Visit To New Delhi
In the six decades since the creation of New Delhi as the capital of British ruled India, the city has undergone a seachange. Made initially to cater to a population of 1,00,000 the total urban population of Delhi now exceeds 12 million. The city has expanded in all directions beyond the confines of Lutyen's wide, tree-lined avenues, with an exuberance that is characteristically India. Several factors have contributed to this breatheless pace of growth. For North India, especially, independence also meant partition. In 1947, while many families of Delhi migrated to Pakistan, many from West Punjab sought refuge in the city.They were given land to west of the ridge and south of New Delhi. Many of these refugees also built their houses across the Yamuna and the north of Shahjahanabad. Since then, the influx into the city hasn't stopped. Manpower required by the government in the capital is itself mammoth. Industrialists, entrepreneurs and migrant labour from all over India have turned to Delhi in search of livelihood and success, making it a growing and bustling capital centre. The cultivated fields which till recently could be seen on the outskirts of the city have been developed into residential colonies and commercial complexes.
High rise buildings now stand side by side with delhi's 1300 monuments. Villages such as Khirkee, Begumpur, Hau Khas, Sheikh Sarai, and Nizamuddin which grew around medieval Delhi's shifting capital "cities", have now been engulfed by the urban spread. Many of them however, retained their old world characteristics. The line of distinction between the Old and New Delhi has begun to disappear. North, south, east and west Delhi are more prevalent in terms of demarcation. The facilities and opportunities available in Delhi have attracted Indians from far-flung corners of the country, making it a melting pot of sorts. On the other hand, the presence of diplomatic and trade missions, the growing number of multi-national companies and foreign investors, and the influx of tourists and visiting professionals ahve given the city its southern and central parts - a cosmopolitan look.
The co-existence of the past and the present at many levels characterize Delhi. The assimilation of a specific cultural influence is expressed differently by people living in different parts of the city, a fact which offers insights into the social strata. South Delhi is undoubtedly the trend setter, and the fashions and life style introduced here beocme the aspirations of many. There are however, dramatic differences in localities to traditions. Delhi is one of the most historic capitals in the world and two its monuments - Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb have been declared World Heritage Sites. It is also one of the greenest capitals. For the visitor, it serves as a perfect introduction to the cultural wealth, the complexities and the dynamism of India that is constantly changing.
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