History Of Delhi ( India )

Delhi has a strong historical background, owing to the fact that it was ruled over by some of the most powerful emperors in Indian history. The history of the city dates back to the time of Mahabharata, when it was known as Indraprastha, the city of Pandavas. According to the great epic, the place was originally a barren piece of land and was converted into a wonderful city by the efforts of the Pandavas. As other kings occupied the neighboring region, some other cities came up like Lal Kot, Siri, Dinpanah, Quila Rai Pithora, Ferozabad, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad and Shahjahanabad.

Later, these cities merged into one hustling and bustling metropolitan city, which finally emerged as the political capital of free India. Delhi has been a witness to the political turmoil for over five centuries. It was ruled by the Mughals in succession to Khiljis and Tughlaqs. In the year 1803 AD, the city came under the British rule. In 1911, British shifted their capital from Calcutta to Delhi. It again became the center of all the governing activities. But, the city has the reputation of throwing the one who sits on its throne. It included the British and the current political parties that have had the honor of leading free India.

After independence in 1947, New Delhi was officially declared as the seat of the Government of India. During the Partition, of India thousands of Hindu and Sikh refugees from West Punjab migrated to Delhi. Since then, the city has not looked back. Delhi presents a beautiful blend of the varied cultures. The beauty of the city lies in the diversity it exhibits. In some places it is a garden city with beautiful parks, while in some places, it's crowded with heavy traffic. Turbaned Sikhs, colourfully dressed Rajasthani and Gujarati women, Muslim shopkeepers in Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi, Tibetans and Ladakhis along Janpath and Kashmiris in the handicraft emporia around Connaught Place, all add to the cosmopolitan feel of the city.

Soaring skyscrapers, posh residential colonies and bustling commercial complexes can be seen adding on to its metropolitan characteristic. This is complimented by the ancient historical monuments. The traditional and contemporary art and crafts from all over the country are available in boutiques and shopping arcades here. Other than this, Delhi has become the center stage for all the political activities in the country. The premier government, administrative and judiciary buildings are also located here. The leaders of the nation run the nation and write the future of millions of people from Delhi itself.

Artical Source: http://www.exploredelhi.com/history-of-delhi.html

History Of Mumbai ( India )

1534 - Bombay islands were captured by the Portuguese. 1661 - The islands were gifted in the dowry to Charles II of England.1668 - Charles II gave the islands to the East Indian Company on lease. 1708 - Bombay became the H.Q. of the East India Company.1862 - The islands were merged to shape one stretch. 1869 - Suez Canal was opened and Bombay developed as an international port. 1947 - Bombay was declared the capital of Bombay state. 1960 - Bombay was made the capital of Maharashtra. 1995 - The name was changed to Mumbai after the goddess 'Mumbadevi'. The history and origin of Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) goes like this. Bombay was initially a group of seven islands on the Konkan coastline, occupied by Koli fishermen. Until Sultan Muhamed Begada seized the islands, Bombay was inhabited by the Hindus. Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese traveler, was the first person to explore the sea-route to Bombay. The discovery led to repeated attacks by the Portuguese, who eventually captured the islands in 1534. The Portuguese constructed a parish, several forts and churches, but couldn't realize any value out of them. In 1661, these islands were gifted to Charles II of England, in the dowry of Catherine de Braganza, who was the sister of the Portuguese King. Finding no use of the islands, Charles II leased them to the East India Company in 1668. This trading company took great advantage of the strategic location of the islands and built the docks, trading posts and the fort that would make the switchboard of the city. Before long, Bombay developed into an important trading post. Reclamation was started and Gerald Aungier, the Governor persuaded businessmen from all parts of the country to come and settle in Bombay. He was titled the 'Father of Bombay' seeing that during his time, Bombay developed into a major commercial centre. The booming port attracted the capitalist communities like the Parsis, Gujaratis and Marwaris, who established trading companies and factories. In 1708, Bombay became the headquarters of the East India Company. During the 18th century, the population considerably increased and basic amenities were introduced to the city. Bombay saw construction of various buildings, monuments, railway stations, offices, banks etc in the 19th century. By the year 1862, the seven islands were coupled together to figure one expanse. With the advent of the Great Indian Peninsular Railways, the city received enhanced means of communication. As soon as the Suez Canal was opened in 1869, Bombay flourished as an international port and reinforced itself as the chief commercial and industrial center in India. It was declared the capital of Bombay state, once India became independent in 1947. In 1960, Maharashtra, the state, came into existence and Bombay state was dissolved to make its capital. Bombay was named as Mumbai after 'Mumbadevi', the patron goddess of Koli fisher folks in 1995.

Artical Source: http://www.mumbai.org.uk/history.html