Delhi, popularly known as Dilli or “Dilwaalon ki Dilli” has although, gone slightly down on the factor of hope it brought to the hearts of people with the mention of its name before because of the increased number of crime rate reportings and dangerous pollution level, still manages to keep alive a history of its rich culture in the form of its beautiful markets, monuments, buildings and undying stories of changed lives. This city as the popular saying says, ‘Yeh sheher nahi mehfil hai’ is not merely a city but a gathering of hearts, laughter, friendships new experiences, and hopeful lives.
20 Intriguing Facts about Delhi
1. The Red Fort was initially white
A survey for archaeology revealed that the fort was constructed of limestone and that the British painted it red to preserve it when the stone began to deteriorate.
2. New Delhi and Delhi are two different places
New Delhi serves as the nation’s capital, while Delhi is the larger metropolis within which New Delhi is located. The British established New Delhi as a “territory” in order to transfer money from Calcutta to Delhi.
3. The largest Asian spice market is located in Delhi
Even now, the 17th-century Khari Baori market continues to uphold its distinction. This market, which is next to the Fatehpuri Masjid, draws visitors and residents to its entrance with its wonderful fragrance.
4. The largest wholesale market for fruits and vegetables in Asia is also located in Delhi
Besides the spice market, Delhi also occupies the largest wholesale market of fruits and vegetables in Asia. The Azadpur market is approximately around 80 acres.
5. All public transportation in Delhi, including that provided by the Delhi Transport Corporation, is fuelled by compressed natural gas (CNG)
Delhi is one of the greenest cities on the planet, despite the fact that you hear a lot about its pollution problems. To cut down on pollution, all vehicles, including the well-known DTC buses and auto rickshaws, run on CNG. The city’s transportation company has the world’s largest fleet of CNG-fueled buses.
6. 14 gates originally surrounded Delhi
Originally, Delhi was surrounded by 14 gates, only five of which still exist. The northernmost gate of the city is known as “The Kashmere gate,” which Robert Smith constructed in 1835. The 1644 construction of “The Ajmeri gate” faces Ajmer to a large extent. The main entrance to the Red Fort is called “The Lahori gate.” Another entrance to the Red Fort is through “The Delhi gate,” sometimes referred to as the “Dilli Darwaza.” Last but not least, Shahjahanabad is home to “The Turkman gate,” a construction from the 13th century.
7. The world’s highest minaret is located in Delhi
Qutub al-Din Aibak, the Delhi Sultanate, started the construction on the Qutub Minar in 1200 AD, and it is still majestically standing today.
8. Delhi is also less popularly known as ‘Lutyens Delhi’
The city is also referred to as Lutyens Delhi to honour Edwin Lutyens, one of the British architects who worked on the capital’s design alongside Sir Herbert Baker.
9. Delhi is the second most bird-rich capital in the world
Delhi is the second-most bird-rich capital in the world, behind Nairobi, Kenya. Numerous bird species call the Delhi Ridge home.
10. Delhi is home to the 13th-largest metro rail network in the world
With a length of 193 kilometres, Delhi’s metro station is the 13th-longest in the world.
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11. Metro Platforms in Delhi are accessible to the blind people
The yellow-tiled tracks inside the platforms and stations of Delhi’s metro system? are there to aid blind people in locating the metro coaches, elevators, and exits. The Delhi Metro is the second-best metro in the world behind the US in part because of this type of accessibility.
12. Delhi is home to some of the most unique museums in the nation
Delhi has a wide variety of museums including the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets, the Vintage Analogue Camera Museum, the National Rail Museum, Shankar’s International Dolls Museum, and the dolls teaching “how to wear a saree” museum.
13. Delhi has the only Baha’i temple in Asia
Lotus Temple is one of the eight Baha’i temples worldwide. It is open to people of all faiths. It is no longer merely a place of worship. You can go there to meditate, date, or just capture beautiful images.
14. Delhi became India’s capital only in 1931
Delhi wasn’t always the capital of India, despite the impression that it has been such for a very long time. Up until 1931, Kolkata served as the country’s capital.
15. Delhi is mentioned in Mahabharata
The history of Delhi, formerly Indraprastha, dates back to the Mahabharata. It was referred to throughout the epic as Indraprastha, the Pandavas’ capital. A few colleges and a metro station in Delhi still use the name.
16. The Inspiration behind the Taj Mahal can also be found in Delhi
The Taj Mahal is a famous landmark that everyone has heard of. However, very few people are aware that the design of this tomb was originally inspired by Humayun’s Tomb in Nizamuddin.
17. Delhi is the Second Most Populated City in the World
Tokyo is the world’s most populous metropolis. Delhi comes second with an astounding population of 31.1 million as of this year.
18. Delhi has some of the most expensive office spaces in the world
Connaught Place has some of the priciest office buildings in the world. Connaught Place is far more expensive than any other area in the nation, even though the rest of the city may be less pricey than Mumbai. There are several shops, eateries, bars, and workplaces there.
19. Delhi was once home to a walled city
The intriguing remnants of a walled city can still be seen today in Delhi. What we now refer to as Old Delhi or Purani Dilli is the walled city region. Apart from other places, a portion of the wall of this walled city, which was then known as Shahjahanabad, is still visible today in Daryaganj.
20. The origin of Butter Chicken can also be traced to Delhi
The restaurant where the now-famous Butter Chicken, or Murg Makhani, was first served is also located in Delhi. This delicacy is a creation of the renowned Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi.
The next time you come to Delhi, remember to visit the places we mentioned; to see the facts come to life, glimpse a time long passed but not erased, and age-old stories born and narrated generations later. And see how Delhi manages to make your heart a part of its eternal heartbeat.
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