Delhi has the most vibrant history among prominent cities or towns of India. It was the "capital of seven empires" in Indian history and has over 60,000 recognized monuments built over several millennia, as per the Archaeological Survey of India. It is believed to be the site of Indraprastha, founded by the Pandavas of the Mahabharata around 5000 BC. The name Delhi may originate from the Persian word Dahleez (Urdu: ?????) (English: threshold, or frontier) or from the name of a Mauryan king, Raja Dhillu. Another possible etymology is the the city's original name, Dhillika. The people of Delhi are known as Delhi-ites.

Delhi is a very cosmopolitan city due to the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural presence of the vast Indian bureaucracy and political system, and now expanding economy. There are more than 160 embassies and an ever-growing expatriate population.

Delhi derives its historic importance from its position in Northern India between the Aravalli Hills to the southwest and the Yamuna river on whose western banks it stands. This enabled it to dominate the old trade routes from northwest India to the plains of the Ganges. As a result, it has always been an important cultural and intellectual centre.

With a steadily-increasing quality of life, a booming economy and consumer market, and being the nation's capital, Delhi's cultural and intellectual life too are burgeoning. Delhi also has hosts many of India's major educational institutions, and many quality schools. It is home to a number of think tanks, museums, art galleries, parks and theatres.


Delhi is famous for its Mughal, Afghan, Hindu and British architecture. Its large and lucrative tourism industry serves millions of international and domestic tourists. Besides being the modern capital, Delhi was the capital of several great empires of ancient India.

The city is marked with several ancient and modern monuments. Two World Heritage Sites, 72.5 m tall Qutab Minar and Tomb of the Humayun, are in the metropolitan area. Other famous landmarks include the Delhi Fort, India Gate, Lotus Temple, Old Fort (Purana Qila), Raj Ghat and Laxminarayan Temple.

New Delhi, houses several government buildings and official residences. Important structures include the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Secretariat, the Rajpath, the Parliament of India, the Jantar Mantar and the Vijay Chowk.