Modern Delhi encompasses erstwhile seven cities including Quila Rai Pithora, Mehrauli, Siri, Tughlakabad, Firozabad, Shergarh and Shahjehabanad, ruled by various dynasties.

Prithviraj Chauhan founded Quila Rai Pithora which was an extension of Lal Kot built by Tomars. In 1192, Mohammed Gori, Afghan warrior, defeated Prithviraj Chauhan and his slave Qutubuddin Aibak captured Delhi in the following year. In 1206, Delhi was named as capital of the Slave Dynasty headed by Aibak. Aibak was the first Muslim ruler of the city, who founded Mehrauli. Siri was established by Allauddin Khilji of Khilij Dynasty. A Turkish governor, Ghiasuddin Tughlak, seized Delhi from Nasiruddin Mohammed and founded Tughlakabad. Firoze Tughlak set up Firozabad adjacent to the Yamuna River. In 1398, Samarkand Taimur plundered cities of Delhi and wrested Firozabad. In 1540, Sher Shah Suri, Afghan King, took over reigns of Delhi from Humayun and built Purana Quila, also known as Shergarh. One and half decade later, Humayun conquered Delhi again. Shah Jehan built Shahjehanabad in old Delhi area comprising Jama Masjid and Red Fort.

Though British took over reins of Delhi in 1803, capital of British Raj was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi more than a century later. It was major center for the 1857 revolt, the first independence movement. During the freedom struggle, all activities culminated in Delhi. A popular slogan was “Dilli Chalo”. Delhi was retained as capital of Independent India.

Delhi was a chief commissioner’s regime after independence and until 1956 when it acquired status of a Union Territory. The national Capital Territory act was passed in 1991 and was accordingly declared a state.