New Delhi, the capital of India, has a rich and diverse history spanning over 2,000 years.

Ancient Period (6th century BCE – 6th century CE):

• The area that is now New Delhi was first inhabited by the Indus Valley Civilization around 2000 BCE.
• Later, it was ruled by various empires, including the Mauryan Empire, the Gupta Empire, and the Delhi Sultanate.

Medieval Period (6th century – 16th century):

• In the 12th century, the Delhi Sultanate was established, and the city became a major center of Islamic culture and learning.
• The Sultanate was later conquered by the Mughal Empire, which ruled India from the 16th to the 19th century.

British Colonial Period (19th century – 1947):

• In 1911, the British colonial government decided to shift the capital of India from Calcutta to Delhi.
• The new capital city, New Delhi, was designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker.
• The city was officially inaugurated on February 13, 1931.

Post-Independence (1947 – present):

• After India gained independence in 1947, New Delhi became the capital of the newly independent nation.
• The city has since undergone rapid growth and development, becoming a major hub for politics, economy, culture, and tourism.

Historical Landmarks:

• The Red Fort (Lal Qila): A 17th-century fort built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
• The Qutub Minar: A 12th-century minaret built by the Delhi Sultanate.
• The India Gate: A war memorial built by the British in 1931.
• The Rashtrapati Bhavan: The official residence of the President of India, built by the British in 1931.

Important Dates:

• 1911: The British colonial government decides to shift the capital of India from Calcutta to Delhi.
• 1931: The city of New Delhi is officially inaugurated.
• 1947: India gains independence, and New Delhi becomes the capital of the newly independent nation.
• 1950: The Constitution of India comes into effect, making New Delhi the capital of the Republic of India.