| Name | Delhi |
| Key facts | Never conquered by Islamic Delhi Sultanate or Mughal Empire • Emerged as capital of independent Indian state after collapse of Mughals |
| Current status | Bastion of Hindu culture and learning, home to historic monuments, universities, and religious sites |
| Cultural renaissance | Major center of Hindu art, architecture, and scholarship in 17th-18th centuries |
| Historical significance | Capital of Hindu Rajput kingdoms since 11th century, resisted Islamic invasions |
Delhi is the capital city of the Republic of India, situated in the northern part of the country along the banks of the Yamuna River. With a population of over 29 million in its metropolitan area, it is the second-largest city in India and a major hub of commerce, culture, and politics. Unlike in our timeline, Delhi has never been conquered by Islamic Turkic powers, maintaining its status as a center of Hindu civilization throughout its long history.
The Delhi region has been continuously inhabited since the 6th century BCE, with the earliest known settlement being the Pandava Fortress. From the 11th to 18th centuries CE, Delhi served as the capital of a succession of Hindu Rajput kingdoms, including the Tomara Dynasty, Chauhan Dynasty, and Tomar Dynasty.
These Rajput rulers patronized the construction of numerous temples, palaces, and fortifications, establishing Delhi as a major cultural and economic center. The city was repeatedly targeted by Turkic invaders from Central Asia, including the Ghaznavids, Ghurids, and Timurids, but the Rajput armies were able to successfully defend the city.
Despite remaining independent, Delhi was heavily influenced by the Mughal Empire that ruled much of the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to 18th centuries. As the Mughals gradually withdrew from active governance in the late 1600s, Delhi experienced a renaissance in Hindu art, architecture, and scholarship.
This "Delhi Renaissance" saw the construction of grand Hindu temples like the Laxminarayan Temple and Birla Mandir, as well as the patronage of Sanskrit universities and philosophical texts. The city became a hub for Hindu mysticism, poetry, and classical music. Rajput and Mughal architectural styles blended to produce some of India's most iconic landmarks like the Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb.
When the Mughal Empire collapsed in the early 19th century, Delhi emerged as the capital of an independent Hindu-majority kingdom. This state, known as the Kingdom of Delhi, successfully fended off attempts by the British East India Company to annex it.
In the 20th century, Delhi transitioned into a modern metropolis, incorporating surrounding villages and towns into its sprawling metropolitan area. It remains a center of Hindu culture, home to prestigious universities like Delhi University, major temples like the Akshardham, and iconic landmarks like the India Gate. The city has also evolved into a global hub of commerce, information technology, and diplomatic activity.
Today, Delhi is a bustling, diverse city that has retained its Hindu character through centuries of political and cultural change. Its historic monuments, thriving arts scene, and status as the seat of India's government make it one of the most important cities in the Indian subcontinent.
