DELHI
Delhi is the
National Capital Territory of India. Delhi, has seen the rise and fall of many empires which
have left behind a plethora of monuments that the grandeur and glory of
bygone ages . A city which traces its history to Mahabharata, the great epic
tale of wars fought between estranged cousins, the Kauravas and the
Pandavas for the city of Indraprastha.
In 1956 Delhi was converted into a
Union territory and gradually the chief commissioner was replaced by a Lt.
Governor. In 1991, the national capital territory Act was passed by the
parliament and a system of diarchy was introduced under which, the elected
Government was given wide powers; except law and order which remained with
the central Government. The actual enforcement of the legislation came in
1993.
New Delhi, the capital of India, sprawled over the west bank of the river
Yamuna is one of the fastest growing cities in India. It is surrounded on
three sides by Haryana and to the east, across the river Yamuna by Uttar
Pradesh. Historically, the city has long since been the foremost in
political importance with successive dynasties choosing it as their seat of
power, between the 13th and the 17th centuries. Remnants of the glorious
past survive as important monuments in different parts of the city.
Delhi Attractions
Chandni Chowk - One of the main markets
of Delhi, Chandni Chowk was once lined with beautiful fountains. But today
the place is very crowded and congested. Chandni Chowk is located opposite
the Red Fort. The Area has got the Digamber Jain Temple which houses the
Birds hospital. On one end of Chandni Chowk is the Fatehpuri Mosque which
was erected by the wives of Shah Jahan. Opposite the old police station or
the Kotwali is the Sunheri Masjid from where Nadir Shah ordered his troops
to plunder and massacre Delhi.
Old Delhi - The City of Shahjahanabad
was the capital of Shah Jahan but little remains of that old city. The Old
Delhi or the walled city served as the capital for many emperors. Today,
remains of the historical city are the gates like - Kashmiri Gate, Ajmeri
Gate, Turkman Gate, Delhi gate. Near Delhi Gate is Feroz Shah Kotla, close
to this is kept the Ashokan Pillar which was brought from Meerut by Feroz
Shah Tughlaq.
The Ghats - Along the banks of Jamuna
are located the places were the leaders and freedom fighters of India were
cremated. The Raj Ghat is one of the most visited ghats. A simple square
platform of black marble marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated
after his assassination in 1948. To North of Raj Ghat is the cremation
ground of Jawaharlal Nehru named as Shanti Van. The cremation ground of
Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi are also in the vicinity. The
cremation ground of Lal Bahadur Shastri is nearby.
India Gate Rajpath & India Gate -
Flanked by ornamental ponds and lawns, Rajpath is host to the Republic Day
Parade. The two secretariat buildings and Rashtrapati Bhawan on the Raisina
hills are located on the two sides of this immensely broad road. Previously
the Boat Club, besides the Rajpath, was host to many demonstrations and
Rallies. India Gate is towards the eastern end of Rajpath .
India Gate is a 42m high stone arch of triumph. It bears the name of the
85,000 Indian Army Soldiers who died in the campaigns of WW1, the North-West
Frontiers operations and the 1919 Afghan Fiasco. Below the arch is the
memorial to the unknown soldier. India Gate is surrounded by green grass
lawns and trees.
The Parliament House- Sansad Bhawan or
the Parliament house is the supreme law making body in the country. It is
the center of power and politicians decide the fate of the Indian Democracy
here. Visitors are not allowed inside the house but when the house is in
session, visitors may take permission to go inside and watch the proceedings
of the house. The parliament consists of three halls- Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha
and the central hall. For the foreign visitors permits are given only after
they obtain an introductory letter from the respective embassy.
Crafts Museum -Crafts museums is at
Pragati Maidan Grounds. Open from 10am-5pm daily.
Gandhi Darshan & Gandhi National Museum -Gandhi
Darshan & Gandhi National Museum is across Rajghat and Gandhi smriti is on
Tees January Marg
Dara Shikoh Library -Dara Shikoh Library
is an archaeological museum in Civil Lines and is open from 10am - 5pm,
Monday to Friday.
Dolls Museum - A unique museum of Dolls
is located near the ITO crossing on the Bahadur Shah Jafar Marg . These
dolls are collected from different parts of India as well as from other
countries of the world. These dolls reflect the tradition and culture of the
region from where they come. Children Book Trust of India is In the same
building. This is an organisation which is committed to provide quality
books for the little ones.
National Science Centre - National
Science center is located near Pragati Maidan. This center is famous for the
models which can be operated by the visitor himself. Children are
particularly fascinated by the mysteries of science. Open through out the
week except on Mondays.
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