DELHI- CAPTIAL OF INDIA.

Delhi has not always been the capital of India but has played an important role in Indian history. One of the fascinating aspects of the city has been the 'visibility' of its historic past. If not for the demands of urbanization, large portions of the city could well be earmarked as archaeological sites. This is because the rulers of the dynasties from the 13th and 17th centuries established eight cities in different parts of Delhi. The first four were towards the south where the Qutub Minar stands. The city's history dates much further back than the 13th century. Excavations have proved that the Old Fort site was inhabited 3,000 years ago. And fine pottery dating back to 1,000 BC, from the time of the Hindu epic of Mahabharata, called the Painted Grey Ware, has been found. The excavations also cut through houses and the streets of the Sultanate of Rajput, Post-Gupta, Gupta, Saka-Kushan and Sunga periods reaching down to the Mauraya dynasty (300 BC). The association of Emperor Ashoka (273-36 BC) has come to light after the discovery of the Minor Rock Edict in one of the city's districts. However, the core of the first city was created by Anangpal Tomar in the 12th century. He built Lal Kot, the first ever fort in Delhi. Prithviraj Chauhan, the successive king, added massive ramparts and gates, and constructed the Quila Rai Pithora. Today, only the ramparts are visible near Qutub Minar.

Tourists have noted that the capital of India is a mix between serene gardens and hectic city life. This diversity is also apparent in its population, where Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus live in the same area. There are plenty of art galleries and cultural centers to see, but most visitors come to view the ancient Qutub Minar mosque and the Taj Mahal-like Humayuns Tomb. Newer buildings are just as impressive, such as the lotus flower-shaped Baha'i Temple.