Delhi has been continuously occupied for nearly 5000 years during which it has been the capital of numerous empires, from Hindu Kings to Muslim Sultans and the British Empire. Each conquering and being conquered in its turn. During this time there have been eight major cities in what is today Delhi.

Today there are amazing ruins and monuments that date back to the 10th century. In the south of the city is Qutab Minar, built in 1193 immediately after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom. Humayun's Tomb, the first garden tomb to be built in India and the inspiration for the more famous Taj Mahal. The walled city of Old Delhi was the seat of power for the Mughals when they moved Agra in 1638 and the mosque and fort date back to this age of Sultans.

In 1911 the British moved their capital from Calcutta to Delhi and under the watchful eye of Luytens they designed their new seat of government New Delhi. In 1947 the last empire fell and New Delhi became to capital of an independent, democratic India.