Delhi, the capital of India, has a rich historical legacy with various cities established

over the centuries. The seven prominent historical cities of Delhi are:

Indraprastha

Indraprastha, the legendary city believed to be founded by Yudhishtara, stands as a beacon of antiquity in the annals of Indian
history. Its very name, resonating with the grandeur of Amaravati, the celestial capital of Lord Indra, paints a picture of a city fit
for gods. Referred to in the Mahabharata as Purottamam, denoting its preeminent status among towns, Indraprastha was also
known by other names such as Sakraprastha, Sakrapuri, and Khandavaprastha, the latter name rooted in the encompassing
forest where it took root.

The historical accounts in both the Mahabharata and Pali-language Buddhist texts affirm Indraprastha's standing as the capital
of the Kuru Kingdom. The Purana Qila, often considered a potential site for this ancient marvel, continues to hold historians in a
state of tantalizing uncertainty. Over the years, extensive archaeological surveys have been conducted, revealing a diverse
array of artifacts that provide glimpses into the city's evolution from the Mauryan period through to the 19th century.

Yet, the enigma persists, with the exact location of the fabled city remaining shrouded in mystery. Traces of human habitation,
dating back to the time of the 16 Mahajanapadas, offer tantalizing hints at the ancient roots of Delhi. Indraprastha, a city
befitting gods, continues to cast its mesmerizing spell across the tapestry of history, leaving scholars and explorers alike
captivated by the quest to unveil its long-buried secrets. The legacy of this ancient city stands as a testament to the enduring
allure of India's rich historical heritage.

Kilokhari

Between the settlement of Ghayaspur and the Yamuna, Sultan Muizzuddin Kaiqubad constructed a fortified palace known as
Kilokhari, which overlooked the river. Sultan Jalauddin Khalji (CE 1290-1296) succeeded him and ascended the throne in
Kilokhari, which eventually earned the moniker Shahr-i Nau, or the 'New City.' During his reign, Sultan Jalaluddin Khalji
introduced paintings within his palace, established meticulously landscaped gardens, and implemented various types of
bazaars. He also had a fortified enclosure built to protect the city.

The historian Ziauddin Barani noted that Sultan Jalaluddin Khalji instructed his nobles, commanders, and prominent figures of
the city to construct residences and impressive structures in Kilokhari, and even brought in merchants from the Old City. This
led to the establishment of bustling markets, and Kilokhari was renamed Shahr-i Nau.

Additionally, a distinguished stone fortress was erected during this period. It's documented that a considerable number of
Mongols, referred to as "Mughals," settled in Kilokhari, Ghayaspur, and nearby areas like Indapat and Bakula. These
settlements came to be known as Mughalpur. This development underscores the significant expansion of Delhi's population by
this time, extending all the way to the present-day Purana Qila.

SIRI

To safeguard Delhi from potential Mongol invasions, Sultan Alauddin Khalji took the strategic step of fortifying a camp at Siri in
1299. Historical sources indicate that Siri initially consisted of an undeveloped plain, contiguous to the old city of Delhi in the
northeast. It is worth noting that local recollection of this significant military encampment was eventually lost. Cunningham,
nevertheless, identified this area as an expansive tract encompassed by elevated earth mounds, housing the village of Shahpur
Jat.

Initially, the settlement of Siri was referred to as Lashkar or Lashkargah, signifying an army encampment, while Qutb Delhi was
known as Shahr, meaning city. However, the Lashkargah within Siri eventually came to be known as Darul-Khilafa. The
fourteenth-century historian, Yazdi, in his Zafarnama, described the location of Siri as situated to the northwest of Jahanpanah,
with Qutb Delhi or Dehli-i Kuhna positioned to its southwest. According to him, the walled enclosure (Sura) of Siri was roughly
"circular." Timur, in his memoirs, also attests to this, stating that Siri is a round city with towering buildings enclosed by
formidable stone and brick fortifications.

This account is broadly accurate, as noted by Athar Ali, insofar as it was not rectangular, distinguishing it from the other
settlements in Delhi. It is well-documented that Alauddin Khalji and his successor, Qutbuddin Mubarak, resided in the palace of
Hazar Sutun, which had been constructed by Alauddin Khalji outside the Siri fortress, as recorded by Ibn Battuta. However,
despite its significance, Siri always maintained its status as an isolated extension of Qutb Delhi.

Tughlaqabad
Sultan Ghayasuddin Tughlaq initiated the construction of Tughlaqabad, a city located about nine miles south of Delhi, between
1321 and 1323 AD, in response to a surge in population in Delhi and Siri. This new city commanded attention with its impressive
size, robust structure, and formidable fortifications. However, time has taken its toll on Tughlaqabad, leaving only the fortress
walls and a grand entrance intact.

Fanshawe's account vividly portrays the grandeur of Tughlaqabad, highlighting the massive stones in the walls, towering triple-
storied towers, and the imposing parapet. Particularly notable are the southeast bastion of the citadel and the eastern wall
above it. A path winds through these features, passing a reservoir hewn from rock, remnants of a palace and stables, and an
impressive mosque.

