New Delhi

New Delhi
Ronakshah1990 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	New Delhi
Settlement type	Capital city
Coordinates	28, 36, 50, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	India
Subdivision type1	Union territory
Subdivision name1	Delhi
Subdivision type2	Districts
Subdivision name2	New Delhi district, Delhi Cantonment
Established title	Established
Established date	1911
Founder	George V
Government type	Municipal Corporation of Delhi
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	(Vacant)
Leader title1	Lieutenant Governor
Leader name1	Vinai Kumar Saxena
Leader title2	Chief Minister
Leader name2	Arvind Kejriwal
Area total km2	42.7
Elevation m	216
Population total	249,998
Population as of	2011
Population density km2	auto
Timezone1	IST
Utc offset1	+5:30
Postal code type	PIN
Postal code	110xxx
Area code type	Telephone code
Area code	+91-11
Registration plate	DL-1x, DL-2x, DL-3x, DL-4x, DL-5x, DL-6x, DL-7x, DL-8x, DL-9x, DL-10x, DL-11x, DL-12x, DL-13x
Website	ndmc.gov.in

New Delhi. It is the capital of India and a part of the larger National Capital Territory of Delhi. Serving as the seat of all three branches of the Government of India, it is a planned city whose foundation was laid during the British Raj. Renowned for its wide boulevards, monumental government buildings, and green spaces, it forms a distinct administrative unit within the bustling metropolis of Delhi.

History

The decision to shift the capital of the British Raj from Calcutta was announced by Emperor George V at the Delhi Durbar of 1911. Architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker were primarily responsible for the city's central architectural design, which integrated elements of European and Indian styles. The new capital was formally inaugurated in 1931 by then Viceroy Lord Irwin. Following Independence in 1947, it became the capital of the newly sovereign India, hosting pivotal events like the signing of the Indian Constitution and the First Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Geography and climate

New Delhi is situated on the Indo-Gangetic Plain, bordered by the Yamuna River to the east. The area is primarily flat, with the low Aravalli Range forming a ridge to the south. It experiences a humid subtropical climate with extreme variations: very hot, dry summers, a monsoon season influenced by the Southwest monsoon, and cool winters. Notable weather phenomena include dense fog in winter and the loo, a strong, hot wind, in summer.

Government and politics

As the national capital, New Delhi hosts the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, and the Supreme Court of India. It is the headquarters of numerous ministries, the Prime Minister's Office at South Block, and major political parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Congress. The city's local administration falls under the New Delhi Municipal Council, while security for the central government area is managed by the Delhi Police and specialized units like the President's Bodyguard.

Economy

The economy is dominated by government and administrative services, with a significant concentration of employees in various civil services. It is a major hub for information technology, consulting, and media, hosting corporate offices of firms like Infosys and Wipro in areas such as Connaught Place. Key institutions like the Reserve Bank of India and the Securities and Exchange Board of India are headquartered here. The city also benefits from tourism and hosts major trade fairs at Pragati Maidan.

Culture and society

The culture reflects a cosmopolitan blend, with influences from across India due to its status as the political center. It is a focal point for national celebrations like Republic Day, featuring a grand parade on Kartavya Path. The city hosts premier cultural institutions such as the National School of Drama, the Lalit Kala Akademi, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi. It is also known for its diverse culinary scene, from street food in Chandni Chowk to high-end restaurants, and major events like the India International Trade Fair.

Landmarks and tourism

Major landmarks include the war memorial India Gate, the presidential estate Rashtrapati Bhavan, and the Lotus Temple, a notable Baháʼí House of Worship. Historical sites from earlier cities of Delhi, such as the Humayun's Tomb (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Qutb Minar, are located nearby. Other significant attractions are the Akshardham temple complex, the shopping district Connaught Place, and the expansive Lodi Gardens. The National Museum and the Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum are key cultural repositories.

Category:Capitals in Asia Category:National capitals in India Category:New Delhi