Delhi
| |
| Map showing the location of Delhi | |
| Capital | New Delhi |
|---|---|
| Largest city | Delhi |
| Official languages | Hindi, English |
| Area | 1,484 km² |
| Population | 16,787,941 (2011) |
| Established | 1 February 1992 |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+05:30) |
| Vehicle code | DL |
| Website | Official site |
Delhi Delhi (NCT of Delhi), which includes New Delhi, the nation's capital, is both a city and a union territory of India. It shares borders with Haryana in all other directions and Uttar Pradesh in the east, primarily west of the Yamuna River.
In 1956, Delhi became a Union Territory, and in 1995, it was designated as the National Capital Territory (NCT). According to the 2011 Census, there are roughly 16.8 million people living in the 1,484 sq km NCT. With more than 28 million residents, the Delhi NCR region—which includes Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad—is the second-largest metro area globally.
With landmarks like Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, and Red Fort (UNESCO sites), Delhi served as the capital of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire in the past. Poets like Mirza Ghalib and Mir Taqi Mir called it home, and it was a hub for Sufism and Urdu literature.
After British India gained independence in 1947, New Delhi continued to serve as the country's capital.
Delhi has one of India's highest GDPs per capita and a high human development index. Despite being a union territory, it has its own legislature and chief minister and operates similarly to a state.
The 2010 Commonwealth Games, the 2023 G20 Summit, and the Asian Games in 1951 and 1982 are just a few of the significant events that the city has hosted.
Origin of the name: It is thought that the name "Delhi" originates from old names such as Dhilli, Dhillika, or Dehali/Dehleez, which means "threshold" or "gateway."
People from Delhi are known as Delhiites or Dilliwalas.
History
Delhi has been continuously inhabited since the 6th century BCE and has served as a capital to several empires, including:
- The Delhi Sultanate
- The Mughal Empire
- The British Raj (as capital from 1911)
In 1947, Delhi became the capital of independent India.[1]
Geography and Administration
- Delhi borders Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
- It is officially known as the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT).
- The territory includes New Delhi, Old Delhi, and other urban districts.
Government and Politics
Delhi has a unique status:
- It functions both as a union territory and has its own legislative assembly.
- The Lieutenant Governor represents the central government.
- The Chief Minister of Delhi leads the elected state government.
Economy and Infrastructure
Delhi is a major commercial hub with a diverse economy:
- Key industries: IT, telecom, banking, tourism
- Features a robust metro rail system, airports, and highways
- Houses important institutions like the Supreme Court of India, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Parliament House
Culture and Tourism
Delhi is renowned for its monuments, festivals, and cuisine:
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort
- Religious sites: Jama Masjid, Lotus Temple, Akshardham
- Popular markets: Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place
Education and Institutions
Home to premier institutions such as:
Climate
Delhi experiences an extreme climate:
- Hot summers (April–June)
- Monsoon (July–September)
- Cold winters (December–January)
Challenges
Delhi faces several urban challenges:
- Air pollution
- Water scarcity
- Traffic congestion