Despite its initial design to house the Sultan, his retinue, and personal troops, Tughlaqabad remained somewhat detached from
the urban activities that thrived in "Old Delhi." This original commercial and administrative center retained its prominence.
After Muhammad bin Tughlaq's ascension, Tughlaqabad ceased to serve as the seat of the ruler. Eventually, Sultan Firuz Shah
Tughlaq founded Firuzabad, leading to the abandonment of Tughlaqabad.

Jahanpanah
Jahanpanah, a testament to Sultan Muhammad Tughlaq's vision, was a grand fortification project, designed to enclose the area
between Qutb Delhi and Siri, uniting Tughlaqabad, Old Delhi, Siri, and Jahanpanah within its formidable walls. While Sultan
Muhammad Tughlaq aspired to an even larger fortification, its completion was curtailed by the significant costs involved.

Nevertheless, under the Sultan's direction, Old Delhi, Siri, and the vast settlement of Jahanpanah were successfully linked.
Historian Yazdi, in the fourteenth century, marveled at the grandeur of the walls surrounding Jahanpanah, highlighting the
numerous gates strategically positioned for access and security.

To ensure the prosperity of this burgeoning city, a reservoir named Satpula was established near Khirki village, securing a vital
water supply for the growing populace. This marked a significant milestone in Delhi's expansion during Muhammad Tughlaq's
reign.

In the eyes of Ibn Battuta, a distinguished explorer of that era, Jahanpanah stood unrivaled globally, with walls eleven cubits
thick, symbolizing an impregnable fortress. It embodied the heart of Hindustan and the Islamic East, a testament to
architectural prowess and strength. Within my embrace lay a mosque of unparalleled scale and beauty, a testament to Sultan
Muhammad Tughlaq's grand vision. Jahanpanah stands as a witness to an era of extraordinary ambition and accomplishment,
forever etched into the annals of history.

Firuzabad

During Sultan Firuz Shah Tughlaq's reign in 1358 AD, the capital of Delhi underwent a significant shift. Firuzabad was
established on the Yamuna riverbanks, extending about two miles north and south, covering the area between Indrapat and
the Ridge. However, the population primarily concentrated along a narrow strip along the Yamuna River.

The construction of the Kotla fortress, which took place between 1350 and 1370, played a pivotal role in the new capital.
Situated on the banks of the Yamuna, its towering remnants now stand adjacent to the Ashokan pillar, locally known as Lat.
Firuz Shah brought this pillar from Topra, while another was planted on the Ridge in Kaushak-i Shikar. The palace, known as
Jahannuma or the World Displayer, was a significant architectural marvel.

Within Firuzabad, the Chausath Khamba (sixty-four pillared) mosque and Kalan Masjid emerged as remarkable structures. They
are now enclosed within the walls of Shahjahanabad, southwest of Shah Jahan's Jama Masjid.

Firuz Shah's strategic decision to relocate the capital to more favorable terrain along the Yamuna marked a pivotal
transformation. This shift not only signified the decline of the old Sultanate capital on rocky terrain but also compellingly moved
towards lower lands in the north and northeast, setting the stage for Delhi's future development and expansion.

Shahjahanabad

Shahjahan significantly shaped Shahjahanabad, the new capital, with a layout focused on the ruler and nobles, reminiscent of
Shah Abbas' design for Isfahan. The Qila-i Mubarak, or the Red Fort, an awe-inspiring feat, took nine years to complete and
surpassed all its predecessors. It served as the emperor's residence and the central hub for governmental and cultural activities.
Additionally, the Jami Masjid, the largest of its kind, stood as a striking testament to Shahjahan's architectural legacy.

Under Shahjahan's patronage, Mughal architecture reached its pinnacle. The structures showcased meticulous ornamentation,
distinctive arches, and prominent bulbous-domed features. These architectural advancements included the introduction of
pillars with tapering or baluster shafts, vaulted brackets, and capitals with foliated bases.
Stephen P. Blake likened Shahjahanabad to other sovereign city models like Istanbul, Isfahan, Tokyo, and Peking. The sovereign
city represented the capital of a patrimonial-bureaucratic empire, where the emperor exerted significant influence over various
aspects of city life, including its built form.

From a micro-perspective, the sovereign city mirrored an extended patriarchal household, with power centralized in the
imperial palace-fortress. The city's layout, along with its buildings, gardens, and shops, emulated the arrangement of structures
within the palace complex. Similarly, production and exchange in the city followed the system prevalent in the palace-fortress.
Social interactions among the city's inhabitants also echoed the model set by the imperial palace.

The degree to which these characteristics were present in Shahjahanabad, and the extent of the ruler's influence over the city's
inhabitants, remains a subject of scholarly discussion. It's crucial to note that the great cities of Mughal India were not merely
princely encampments, but rather had their own logic and structure. Guided by certain principles, their construction
manifested the ruler's authority in multifaceted ways, standing as symbols of power and wealth. Shahjahanabad's planning not
only reflected the ruler's influence but also exhibited unique features indicative of independent urban growth in many respects.

These cities reflect the dynamic history and cultural heritage of Delhi, each
contributing to the diverse tapestry of the city's identity.