New Delhi, Capital of India and the third largest city in India, lies at an altitude of between 700 and 1,000 feet (213 and 305 metres) and covers an area of 1,485 square kilometers. Situated on the Yamuna River (a tributary of the Ganges River) Delhi is bordered on the east by the state of Uttar Pradesh and on the north, west, and south by Haryana. It generally has been presumed that the city was named for Raja Dhilu, a king who reigned in the 1st century BC , and that the various names by which it has been known (Delhi, Dehli, Dilli, and Dhilli) have been corruptions of this name
Delhi is surrounded by a high stone wall, erected in 1638, and is approached through seven arched gateways, including the Delhi Gate in the south, the Ajmer Gate in the east, and the Kashmir Gate in the north. Within the walls is a maze of congested narrow streets, alleys, busy bazaars, and some of the nation’s most spectacular Indo-Muslim architectural features.
The region has a tropical steppe climate. Delhi is characterized with extremely hot and dry summers and chilling winters. Monthly temperatures range from 14.3’C in January (minimum 3’C) to 34.5’C in June (maximum 47’C). The annual mean temperature is 25.3’C (WMO, 1971). The main seasonal climatic influence is the monsoon, typically from June to October. The mean annual rainfall total is 71.5 mm. Maximum rainfall occurs in July (211. mm). The heavy rains of the monsoon act as a “scrubber”. North-westerly winds usually prevail; however, in June and July south-easterly predominate.
Facts on Delhi |
| Date of Formation | December 1991 |
| Chief Minister | Sheila Dikshit |
| Governor | Tejendra Khanna |
| Size | 1483 sq km |
| Population | 1,38,50,507 |
| Capital | New Delhi |
| Rivers | Yumuna |
| Languages | Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu |
| State Bird | Sparrow |
| STD Code | 011 |
| Time Zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Neighbours State | Haryana, Uttar Pradesh |
Historical significance of Delhi
Delhi is one of the most important cites from the point of view of history. Delhi is perhaps the only city in India that has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous dynasties and empires. According to the reports of the Archaeological Survey of India Delhi was once the capital of seven different empires in India. The study even goes on to state that the region is home to some 60, 0000 recognized edifices that were built over thousands of years.
Apart from being historically important Delhi also has a lot of significance politically. Delhi, besides sheltering the parliament and the Rashtrapati Bhavan also houses a number of important ministries and government offices belonging to the Government of India.
Why Delhi is called Delhi
It is believed that the name Delhi originates from a Persian word called Dahleez which means (threshold or frontier). Another possibility is that the name could be derived from Raja Dhillu a Mauryan king who named the city after himself after building it in 50 BC. Another older reference to the name Dhillika is mentioned in old Hindu scriptures
Evolution of Delhi
According to history the first settlements in Delhi date back to the 6th century BCE. However traces of human inhabitation in Delhi go back to the second century BCE. It is a popular believe that this region was home to the Indraprastha which served as the capital of the Pandavas at the time of the Mahabharata.
Why was the NCR Developed? Rapid immigration of people in Delhi resulted in the increasing requirement for growth and development of the region. Since area wise Delhi could not satisfy the needs of the inhibatitants the region had to be expanded. In order to provide for further education, jobs and other utility services commuting was made easy between Delhi Gurgaon and Noida. This region together came to be known as the NCR.
Major Business Centers in Delhi
Pragati Maidan
The Pragati Maidan is one of the most popular business centers in Delhi. Spreading over 7 acres of land this is an exhibition complex that has 18 halls and 22 permanent pavilions. Pragati Maidan is used to host numerous high quality national and international trade fairs.
CGO Complex
The CGO Complex is one of the esteemed commercial hubs of Delhi. The complex apart from sheltering ministries like the like MTNL, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Ministry of Disinvestment, National Afforestation & Eco-development Board also hosts numerous strategically important events.
India Expo Center
The India Expo Center in Delhi is part of the EXPO XXI International Expocentres chain. Counted among the popular business centers of the capital the India Expo Center is used to hold important exhibitions in India. Beautifully designed with state of the art facilities, technologies and services this business center in Delhi is used to conduct exhibitions, conferences, congresses, product launches, promotional events and other special events etc.
Major Commercial Areas in Delhi
Connaught Place (CP)
CP or Connaught Place has almost become synonymous with Delhi. CP can easily be counted among the busiest place in Delhi even after 60 years of its foundation. Be it shopping, business, eating out, cinema halls, galleries, emporiums or service related offices you can find it all at the Connaught Place.
Nehru Place
The Nehru Place is an important commercial nucleus of Delhi. It is also said to be the IT Hub of the city. The area is also home to large hardware and software market. Some of the famous companies that find space in the Nehru Place are; CISCO, Intel, Microsoft, EDS, American President Lines, Xerox, Singer, Shell Petroleum, Daewoo, Mitsui etc.
Bhikaji Cama Place
Bhikaji Cama Place is a Locality in Delhi City. Surrounded By Safdarjung Enclave , RK Puram , Hauz Khas Village , Green Park , Munirka , Localities . Delhi Safdarjng Rail way station is Reachable to Bhikaji Cama Place. Near By Airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport.