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History of Delhi:

Strategic Location, Rise and Fall of Ancient Cities, British Influence, and Independence

Location: Delhi is next to the Yamuna River on a flat water divide between the Indus and the Ganges plains which contribute to agricultural fertility. To the north loom the Himilayas. To the southwest expands the Thar Desert.

Geopolitically this positioning was elemental to the control of India. It is a gateway between India and the rest of the Asiatic and European landmasses.

Seven Cities of Delhi: The first city that was established at the base of the Himilayas is thought to have emerged in the 1st century B.C. near the location of the QUTAB MINAR. Following the first century, at least six other cities are known to have risen (and some fallen) at the location of modern Delhi. In 1698, Mughal ruler, Shah Jahan built the seventh city, the walled city of Shahjahanabad. Today, we know Shahjahanabad as Old Delhi.

British Influence: During the middle of the 18th century, the Mughal Empire expired. British presence was felt in India. 1803 marks the onset of British influence in Delhi. The city experienced an increase in population. However, the inland location of Delhi made it a weak candidate for a colonial port city. In the second half of the 1800s, railroads were built across India. The railroads and the strategic location of Delhi convinced the British to declare Delhi the capital of British India. In 1911, the British began plans for New Delhi.

Independence: In 1947, India became independent. Delhi felt a major impact following WWII and independence as 500,000 people moved into Delhi in a span of about two months.

Qutab Minar Complex

Images of Delhi

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Seven Cities of Delhi:	The first city that was established at the base of the Himilayas is thought to have emerged in the 1st century B.C. near the location of the QUTAB MINAR. Following the first century, at least six other cities are known to have risen (and some fallen) at the location of modern Delhi. In 1698, Mughal ruler, Shah Jahan built the seventh city, the walled city of Shahjahanabad. Today, we know Shahjahanabad as Old Delhi.
British Influence:	During the middle of the 18th century, the Mughal Empire expired. British presence was felt in India. 1803 marks the onset of British influence in Delhi. The city experienced an increase in population. However, the inland location of Delhi made it a weak candidate for a colonial port city. In the second half of the 1800s, railroads were built across India. The railroads and the strategic location of Delhi convinced the British to declare Delhi the capital of British India. In 1911, the British began plans for New Delhi.
Independence:	In 1947, India became independent. Delhi felt a major impact following WWII and independence as 500,000 people moved into Delhi in a span of about two months.