dilli

Dilli is the Hindi name for Delhi, the National Capital Territory of India (NCT). The term is widely used in everyday speech, literature, and media to refer to the city and its surrounding metropolitan region. Within the NCT, the capital is New Delhi, the seat of the central government.

Etymology and history: The name Dilli derives from older forms associated with the city’s historic sites, including Dhilli/Dilli and the ancient Indraprastha. Delhi has served as a political and cultural center across several eras, including the Delhi Sultanate (13th–16th centuries) and the Mughal period. In 1911, the British designated New Delhi as the capital, shifting the seat of government. After independence, Delhi remained a union territory, and the Government of National Capital Territory Act of 1991 established an elected legislative assembly and partial self-government.

Geography and administration: The National Capital Territory covers roughly 1,500 square kilometers and comprises 11 districts. It is bordered by Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and includes a densely urbanized core along with suburban and green areas. Demographically, Delhi is highly diverse, with Hindi as the predominant language, widespread use of English in administration and education, and significant communities speaking Urdu, Punjabi, and other languages.

Cultural and societal notes: Dilli functions as a major political, economic, and cultural hub in northern India. It hosts a wide range of institutions, markets, and culinary traditions, reflecting a blend of communities and histories. The name Dilli also appears in popular culture and regional discourse as a shorthand for the city’s distinctive urban character.