 Delhi,
where a empire rose and fell before the dawn
of history; where citadels of emperors appeared
and disappeared; a city of mysterious eternity
whose old ruins proclaim a majestic and imperial
past and whose present pulsates vibrantly
with the ever flowing life of India. The eternal
Jamuna bears witness to the glorious and tumultuous
5,000 year old history of Delhi. A history
which begins with the creation of Indraprastha
by the Pandavas and the transformation of
this barren gift of the Kauravas into an idyllic
haven.
A history which
encompasses all the various kings and emperors
who fixed their royal citadels here-- Indraprastha,
Lal Kot, Quila Rai Pithora, Siri, Jahanpanah,
Tughlakabad, Ferozabad, Dinpanah, Delhi Sher
Shahi or then Shahjahanabad. but, combined
and integrated into one, these 'new cities'
have always been called Delhi and howsoever
many names it may have acquired, Delhi has
always been intrinsically identified with
power and imperial sway. There have been at
least eight cities around modern Delhi, and
the old saying that whoever founds a new city
at Delhi will lose it has come true every
time -- most recently for the British who
founded New Delhi in 1911.
 The
historic Purana Qila, which has stood witness
to Delhi's rejuvenation, periods of anarchy,
and the rise & fall of empires, brings
alive history of the capital. Amidst the
tranquility of the splendidly panoramic
environs of Purana Qila, Delhi's historic
and legendary past come to life. After Shah
Jahan built Red Fort the attention of administration
shifted to gorgeous palaces of the fort.
Today the fort is open for the public but
only limited area can be accessed. More
than half of the fort area has been taken
over by the Army. But even what is open
to visit reminds one of the splendour and
lavish life style which our rulers lived.
Delhi has seen the death of many empires
and resisted bloody attempts to eliminate
her. Nadir Shah had ordered his soldiers
to plunder and massacre Delhi. It is said
that he got so much wealth from Delhi that
he was not able to carry in home. Abdali
and Taimur Lane were no different they had
tried their best to demolish the city of
Delhi but it was some kind of a boon which
helped it to regain its lost glory each
time Delhi was plundered.
 Delhi
was the focal point for the first war of
independence in 1857. Though the revolt
did not reach its desired conclusion, Delhi
became a thorn in the eyes of the British.
Not only in ancient times or the mediaeval
period, Delhi has been the center of any
activity at all times. As the Britishers
shifted their capital from Calcutta to Delhi,
all the activities during the freedom struggle
were directed towards Delhi. Thus, Delhi
also bears the marks of the freedom struggle.
The ultimate goal of the Azad Hind Fauz
during the freedom struggle was to capture
Delhi and established Swaraj. The slogan
'Dilli Chalo' is still used by leaders and
political parties when they oraganise any
rally or demonstration. It was the hosting
of the tricolour at Red Fort in Delhi which
marked a chapter in the history of India.
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