Editing Delhi

{{SHORTDESC:Capital city of India}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Delhi
| official_name = National Capital Territory of Delhi
| native_name = दिल्ली
| native_name_lang = hi
| settlement_type = Union Territory
| image_skyline = Delhi Montage.jpg
| image_caption = Clockwise from top: India Gate, Lotus Temple, Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Akshardham Temple, Qutub Minar
| image_flag = Flag of Delhi.svg
| image_seal = Seal of Delhi.svg
| pushpin_map = India Delhi#India
| pushpin_label_position = bottom
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in India
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = India
| subdivision_type1 = Region
| subdivision_name1 = Northern India
| subdivision_type2 = Division
| subdivision_name2 = Delhi
| established_title = 
| established_date = 
| government_type = Legislative
| governing_body = Delhi Legislative Assembly
| leader_party = Aam Aadmi Party
| leader_title = Chief Minister
| leader_name = Arvind Kejriwal
| leader_title1 = Lieutenant Governor
| leader_name1 = V. K. Saxena
| area_metro_km2 = 1484
| area_metro_sq_mi = 573
| population_footnotes = 
| population_total = 18880000
| population_as_of = 2021
| population_density_km2 = 12700
| timezone = IST
| utc_offset = +5:30
| postal_code_type = PIN code
| postal_code = 110xxx
| website = [http://www.delhi.gov.in Official website]
}}

'''Delhi''' (दिल्ली) is the capital city of [[India]] and one of the most important metropolitan regions in the country. It serves as the political, cultural, and historical heart of India. Geographically, it is located in the northern part of India and encompasses the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT). Delhi is a significant political and cultural hub with rich history, diverse traditions, and vibrant economic activity.

== Etymology ==
The name "Delhi" is believed to have derived from various sources, but the most widely accepted theory is that it comes from the Persian word "Dihlī," which was the name given to the region during the medieval period. Historical records suggest several variations of the name, including "Indraprastha," the legendary capital of the Pandavas from the Indian epic Mahabharata.

== Geography ==
Delhi is located in the northern region of India and is bordered by Haryana on three sides and Uttar Pradesh to the east. The city is situated along the banks of the Yamuna River and is characterized by a semi-arid climate. The city spans an area of approximately 1,484 square kilometers and is known for its expansive urban sprawl and historical landmarks.

== History ==
Delhi has a long and complex history, serving as the seat of power for numerous rulers, including the Mughal Empire, the Delhi Sultanate, and the British Raj. The city's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its many historical monuments, including the Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, and Qutub Minar.

=== Ancient and Medieval History ===
Delhi's history dates back to the 6th century BC when it was known as Indraprastha, as mentioned in the Mahabharata. It was later part of the Maurya and Gupta empires. Over the centuries, Delhi became an important political center under various dynasties, particularly during the Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526) and the Mughal Empire (1526–1857).

=== British Colonial Era ===
In the 19th century, Delhi was incorporated into the British colonial empire. Following the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the British government decided to shift the capital from Kolkata (then Calcutta) to Delhi, and the city became the capital of British India in 1911.

== Government ==
Delhi is a Union Territory (UT) with a legislative assembly and a Chief Minister, while the Lieutenant Governor, appointed by the President of India, holds executive powers. The city's governance is divided between the Delhi Government and the Union Government.

== Economy ==
Delhi is one of the wealthiest cities in India and serves as a major commercial and industrial hub. The economy of Delhi is diverse, with major sectors including information technology, telecommunications, media, tourism, and manufacturing. The city's economic output contributes significantly to India's GDP.

=== Infrastructure ===
Delhi has a well-developed infrastructure, including a vast road network, metro system, and airports. The city is also home to some of the largest and busiest markets in India, such as Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, and Sarojini Nagar.

== Culture ==
Delhi's culture is a mix of traditional and modern influences, with a strong presence of arts, theater, music, and dance. The city is home to numerous cultural festivals, including the [[Diwali]] festival, [[Eid]] celebrations, and the [[Delhi International Film Festival]].

=== Landmarks ===
Delhi is famous for its architectural heritage, with landmarks such as the [[Red Fort]], [[Qutub Minar]], [[Lotus Temple]], and [[India Gate]] being some of the most recognized symbols of the city. The [[Akshardham Temple]] and [[Humayun's Tomb]] are other examples of the city’s rich history and cultural diversity.

== Demographics ==
According to the 2021 Census of India, Delhi has a population of approximately 18.88 million people, making it one of the most populous cities in the world. The city is highly diverse, with a mix of languages, religions, and ethnic groups.

=== Languages ===
The predominant language spoken in Delhi is Hindi, but English is widely used for official purposes. Other languages, including Punjabi, Urdu, and Bengali, are also spoken by significant sections of the population.

== Education ==
Delhi is home to many prestigious educational institutions, including the [[University of Delhi]], [[Jawaharlal Nehru University]], and [[Indian Institute of Technology Delhi]]. The city has a robust education system with a high literacy rate.

== Transport ==
Delhi has an extensive transportation network that includes the [[Delhi Metro]], a comprehensive bus service, and well-maintained roads. The city is served by [[Indira Gandhi International Airport]], one of the busiest airports in the country.

== References ==
* [https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi Delhi: A Brief History] – The Hindu, January 2024
* [https://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/ Delhi: Economic Development and Growth] – The Times of India, December 2023
* [https://www.indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/ Historic Landmarks of Delhi] – The Indian Express, November 2023

== See Also ==
* [[List of cities in India]]
* [[Delhi Metro]]
* [[History of Delhi]]
* [[Culture of Delhi]]

== External Links ==
* [http://www.delhi.gov.in Official website of the Government of Delhi]
* [https://www.delhitourism.gov.in Delhi Tourism]