Since the rulers of several dynasties between 13th and 17th centuries setup seven cities in various parts of Delhi a sequential study of these cities serves as a suitable journey for tourists and highlights the significant monuments amongst the 1300 officially listed.

This city’s past goes way back than the 13th century. In the year 1955 excavations exposed that the site was populated some 3000 years ago. Earthenware namely Painted
Gray Ware dated 1000 BC established this place as being yet another site connected with the impressive epic Mahabharata 

The excavations also make way though houses and streets of the Sultanate, post-Gupta, Saka-Kushan and Sunga times, till the Mauryan era set up dated 300 BC exposing constant habitation. The relationship of Emperor Ashok (273-36BC) has also been revealed with the discovery of a Minor Rock Proclamation in the vicinity known as Srinivaspuri. A prominent existence of the city appears from the end of the10th century, when the Tomar Rajputs launched themselves in the hill range if Aravali towards the south of Delhi. The lone rocky outcrop helped in the defense of the imperial resort which the Rajputs called Dhilli or Dhillika.

The mosque is a signature of the Islamic existence and is the place of congregational prayer during the burial of the dead was introduced in India. The initial Islamic structures are visible in the Qutub compound and the assimilation of many Hindu basics is pertaining to the ready accessibility of building material and inputs from the local craftsmen. 

Qutubudin built Quwwat-ul-Islam (might of Islam) mosque, which is one of the first existing mosque in the country. Within its perimeter he resurrected the 4th century iron pillar, which is linked to the ancient Vishnu temple. The pillar has intrigued scientists as its iron has not rusted in all these centuries.

In 1199, Qutubudin got the Qutub Minar constructed which is denoted to wither his victory or as a marinet to the mosque by its side. It has a base o f14.32 meters and it tapers to 2.75 meters with a tall height of 72.5 meters. Even now it is the highest stone tower in the country. Denoted as one of the finest tower Islamic structures ever constructed and is a recognized landmark of the city. The tower was completed by Qutub’s son in law who was also his successor namely Iltumish. The tomb of Iltumish which he himself constructed in 1235 is close by; the tower had calligraphic images in the interiors.

The Khalji rulers conquered the Slave dynasty in 1290, and the Alai Darwaza was raised when Alauddin Khali got the mosque renovated in 1311, this acts as a magnificent entrance to the mosque. And was the first notation of a construction wholly built o Islamic principles of work. Including the true arc. In the year 1303, Alaudin founded the second city of Delhi which was called Siri, to date there are no remains of it but the embattlements. He also got a huge reservoir dug, which was named Hauz Khas to supply water to his city. 

Modern day historians depict the Delhi in those times as “the envy of Baghdad” and a rival of Cairo. (For the sake of convenience, tourists visiting the Qutub complex could also see the Tomb of AdhamKhan and Zafar Mahal in Mehrauli, and the Tomb of Jamai-Kamali behind the Qutub Minar. These, however, belong to a later date.)

The Khaljis were conquered by the Tughlaq dynasty in the year 1321. Only the first three of its eleven rulers were fascinated by architecture and each of them established a new city.

Delhi Free Travel Information tourist guide

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