaeological evidences to book the city's Ancient history are as good as nought. As a result, Delhi 's Ancient history finds no records and this period may be regarded as the lost period of its history. Extensive coverage of Delhi 's history begins with the onset of the Delhi Sultanatein the 12th century. Since then, Delhi had been the seat of Islamic and British rulers untilIndia's independence in 1947.
The core of Delhi 's tangible heritage is Islamic, spanning over 7 centuries of Islamic rule over the city, with some British-styled architectures and zones in Lutyens' Delhi dating to the British rule in India. Whatever records exist of Delhi- in the form of scriptures or archaeological evidences, they crown Delhi as the Capital city of some empire or the other all through, with minor random breaks in between, making Delhi one of the longest serving Capitals and one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world[1][2]. It is considered to be a city built, destroyed and rebuilt several times, as outsiders who successfully invaded the Indian Subcontinent would ransack the existing capital city in Delhi
Qutub Minar is the pride of Delhi. The tall minaret was constructed in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, and later completed by his successor Iltutmish. The soaring conical tower is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture.
Qutub Minar is a World Heritage Site and has survived the ravages of time impressively. The Minar of Delhi is surrounded by a lush green garden, which is an ideal leisurely place for visitors. Qutab Minar is the favourite destination of tourists. It is India's most visited monument attracting around 3.9 million visitors every year.
Each of the 5 storeys and tower of Qutub Minar has unique designs.
It was hit by lightening couple of times and was damaged. The subsequent rulers repaired it. Thus it is standing mightily as it was before till date.
Qutab Minar is a great masterpiece of Mughal architecture. The base of the Qutub Minar measures 14.32 meters and the top of the structure measures 2.75 meters. The bird eye's view of Delhi city from the top is amazing. The base of first storey has alternate angular and circular flutings, the second one is round. The third storey of the Qutub Minar has angular flutings. The balconies projecting out heighten the beauty of the Minar. The tower is so high that around 379 steps are needed to be climbed to reach the top. Another taller tower adjacent to Qutub Minar is named Alai Minar which is somewhat tilted in one direction. The verses from the holy Qur'an are carved on sandstone walls of Qutub Minar. This monument serves the purpose of calling people for prayer in the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. This is a tower of victory, a monument that signify the might of Islam, or a tower for keeping a check for defense.
The Iron Pillar
This is age old pillar standing in the courtyard of Quwwat-ul-Isam mosque has withstood the test of time (weather) for over 1500 years. This 2 ft high Pillar is a solid shaft of wrought iron and as per a Sanskrit inscription was erected outside a Vishnu temple, possibly in Bihar in the memory of the Gupta King Chandragupta II Vikramaditya (375-413 A.D.). It is said that if someone standing with his/her back to pillar encircle it with his/her arms, his/her wish will be granted. The iron pillar (also known as the Ashokan pillar) of Delhi, India, is a 7 m (23 ft) high pillar in the Qutb complex, notable for the composition of the metals used in its construction.
The pillar, which weighs more than six tons, is said to have been fashioned at the time of Chandragupta Vikramaditya (375–413) of the Gupta Empire, though other authorities give dates as early as 912 BCE. The pillar initially stood in the centre of a Jain temple complex housing twenty-seven temples; these were destroyed by Qutb-ud-din Aybak, and their material was used in building the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and the Qutb complex which now surrounds the pillar. The pillar has attracted the attention of archaeologists and metallurgists and has been called "a testament to the skill of ancient Indian blacksmiths" because of its high resistance to corrosion. The corrosion resistance results from an even layer of crystalline iron hydrogen phosphate forming on the high phosphorus content iron, which serves to protect it, and also the effects of the local Delhi climate, which alternates from wet to dry.
