Delhi: The Heart of India
When you talk about a city, there is hardly any scope for straying away from generalizations. Some cities are known for their nightlife, others for their cleanliness, and so on. When it comes to Delhi, there is a distinct emotion attached to each and every street, district and place; perhaps, the only generalization that could be made about the city is that it is the most diverse and varied city you could ever visit.
The magnitude of history that Delhi accommodates is fascinating. From the 13th century Mamluk Dynasty, the Qutub Minar has been towering the city, while the 16th century symmetrical and majestic marvel of Humayun’s Tomb, the 17th century beauty Jama Masjid which was built by the Mughal dynasty, to the stately 20th century Rashtrapati Bhawan built by the British Raj initially as the Viceroy’s House, all make Delhi's heritage. Delhi certainly qualifies for its title as one of the most historic cities of the world. It has built itself upon the past by preserving certain markers of all the epochs that shaped it into the city that it is now- the city that never stops expanding and moving forward.
In fact, the history of the city dates so far back that most of its records have been lost with time due to the city having been built, destroyed and rebuilt a number of times. It has always been an important political and cultural centre during the tenures of various rulers from a lot of dynasties which travelled to southern Asia. Even now, being the national capital, the city is influenced by each and every action that takes place across the country and even the world, much like Islamabad.
Upon visiting Delhi, you will witness certain sights and hear sounds which will etch themselves in your memory for life and will come back to you, not just as an image, but as an experience whenever you think about the city. It will be the humming of the Delhi Metro overhead as you walk on a regular Delhi road, with blaring horns from the endless traffic and the sound of street vendors trying their best to sell either the spiciest of street food or the cheapest yet the most colorful of all clothing. In every corner of the city, you can expect to find a historical monument; let it be the “posh” colonies of Southern Delhi or the forevermore crowded gullies of Old Delhi.
However, as soon as you exit the monument, there can be no predicting what you may come to face next; a mall with all of the high-end brands, a village with small lanes bustling with vegetable vendors, a quiet café to sit back and read your favorite book, or a large expanse of green spaces alive with all kinds of flora and fauna, with special paths built for joggers. If you look at the city in entirety, it could be said that it is an amalgamation of hundreds of small cities brought together into one large, throbbing expanse of life.
Being the national capital, there is no particular culture or language that the city could be limited to. Delhi has people from multiple communities belonging to different religions, ethnicities, states and nationalities. Upon travelling the city extensively, you can have a small peek into all of these communities which dedicatedly provide a slice of their respective cultures with the food, clothing and languages. With such a vast diversity, you can always be sure of finding something you can relate to in the city, no matter where you are from.
However, Delhi can simply not be talked about without the context of the people. If you ever find yourself looking for the right direction on a Chandni Chowk street or wondering which exit gate would lead to your desired destination on a Delhi Metro Station, be sure to be approached by a friendly citizen who would guide you through the best of their knowledge. With people like these, the phrase ‘Dilwaalo ki Dilli’ is more than justified!
There could hardly be any summing up of this breathing and moving city. But, there is one thought that will always pop up in your mind when you leave the city- with all of its complications and beauty, Delhi is a work of art that can be matched by no other.