Delhi, the capital of India, is more than just a bustling metropolis — it is a city built upon cities. Throughout its long and storied past, Delhi has seen the rise and fall of several empires, each leaving behind its own capital. These capitals, collectively known as the Seven Cities of Delhi, represent different historical phases and rulers. From the early days of the Tomars and Chauhans to the grandeur of the Mughals, Delhi’s landscape has been shaped by ambition, conquest, and culture.
Let’s embark on a journey through time to discover the Seven Cities of Delhi, tracing their history, architecture, and significance.
1. Mehrauli (circa 1060 AD)
Founder: Raja Anangpal Tomar
Mehrauli is the oldest of the seven cities, dating back to the 11th century. Raja Anangpal Tomar, a Rajput ruler, is credited with founding the city of Lal Kot, which was later expanded by the Chauhan king Prithviraj Chauhan into Qila Rai Pithora.
Key Monuments:
- Qutub Minar: Built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and completed by Iltutmish, it is one of the tallest minarets in the world.
- Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: The first mosque built in India after the Islamic conquest.
- Iron Pillar: A Gupta-era marvel that has not rusted in over 1,600 years.
- Tomb of Balban: Features India’s first true arch and dome.
Mehrauli was the center of power for the Delhi Sultanate during its early years. Today, it stands as a vivid testimony to Delhi’s ancient beginnings.
2. Siri (circa 1303 AD)
Founder: Alauddin Khilji
Alauddin Khilji, one of the most powerful rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, built the fortified city of Siri to defend against Mongol invasions. Siri was the first city in Delhi designed with systematic planning and housed the royal court of Khilji.
Key Monuments:
- Siri Fort: Only remnants remain today, but it was once a massive defense fort.
- Hauz Khas Complex: Though built later by Firoz Shah Tughlaq, it was associated with the Siri region and features a large reservoir, madrasa, and tomb.
Siri was characterized by its circular plan and strong fortifications. It marked a transition in urban planning and military architecture.
3. Tughlaqabad (circa 1321 AD)
Founder: Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
Tughlaqabad was built as a grand fortified city by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq. It was intended to be an unbreachable defense against enemies, and its location on a rocky hill made it strategically advantageous.
Key Monuments:
- Tughlaqabad Fort: A massive structure with sloping walls, battlements, and hidden passages.
- Tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq: A beautiful red sandstone mausoleum connected to the fort by a causeway.
Despite its architectural might, the city was abandoned shortly after the death of its founder due to a curse from the saint Nizamuddin Auliya, as legend goes.
4. Jahanpanah (circa 1326 AD)
Founder: Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Jahanpanah, meaning “Refuge of the World,” was created by Muhammad bin Tughlaq to consolidate the scattered settlements of Mehrauli, Siri, and Tughlaqabad into one unified city. He constructed walls to enclose these regions and created new public buildings and mosques.
Key Monuments:
- Begumpur Mosque: A large congregational mosque showcasing Tughlaq architecture.
- Bijay Mandal: Believed to be part of the royal palace or observatory.
Jahanpanah is one of the lesser-known cities today, with few structures remaining, but its vision of integration reflects an early attempt at urban consolidation.
5. Firozabad (circa 1354 AD)
Founder: Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Firoz Shah Tughlaq, a prolific builder, established Firozabad on the banks of the Yamuna River. The city was known for its gardens, palaces, and public works including canals and hospitals. Firoz Shah relocated two Ashokan pillars to Delhi, emphasizing his interest in ancient heritage.
Key Monuments:
- Firoz Shah Kotla: The remains include a fortress, Jami Masjid, and the Ashokan Pillar.
- Ashokan Pillar: Originally from Topra, this polished sandstone pillar dates back to 3rd century BCE.
Firozabad marked a period of administrative stability and civic development in Delhi’s history.
6. Shergarh (Purana Qila) (circa 1533 AD)
Founder: Sher Shah Suri
Shergarh, built by Sher Shah Suri, was constructed after defeating Humayun. He demolished parts of the earlier city of Dinpanah, built by Humayun, and erected a robust fortification known as Purana Qila.
Key Monuments:
- Purana Qila (Old Fort): Massive walls, bastions, and three main gates — Humayun Gate, Talaqi Gate, and Bara Darwaza.
- Sher Mandal: Initially a pleasure tower, later used by Humayun as a library where he fell to his death.
Shergarh reflects Afghan architectural styles and remains one of the most well-preserved forts in Delhi.
7. Shahjahanabad (circa 1639 AD)
Founder: Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
The last of the seven historical cities, Shahjahanabad was established by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a grand imperial capital. It remains the heart of Old Delhi even today.
Key Monuments:
- Red Fort (Lal Qila): A UNESCO World Heritage site, this majestic fort was the seat of Mughal power.
- Jama Masjid: One of the largest mosques in India.
- Chandni Chowk: A historic market that continues to bustle with activity.
- Raj Ghat: Modern-day memorial to Mahatma Gandhi located within the boundaries of Shahjahanabad.
Shahjahanabad was a city of luxury, culture, and Islamic architecture at its finest. It served as the capital of the Mughals until the British shifted the seat of power to New Delhi in the early 20th century.
Beyond the Seven Cities: New Delhi
Although not part of the “Seven Cities,” New Delhi deserves mention. Designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens and inaugurated in 1931, it became the modern capital of India, featuring Rajpath, Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, and Parliament House.
Connecting the Cities: Metro and Accessibility
Modern Delhi is well-connected by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), making it easier to explore the remnants of all seven cities:
- Mehrauli: Nearest metro station – Qutub Minar (Yellow Line)
- Siri: Green Park or Hauz Khas (Yellow Line)
- Tughlaqabad: Tughlaqabad Metro (Violet Line)
- Jahanpanah: Nehru Place or Greater Kailash (Magenta Line)
- Firozabad: ITO or Delhi Gate (Violet Line)
- Shergarh (Purana Qila): Pragati Maidan or Supreme Court Metro (Blue/Violet Line)
- Shahjahanabad: Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line), Jama Masjid (Violet Line), Red Fort (Lal Qila) via Delhi Gate