Red Fort, Delhi India
Built in almost 20 years (1639-1648), by the Mughal monarch Shahjahan, who shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi had a great significance in historical delhi. Built at a cost of Rs 100 lakhs, this imposing building in redstone has its walls that vary in height from 18 m on river (Yamuna) side to 33 m on the city side. Of the two gates, Lahore Gate and Delhi Gate, the former facing the Chandni Chowk is more imposing. The Lahore Gate faces to Lahore (now in Pakistan) and gives access to Chhatta Chowk (the vaulted arcade). Of the prime attractions in the fort are Diwan-i-Am (the Hall of Public Audiences), Diwan-I-Khas (the Hall of Private Audiences), Royal Baths, Shahi Burj, Moti Masjid (built by Aurangzeb in 1659), Khas Mahal, Rang Mahal, Mumtaz Mahal and Svatantrata Sangram Sangrahalaya. It was in the Diwan-i-Am, wherein a marble dias is said to have supported the famous Peacock throne of Shahajahan which was valued at some six million sterling and alas (!) was taken away by Nadir Shah when he looted Delhi in 1739. Do check about the timings of a Sound and Light show, held every evening.
India Gate Delhi (All India War Memorial)
This 42 metre high, free standing arch, designed by Lutyens and founded on February 10 1921 by the Duke of Connaught, commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died during World War I. "Amar Jawan Jyoti", another memorial, added under the arch in 1971 is the nation's tribute to Indian Jawans, who laid their lives during Indo-Pak War of 1971. The names of the demised soul (soldiers) are inscribed all along the walls of the arch.Old Fort Purana Qila Delhi
Constructed on the historical site of Indraprastha by Mughal emperor Humayun and Sher Shah, the fort has a circuit of about a mile. Rectangular in shape, it houses the famous Sher Mandal and Qila-i-Kohna Mosque, built by Sher Shah. Earlier, it was Humayun (1538-1545) who rebuilt Indraprastha and renamed it as Dinpanalh, while Sher Shah who had defeated Humayun named it Shergarh. Sher Mandal, a two storeyed octagonal tower was used by Humayun as library, from where he slipped from its steep stairs and died. Among other attractions are a small archaeological museum, a zoo and a sound and light show held every evening. Delhi Observatory, Jantar Mantar Delhi, India
The five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur (1699-1743), Jantar Mantar, at Delhi is one of them. (Others were erected at Ujjain, Varanasi, Jaipur and Mathura) Built in 1724, it contains six masonary instruments, the largest one Samrat Yantra (Supreme Instrument) is like a sun dial. Built for observing the movements of the stars and the planets, through these Yantras one can known about the shortest and the longest day of the year, days of the week, months, time and other astronomical data.Humayun's Tomb, Delhi-India
Built in 1565 AD by Haji Begum, the Persian born senior wife of Humayun, this tomb is an important landmark in the history of Indian architecture. Its uniqueness lies in the introduction of certain Persian features, viz the bulbous double dome and surrounding formal gardens. Held as "an Indian interpretation of a Persian conception", this tomb is the general dormitory of so many distinguished personalities of the Mughal dynasty, like Haji Begum, trunk of Dara Shikoh (Shahjahan's son) emperor Jahandar Shah and Frarruksiyar as well as Humayun's barber. click here for more info & photo About Humayun's Tomb, Delhi-IndiaGandhi Smriti. Birla House Delhi
It's the place where Mahatma Gandhi was assasinated on January 30,1948. A three foot tall stone memorial has been erected at the site. Moreover, Delete scenes from the Mahatma's life have been painted on the walls and ceilings of the nearby red sandstone portion.click here for more info & photo Gandhi Smriti. Birla House Delhi
Parliament House Of India
Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, its foundation was laid by the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and completed in just five years. Located near the Central Secretariat, this marvellous piece of architecture can be admired only from outside due to security reasons. With a diameter of 125 yards and a height of 75 ft.
The City of Siri
The city of Siri was founded by Ala-ud-din Khilji in 1304. Located about 5 km to the north of Qutab Minar, the city is in complete ruins now. However even the remains of few ancient structures and a Baradari in Shahpur Jat is worth having a look.
Tughluqabad Fort
Across the main entrance of Tughluqabad on the south is Ghiyathu'd-Din's tomb. Faced with red sandstone relieved by marble, and with batter on exterior, it is enclosed within high walls forming an irregular pentagon. With a 'spear-head' fringe on the underside of its arched openings on three sides and its colour-scheme, it still retains some of the characteristics of Khalji architecture. But its arch, with an ogee curve at the apex recalling the 'Tudor' arch, a slightly-pointed 'Tartar' dome and the use of beam-and-arch for openings are new features. Originally it stood within an artificial reservoir and was connected with Tughluqabad by a causeway, now pierced by the Qutb-Badarpur road. The sluice-gates of the vast reservoir are to be seen to the north of the main road close to the massive embankment between the northern and southern spurs of the hills.
Ghiyathu'd-Din's successor, Muhammad Tughluq (1325-51), added the small fortress of 'Adilabad on the hill south of Tughluqabad, with which it shares the main characteristics of construction.
Jama Masjid
Tughluqabad Fort
Ghiyathu'd-Din Tughluq (1321-25) built the fortified town of Tughluqabad, the third city of Delhi. With its battered walls of grey rubble perched on desolate hills, where its position gives it a natural advantage, Tughluqabad was raised as a stronghold rather than as an architectural enterprise. It is in two parts, the citadel and palaces along the southern walls forming one unit and the city to the north the other. On plan it is an irregular rectangle with over 6 km. of fortification. The citadel is still intact, and the walls of palaces can also be discerned. The city-portion is, however, in extreme ruins, although one may make out the alignment of some of its streets.
Across the main entrance of Tughluqabad on the south is Ghiyathu'd-Din's tomb. Faced with red sandstone relieved by marble, and with batter on exterior, it is enclosed within high walls forming an irregular pentagon. With a 'spear-head' fringe on the underside of its arched openings on three sides and its colour-scheme, it still retains some of the characteristics of Khalji architecture. But its arch, with an ogee curve at the apex recalling the 'Tudor' arch, a slightly-pointed 'Tartar' dome and the use of beam-and-arch for openings are new features. Originally it stood within an artificial reservoir and was connected with Tughluqabad by a causeway, now pierced by the Qutb-Badarpur road. The sluice-gates of the vast reservoir are to be seen to the north of the main road close to the massive embankment between the northern and southern spurs of the hills.
Ghiyathu'd-Din's successor, Muhammad Tughluq (1325-51), added the small fortress of 'Adilabad on the hill south of Tughluqabad, with which it shares the main characteristics of construction.
The largest mosque in India, was built by the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Begun in 1644 and completed finally in 1658 at a cost of ten lakhs of rupees, it has three gateways, four angle towers and two 40 m high minarets. Situated on a rocky eminence in Old Delhi on the other side of road to the Red Fort. One of the finest Specimen of Mughal structure, its notable features are its bold treatment in red sandstone inlaid with black and white marble, spacious courts, massive pillars supporting engrailled arches, elegant bulbous domes - all well proportioned with decorative manipulation. Spend some time here for some serious travelmasti pleasures.Alai Darwaza
Amir Khusro's Tomb
One of the most famous poet of Sufi tradition, Khusro lies buried here in the Dargah of Nizamuddin Auliya. Quwwalis and mushairas are held on his annual urs or celebration of death. Music and literature quite dear to Khusro, constitute the most significant feature of his urs that attracts hordes.Opposite the door of Amir Khusrau's tomb there is a heavy wooden door leading to the Hujra-e-Qadeem (literally, the ancient room). Usually locked, except for the exclusive sama' (Qawwali) gatherings of the Sufis, this room is claimed to have been constructed in the thirteenth/fourteenth century. A wall outside this room has a calligraphed poem in praise of Nizamuddin Aulia composed by the Urdu poet Allama Iqbal. Saqqe, or water-sellers, with their leather mashaqs (water bags) pester you to pay for the drinking water offered to devotees. From here Nizamuddin Aulia's grave is about ten yards to the north. Between the two tombs are situated a few more graves. Jehanara, the daughter of Shah Jehan, and Emperor Mohammad Shah lie buried here. Nizamuddin Aulia's tomb is followed by a courtyard -- the arena for the Qawwali performances, and is always full of devotees. Towards the west is the high sandstone wall of the Jamaat-Khana (prayer hall), supposedly constructed by Feroz Shah Tughlaq a few years after Nizamuddin Aulia's death.Dargah of Nizam-ud-din Auliya
Visited by lakhs of devout pilgrims, the Dargah contains a fine mosque known as Khizan Mosque (a landmark of early Indo-Muslim architectural peculiarities of the Khiljis and Tughlaqs. This Dargah of Nizam-ud-din, fourth in line of the Chisti saints of which Khawaja Muin-ud-din Chisti of Ajmer was the founder, has in its precincts buried famous men and women, including Ghalib, Amir Khusro, Jahanara Begum (daughter of Shahjahan) and emperor Muhammad Shjah.
