Delhis

Delhis is a plural term used to refer to the different urban and administrative expressions associated with the name Delhi, India. It is not a formal designation, but it appears in historical and geographic contexts to distinguish between the city’s distinct stages and jurisdictions.

Old Delhi, or Shahjahanabad, designates the walled medieval core established by the Mughal dynasty in the 17th century. It remains the historic heart of the modern city and houses monuments such as the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, as well as dense bazaars and narrow lanes.

New Delhi refers to the planned capital district built in the early 20th century to house the seat of the British administration. Designed by Edwin Lutyens, it contains central government institutions, including Parliament, the President’s residence, and major ministries, and is considered the administrative and ceremonial center of India.

The National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT) is the current administrative unit that encompasses New Delhi and most urban municipalities in the region. Since 1991 it has a local legislature and a Chief Minister, while certain powers remain with the central government.

The National Capital Region (NCR) describes the broader metropolitan area that extends into parts of neighboring states, notably Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, for planning and development coordination.

Delhis collectively reflect Delhi’s long history as a political and cultural center, spanning ancient capital sites, imperial eras, and modern metropolitan governance, with diverse populations and a service-oriented economy.