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Delhi, the heart of India, is more than just a bustling metropolis. It’s a city that has been built, destroyed, and rebuilt multiple times over centuries. While most of us know Delhi as one unified capital, it has actually evolved through seven historical cities – each leaving behind architectural marvels, fascinating stories, and cultural legacies.
The 7 Cities of Delhi: Tracing the Layers of History
Let’s take a journey through time and explore the seven cities of Delhi that have shaped the modern capital.
1. Lal Kot (First Delhi) – The Fortress of the Tomars
- Era: 8th-12th century
- Founded by: Tomar Dynasty (Anangpal I & II)
Lal Kot, built by the Tomar Rajputs in the 8th century, is the oldest known city of Delhi. It was a fortified settlement, and its remnants can still be seen near the Qutub Minar complex. Later, the Chauhans (under Prithviraj Chauhan) expanded it and renamed it Qila Rai Pithora.
Must-visit sites:
- Qila Rai Pithora ruins
- Anangtal Baoli
2. Siri – The City of the Khiljis
- Era: 1297-1311
- Founded by: Alauddin Khilji
Alauddin Khilji, known for his military conquests, built Siri as the second city of Delhi to protect against Mongol invasions. Though much of Siri has disappeared, the historic Siri Fort ruins and Hauz Khas water reservoir still echo its grandeur.
Must-visit sites:
- Siri Fort ruins
- Hauz Khas Village & Lake
3. Tughlaqabad – The Cursed Fort City
- Era: 1321-1327
- Founded by: Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
Tughlaqabad was designed as an impenetrable fortress city with massive stone walls. However, a legend says that a powerful Sufi saint, Nizamuddin Auliya, cursed the city, leading to its decline.
“Ya rahe ujjar, ya base gujjar” (May it remain abandoned or be inhabited by shepherds) – And today, it indeed lies in ruins!
Must-visit sites:
- Tughlaqabad Fort
- Mausoleum of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
4. Jahanpanah – The Refuge of Muhammad bin Tughlaq
- Era: 1327-1351
- Founded by: Muhammad bin Tughlaq
This city was an attempt to merge the older cities of Lal Kot, Siri, and Tughlaqabad. However, due to the eccentric policies of Muhammad bin Tughlaq (like shifting the capital to Daulatabad), Jahanpanah never flourished.
Must-visit sites:
- Bijay Mandal
- Begumpur Mosque
5. Firozabad – The City of Firoz Shah Tughlaq
- Era: 1354
- Founded by: Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Unlike his predecessors, Firoz Shah was more of a builder than a warrior. He constructed Firozabad, primarily along the Yamuna River, where today stands the iconic Feroz Shah Kotla Fort.
Must-visit sites:
- Feroz Shah Kotla Fort
- Ashokan Pillar (brought from Topra, Haryana)
6. Shergarh (Purana Qila) – The Short-lived Capital
- Era: 1533-1545
- Founded by: Sher Shah Suri
Shergarh was built on the remains of the earlier Indraprastha (believed to be from the Mahabharata era). The mighty Purana Qila (Old Fort), constructed by Sher Shah Suri, still stands as a testament to his architectural brilliance.
Must-visit sites:
- Purana Qila
- Sher Mandal (where Humayun supposedly fell to his death)
7. Shahjahanabad – The Walled City of the Mughals
- Era: 1638-1857
- Founded by: Shah Jahan
Shahjahanabad, the last of the seven cities, is what we now know as Old Delhi. It was the grand Mughal capital, home to the majestic Red Fort and the bustling Chandni Chowk. The Jama Masjid, built by Shah Jahan, remains one of the largest mosques in India.
Must-visit sites:
- Red Fort
- Jama Masjid
- Chandni Chowk
Beyond the Seven Cities – Modern Delhi
While Shahjahanabad was the last of the historical cities, the Delhi we see today was shaped further by Lutyens’ Delhi during the British era (New Delhi, 1911) and the post-independence urban expansion.
Final Thoughts
Delhi is more than just India’s capital – it’s a living museum where history coexists with modernity. From the ancient walls of Lal Kot to the vibrant chaos of Old Delhi, each layer of the city tells a unique story.
So, next time you explore Delhi, remember, you’re not just walking through streets—you’re traveling through centuries of history!
Don’t Miss: Why You Must Visit Hauz Khas Fort at Least Once?