Dargah of Khwaja Qutab-ud-din Bakhtiyar Kaki
A disciple of Khwaja Chisti of Ajmer, a great Chisti saint of India and a contemporary of Iltutmish, lies buried Bakhtiya Kaki near Qutab Minar in Mehrauli. This structure, the oldest in Delhi and located near the Qutab Minar, was a favourite with later Mughal emperors as their resting place. Phoolwalon ki Sair is a great occasion to be here for travelmasti.Ghalib's Tomb & Academy
Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib the legendary Urdu poet of Delhi lies buried in a superbly chiselled marble tomb. Designed by the famous architect of Hyderabad. Nawab Jang Bahadur, this tomb is located in Nizamuddin area. In 1969, a Ghalib Academy was established nearby, to perpetuate his memory and works.
Firoz Shah Kotla
Designed by Herbert Baker and completed in 1929-30, the north and south Secretariat buildings on the either side of Rajpath are among the greatest office buildings in the world. Each block is surrounded by a dome which is 217 ft. high from the lowest level. Housing the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of External Affairs, these buildings have the best features of modern English School of Architecture as well as more delicate of the traditional Indian forms.Lodhi Tomb (Lodhi Gardens)
The tombs of Sikandar Lodhi and some others, viz Mohammad Shah (1450). Mubarak Shah (1433) and Ibrahim Lodhi (1526), are located here. The architecture visible here is simple and anstere. Among the other attractions are well kept gardens, Shish Gumbad and Bara Gumbad. The latter was built by Sikander Shah Lodhi in 1494 A.D. and is noted for its lofty dome.
Mughal Gardens
The Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhawan are a treat for the eyes and open to the public during certain periods of the year. Designed by W R Mustoe, its a fine blend of Mughal and English styles. Small flowering trees, ornamental trees, intricate system of fountains, water channels and tanks are the special features of the garden. The Mughal gardens are open to the public in the month of February-March every year and specific dates, times are announced every year. Visitors are allowed entry to the garden on all days except Mondays. The gardens may remain closed on other days also in case of a function in the Mughal gardens or during the visit of a VVIP during the said period. The dates are made known to the public through various media. The entry and exit into the gardens is regulated from Gate No. 35 of the President's Estate, which is located near the North Avenue, at the western end of the Church Road.Rashtrapati Bhawan, India
About 400 yards behind the Central Secretariat building lies Lutyen's magisterial Indo-Baroque Rashtrapati Bhavan. Occupying a prominent position opposite the India Gate, this majestic palace once was Viceroy's Palace, but is now the official residence of India's President. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1923, it has an area of over 2,10,430 sq ft. One of the largest palaces of the world, it is noted for its courts, stairways and apartments, a Great Durbar Hall and a magnificent dome. With 340 rooms, this structure costed over eight million pounds and can be visited only by special permission. 
Located in Kalkaji in the south of Delhi, it is lotus shaped and has rightly been given the name. It is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquility. It is a very recent architectural marvel of the Bahai faith. The Bahá'í Faith is the youngest of the world's independent religions. Its founder, Bahá'u'lláh (1817-1892), is regarded by Bahá'ís as the most recent in the line of Messengers of God that stretches back beyond recorded time and that includes Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ and Muhammad. The central theme of Bahá'u'lláh's message is that humanity is one single race and that the day has come for its unification in one global society. God, Bahá'u'lláh said, has set in motion historical forces that are breaking down traditional barriers of race, class, creed, and nation and that will, in time, give birth to a universal civilization. The principal challenge facing the peoples of the earth is to accept the fact of their oneness and to assist the processes of unification.
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