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DISCOVER
INDIA
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hive of activity and crucible of national history, the sprawling capital
is the ideal gateway to India. There's much to see and do amid its
eye-boggling juxtaposition of ancient and modern, tradition and tomorrow.
In recent years Delhi has transformed itself from a staid political
capital into a cosmopolitan social and cultural hub, complete with
modern shopping malls, restaurants from all corners of the globe and
even multiplex cinemas! Three thousand years of history and seven
older cities lie behind today's hustle, bustle, bazaars and high-rises.
Of Delhi's alleged 20,000 ruins one of the earliest is the 11th century
victory tower of Qutab Minar, recently restored. Delhi's sixth city
was built in 1533 by the Mughal Emperor Humayun around the beautiful
Purana Quila (Old Fort). His great-grandson, Shah Jehan, left the
most glorious architectural legacy of all - Shahjehanabad (Old Delhi),
whose fine Mughal architecture includes the battlemented Red Fort
and huge Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque). The British decision to move
the capital of imperial India from Calcutta to Delhi saw the inauguration
of New Delhi in 1931. The work of British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens
and Sir Herbert Baker, its wide thoroughfares, sweeping vistas and
imposing government edifices provide a complete contrast with the
clamour and confusion of the old city. |
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Humayuns
Tomb |
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Old
Delhi Bazaar |
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New
Delhi skyline |
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Jama
Masjid |
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