CITIES OF DELHI

The Capital of India, Delhi, has been an important part of history; especially during
the Mughal period when numerous cities were built. Delhi has been a major hotspot
for political, social, cultural, and historical aspects. The Mughal cities of Delhi are
filled with culture, heritage, and monuments; whereas New Delhi is filled with
densely populated areas, upcoming infrastructure, and great development; although
somewhere over the years, New Delhi has lost its charm. What stands by its roots
and has weathered the test of time truly is Old Delhi; still filled with energy and
dynamism, it provides an ideal experience.

Delhi has been in the spotlight due to its establishment of seven historic cities, which
are:

Qila Rai Pithora/Lalkot- Built by Prithviraj Chauhan in the 1100’s and later renamed
to ‘Lalkot’ by Qutub-Ud-Din-Aibak, Qila Rai Pithora is the first city of Delhi whose
remains are scattered throughout the present day South Delhi (Mehrauli) region.
Siri- In the early 1300s, Alauddin Khilji established his capital city Siri i.e, the second
city of Delhi. Siri was built in a circular manner and is known to be built over the
decapitated heads of 8000 soldiers. It had towering buildings and fortified walls of
brick and stone. The area of present day Hauz Khas is also known to be built during
this period.

Tuglaqabad- Built by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in the 1320’s, this city is the third city of
Delhi. It was built over a period of four years. It is known to have 3 elements- a city,
a fort and a palace. It has an irregular profile and stands on a rock foundation.
Jahanpana- Built by Muhammad Bin Tughlaq in 1326, this is the fourth city of Delhi.
It was a fortified city.

Ferozabad/Feroz Shah Kotla- It was built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq in mid 1300’s and
is the fifth city of Delhi. The citadel is Kotla Feroz Shah. It is built up by the method
of random rubble masonry and contains baolis and canals.
Dinpanah/Shergarh- Built in 1530’s by the Mughal emperor Humayun, this city is
the sixth city of Delhi. After defeating Humayun, this site was chosen by Sher Shah
Suri for the city of Shergarh. The monument of Purana Qila is situated here in the
present day.

Shahjahanabad- Built by Shah Jahan in 1640’s, this is a walled city, presently known
as Old Delhi. This is the seventh city of Delhi which was formed when Shah Jahan
shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. This city has stood against time and majority
of monuments still exist in good conditions. It has 14 gates and Red fort and Jama
masjid lie within it.
Image Sources-

https://sarsonkekhet.in/2012/10/17/qila-rai-pithora-walls-and-a-little-bit-of-jahanpanah/

https://lighteddream.wordpress.com/2015/07/26/sunken-city-siri-alauddin-khiljis-dar-ul-
khilafat/

https://kevinstandagephotography.wordpress.com/2019/04/09/tughlakabad-fort-
tughlaqabad-delhi/

https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/firoz-shah-kotla-map/ogHt6xXWJmJb_Q

https://curatorhall.wordpress.com/2015/11/29/dinpanah-or-shergarh/

https://www.rarebooksocietyofindia.org/postDetail.php?id=196174216674_411042396674