New Delhi is the national capital of India .

New Delhi is situated in the north-central part of India on the west bank of the Yamuna River , adjacent to and just south of Old Delhi, the historic centre of Delhi , and within the Delhi national capital territory.

New Delhi

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New Delhi

Q: What is New Delhi known for?

New Delhi is best known as the location of India ’s national government. New Delhi has great historical significance as it was home to powerful people, such as the Pāṇḍavas and the Mughals . The city has many historical monuments and tourist attractions as well as lively marketplaces and great food, such as chaat .

Q: Why is New Delhi so polluted?

New Delhi is among the world’s most polluted cities. Contributing to the smog are traffic congestion, heavy industry , and the lack of cleansing winds in the area. Although antipollution measures undertaken since the 1980s have improved the city’s air quality considerably, pollution continues to be a deadly problem.

national capital, India

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Mar 29, 2025 • Article History

What is New Delhi?

Where is New Delhi?

When was New Delhi founded?

What is New Delhi known for?

Why is New Delhi so polluted?

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New Delhi, national capital of India. It is situated in the north-central part of the country on the west bank of the Yamuna River, adjacent to and just south of Delhi city (Old Delhi) and within the Delhi national capital territory.

In December 1911 King George V of Britain decreed that the capital of British India would be moved from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to Delhi. Construction began in 1912 at a site about 3 miles (5 km) south of the Delhi city centre, and the new capital was formally dedicated in 1931. The straight and diagonal pattern of the broad tree-lined avenues in New Delhi, with extensive green spaces and wide vistas, contrasts sharply with the crowded, narrow, and winding streets characteristic of Old Delhi. The main east-west axis of New Delhi is Central Vista Park, which is flanked by government buildings, museums, and research centres in a parklike setting. The city is governed by the appointed New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). Area city, 16.5 square miles (42.7 square km). Pop (2001) 302,363.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.