DELHI-THIS YEAR (2011) CELEBRATES ITS CENTENARY AS A NATION’S CAPITAL

DELHI-THIS YEAR (2011) CELEBRATES ITS CENTENARY

AS A NATION’S CAPITAL

   

On December 12, 1911, the capital of colonized India was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi, re-establishing the city as the political centre for the British Empire in the country. Delhi completes its centenary year as the capital of Modern day India.

  Between 12th and 19^th century Ad, Delhi served as the capital of many rulers. The original seven cities that came together to form what we know as Delhi today were Siri, Tughlakbad,Jahanapanah, Ferozabad, Dipanah,Shergarh and Shahajahanabad. The eighth city, the New Delhi that never really got another name, was built by the British. Delhi is the largest metropolis by area and the second largest metropolis by population in India. It is the eight largest metropolises in the world with more than 12.25 million inhabitants in the territory. There are nearly 22.2 million residents in the greater National Capital Region urban area.

    Clearly, the city was a choice capital, and for reasons that are obvious even now. Two characteristic features of city, the Delhi Ridge and the Yamuna, gave it natural sustenance and protection. Flanked by these two geographical features, Delhi was the obvious choice for ambitious rulers.

   Before New Delhi,the core of the city lay in the northern parts, Chandni chowk, Kashmere Gate and civil lines flourishing with trade and commerce. The small villages and hamlets in the southern part of the city had a mostly group of communities living in them. Juts,Brahmins, Christians,Muslims and Gujjars. They reared animals,engaged in agriculture and worked as  labourers in Shahja hanabad,the city established by the Mugal Emperor Shah Jahan. Eventually these villages gave way to symmetrical, planned neighbor hoods and architectural marvels like the secretariat and the Parliament, landmarks that define a certain face of New Delhi.

     The nation’s capital is perhaps the best example of the variety and diversity of the country, a perfect salad bowl that accepts people of all religions, regions and groups. With no single citizen a true son of Delhi, the city has become home for many migrants in search of livelihood from allover the country.   The last 100 years have seen Delhi grow and change. The recent commonwealth Games even gave the city a rapid makeover.

     The nation’s capital has indeed come a long way and perhaps the greatest change has been in the population. Bursting at the seams, a city initially intended for around 70,000 people is currently the home of over 17 million citizens, an ever increasing number. The river, which was the source of life and sustenance, has begun to closely resemble a drain.

      Connaught place was named after the Duke of Connaught, a member of the British royal family. It was once the largest market of its kind in India. Connaught place continues to be Delhi’s premier shopping destination 65 years after its birth.

   Jama Masjid in Delhi is the biggest mosque in India, constructed by  Shah Jahan in 1650,it too six years to complete. The mosque stands on a rocky elevation and is constructed in sandstone and white marble and can be entered from both north and south gates.

   National museum is,1949,the museum is a treasure house of antiques and historical memorabilia ranging from sculpture through carving paintings, Jewelers and manuscripts to arts and crafts. The museum now boasts of over 2, 0000 works of exquisite art, both of Indian and foreign origin covering a time span of more than 5000 years. Chandini chowk is a main market place in Delhi, is the city’s living legacy of Shahjahanabad, created by Shaj Jahan, the fascinating market was planned market. Chandni Chowk remains Asia’s largest wholesale market.

    
 Darya Ganj is another exciting shopping centre. Popular for its, Sunday Book market. The pavements of Daiya Ganj become shopping stalls for book sellers every Sunday. Books on virtually every topic are available there.

Prof. John  Kurakar