Idea of India@75 – learn more about India, its aspects & culture
In celebration of IndiaAt75, the Consulate General of India Hamburg is featuring stories from each state and every corner of India every week on Wednesday, taking you on a journey into irresistible India and its diverse and captivating beauty, art, culture, cuisine, people and places.
WEEK 75 : DELHI
A symbol of the country’s rich past and thriving present, Delhi, the capital of India, is a city where ancient and modern blend seamlessly together. With a history that goes back many centuries, Delhi showcases an ancient culture and a rapidly modernising country. The seat of many powerful empires in the past, its long history can be traced in its many carefully-preserved monuments, ancient forts and tombs. The past and the present meld seamlessly together, making centuries-old monuments a part of the city’s daily life. The story of the city is as old as the epic Mahabharata, when it was known as Indraprastha, where Pandavas used to live. Over the centuries, many empires rose to the heights of their power and were destroyed here. Among the prominent dynasties which made Delhi their capital were the Tughlaqs, the Khiljis and the Mughals.
Even today, one can have a fascinating glimpse into the past in Old Delhi, with its labyrinth of narrow lanes, old havelis, and colourful bazaars. Rickshaws wind their way through this crowded, bustling capital of the Mughals, where life continues, much as it did hundreds of years ago. It is home to three World Heritage monuments – Qutub Minar, Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb that have survived many centuries, and give an idea of architectural wonders created by emperors in the past. Central Delhi, with its tree-lined avenues, imposing structures and buildings such as the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House and India Gate, reflect Delhi’s colonial past. A number of museums provide a glimpse into the country’s fascinating history.
All this is combined with the best features of a modern city such as a modern, well-planned and extensive Metro network that connects all corners of Delhi, bustling markets and fabulous eating places. New malls and entertainment centres jostle for space with a growing number of brand new hospitals, residential complexes, and sporting facilities. All of this has been developed and sustained while maintaining Delhi’s green cover, a unique feature that distinguishes this truly global metropolis from other cities in the world where the tree line is subdued by skyscrapers. New additions to the city, such as the Akshardham Temple and also the Lotus Temple are great places to visit and give an idea of its multi-faceted culture.
Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
India in Germany (Embassy of India, Berlin)
Indian Council For Cultural Relations
Amrit Mahotsav
Incredible India
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Delhi Tourism
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