TLDR;
This video provides a detailed overview of the history of Delhi, from its ancient settlements to its urbanization under various rulers and dynasties. It covers the establishment and evolution of different cities within Delhi, including Qila Rai Pithora, Siri, Tughlaqabad, Jahanpanah, Firozabad, Shergarh, and Shahjahanabad, highlighting the contributions of rulers like Prithviraj Chauhan, Alauddin Khilji, Ghyasuddin Tughlaq, Firoz Shah Tughlaq, Sher Shah Suri, and Shah Jahan. The video also touches on the architectural styles, historical events, and key figures that shaped Delhi's identity over centuries.
- Delhi's history spans from ancient settlements to modern urbanization.
- Key rulers and dynasties significantly shaped Delhi's development.
- Architectural styles and historical events influenced Delhi's identity.
Introduction to Delhi's History [0:00]
The video introduces a discussion about the history of Delhi, tracing its evolution from early settlements to its current urban form. It mentions that Delhi was previously known as Hastinapur and Indraprastha, emphasizing its ancient roots and significance in Indian history. The discussion will cover various time periods and rulers, including the Tomar Rajputs, Prithviraj Chauhan, the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal dynasty, and British rule, to provide a comprehensive overview of Delhi's historical journey.
Early Settlements and Rulers [0:25]
The history of Delhi began in 737. Delhi was known as Hastinapur and Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas. Anangpal played a crucial role in Delhi's history, including the establishment of the Red Fort.
Important Questions and Answers [1:21]
The segment addresses key questions about Delhi's development, such as how it evolved from a settlement to a city. It notes that Delhi has been ruled by many powerful kings, making its history glorious and complex. Delhi was attacked and looted many times.
Delhi as Indraprastha [2:48]
Delhi was known as Indraprastha, the country of Lord Indra. The city's development involved various rulers who contributed to its growth, leading to the establishment of multiple cities within Delhi.
Qila Rai Pithora: The First City of Delhi [3:30]
Qila Rai Pithora, also known as Lal Kot, was established by Prithviraj Chauhan. Before Qila Rai Pithora, Indraprastha had a city established 10 miles away by Anangpal Tomar to keep Delhi safe. Prithviraj Chauhan later captured and expanded this fort.
Prithviraj Chauhan: The Last Hindu Emperor [5:35]
Prithviraj Chauhan, the last Hindu emperor, displayed bravery against Muslim invaders but was eventually defeated by Mohammad Ghori in 1192 in the battle of Tarain. After Mohammad Ghori looted Delhi, Qutubuddin Aibak started the Slave dynasty.
Establishment of the Slave Dynasty and Qutub Minar [6:29]
Qutubuddin Aibak, a slave of Mohammad Ghori, initiated the Slave dynasty and began the construction of the Qutub Minar. The first city of Delhi was Lal Kot, later known as Kila Rai Pithora.
Lal Kot and Rai Pithora Fort [7:21]
Anand Pal of the Tomar rulers built Lal Kot to protect the people. Prithviraj Chauhan later took control of these places, connecting Lal Kot to the Rai Pithora fort, expanding it significantly.
Siri: The City Established by Alauddin Khilji [7:52]
Alauddin Khilji of the Khilji dynasty established Siri in the 14th century. The city's architecture featured a craft style influenced by Western Asia and Mangol.
Tughlaqabad: The Third City of Delhi [9:55]
Ghyasuddeen Tughlaq founded Tughlaqabad in the third decade of the 14th century, around 1320-1325. He built a fort, the remains of which can still be seen today.
Jahanpanah: The Fourth City of Delhi [10:51]
Mohammad bin Tughlaq, son of Ghyasuddin Tughlaq, built Jahanpanah between the third and fourth decades of the 14th century (around 1330). It was established between Qila Rai Pithora and Siri.
Firozabad: The Fifth City of Delhi [11:38]
Firoz Shah Tughlaq, nephew of Bin Tughlaq, established Firozabad, also known as Firoz Shah Kotla. The city, located on the banks of the Yamuna River, featured mosques, pigeon towers, and water tanks.
Shergarh: The Sixth City of Delhi [12:42]
Humayun built a city called Dinpanah, which Sher Shah destroyed. Sher Shah then established his own city, Shergarh, in 1540.
Shahjahanabad: The Seventh City of Delhi [13:49]
Mughal emperor Shah Jahan shifted his capital to Delhi and constructed a fort named Shahjahanabad. The area around it became known as Jehanabad, inaugurated in 1615. Today, this area is known as Old Delhi, featuring landmarks like the Red Fort and Jama Masjid.
Delhi as a Well-Planned Administrative Capital [15:03]
Since the Mughal Empire, Delhi's capital has undergone changes. Edwin Lutyens and who admitted made contributions in making Delhi a well-planned administrative capital.
Conclusion and Salutations to Prithviraj Chauhan [15:45]
The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of Delhi's history and saluting Prithviraj Chauhan for his bravery. It mentions that many Hindu temples were destroyed by Mohammad Ghori and Muslim invaders, who then built mosques.