A capital so different, it needed “old” and “new” distinctions. Delhi serves as India’s capital in more ways than one. New Delhi represents the imperial capital of India by the British. Old Delhi stands as the capital to Islamic India. Throughout the old and the new, excessive wealth blend with brutal poverty. Monuments and museums mingle with mosques and medieval markets. The contrasts in Delhi are countless, inviting all to just try to figure out all of the contradictions.
Delhi proudly shows of its history of that Qutb Minar. Within, visitors will find the oldest Islamic monuments in India. The grandiose tower reaches to heights of 72.5 meters. It was constructed in the 12th century to commemorate the Muslim Conquest of Delhi. Among the most notable contents is the Iron Pillar dating back to 375 A.D.
India’s largest mosque lies in Delhi. Jama Masjid sprawls with its courtyard boasting a capacity for 25,000 people. Officially completed in 1658, Jama Masjid impresses with three gateways, four towers, and two red and white striped sandstone and marble minarets. From the top of the structure, visitors can take in the magnificent in view form.
Delhi also houses a number of notable museums. The National Museum contains an extensive representation of Indian culture. Travelers can brose through excavations from Indus Valley civilization sites along with artifacts from various Indian empires. The National Museum isn’t finished with its impressive collection. Visitors will also uncover Tibetan manuscripts, 300 musical instruments and Mughal clothing and tapestries. On the opposing side, another one of Delhi’s most popular museums lies in the Crafts Museum. Travelers will see an array of crafts from all around the country throughout 20,000 exhibits. Tribal masks, textiles, and woodcarvings reside in the museum.
Probably the best ways to get to know Delhi, the city markets leave more than just perfumes of spices and fish in the area. The Delhi markets showcase life in the city in its more colorful and chaotic form. Various bazaars selling all manner of goods surround the Chandni Chowk, the city’s main shopping strip. The Chawri Bazaar sells wholesale paper ware and copper and brass figurines while the coverede Gadodial Market puts up spices for sale.
Every grand building should have a practice run. The Taj Mahal was no exception. Humayun’s Tomb was thought to be the grand building’s test run. Constructed in the 16th century, Humayun’s Tomb stands in stunning architecture. Reflecting a traditional Persian style, the tomb sprawls across 12 hectares of gardens. The emperor made sure to keep all of his most important people close to him. Even his barber occupies one of the smaller tombs.
After seeing the entire city, it is hard to miss the dominating force behind Delhi’s skyline. Representing the peak of Mughal dynasty’s power, Lal Qila or the Red Fort covers in sandstone walls and battlements. Travelers can admire not just its dominating presence in the city’s skyline, but also its construction. The great Mughal builder Shah Johan built Lal Qila between 1638 and 1648.
The beauty and the beast, Delhi leaves no room to not be overcome with confusions. Urban sprawls met wondrous tombs. A metropolis crashes with what remains of medieval Delhi. Rich in culture, history and most importantly color, Delhi knows how to balance the beauty and attempts to tame the beast.
