Delhi, National capital in India.
Delhi is the capital and largest metropolitan region of India, located between the states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh along the Yamuna River across 1,484 square kilometers (573 square miles). The administrative structure includes 11 districts with specialized government offices, medical centers and educational institutions serving around 25 million inhabitants, while the cityscape blends neighborhoods from different eras with Indo-Islamic, British colonial and modern Indian architectural styles standing side by side.
The region grew from an ancient settlement around 500 BCE into the capital of several empires, including the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire. After British colonial rule, it became capital of British India in 1911 and assumed its role as capital of the republic following independence in 1947, with urban development accelerating significantly during economic liberalization from the 1990s onward.
The metropolis unites religious communities of different faiths with their sanctuaries actively used in daily life, shaping coexistence across generations. As seat of government, it houses national institutions while traditional bazaars operate beside international business districts, forming the economic and political heart of the country.
The public transportation system includes metro lines, buses and auto-rickshaws connecting all districts, while international flights arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport roughly 10 miles (16 kilometers) southwest of the center. October through March offers cooler weather for sightseeing, while summer months from April to June can reach temperatures above 104°F (40°C).
The city houses Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory with geometric instruments measuring time and celestial movements. The area around Chandni Chowk preserves a network of medieval lanes with specialized markets that have sold specific goods for centuries, while Agrasen ki Baoli, a stepped well over 200 feet (60 meters) long, sits hidden between modern buildings in the business district.
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