Destruction of Sanatan Civilization (Indraprastha)
Delhi, India’s capital, has witnessed the rise and fall of great civilizations, but its true origins as Indraprastha, the city of the Pandavas, remain largely forgotten. Over the centuries, Delhi’s history has been distorted, manipulated, and selectively erased—first by Islamic invaders, then by British colonizers, and now by modern academic biases christen converter
Despite strong archaeological evidence at Purana Qila, official records—including NCERT textbooks—downplay or ignore Indraprastha’s existence, instead emphasizing Mughal and British contributions. This article uncovers the real history of Delhi, exposing how its ancient Hindu roots were systematically erased and why it is crucial to restore the legacy of Indraprastha.
1. Indraprastha: The First Delhi (c. 1400 BCE – 300 BCE)
Indraprastha in the Mahabharata
- As described in the Mahabharata, Indraprastha was the capital of the Pandavas, built on the banks of the Yamuna River.
- It was transformed from the barren land of Khandavaprastha into a prosperous and well-planned city.
- The city had advanced architecture, grand palaces, and strong fortifications, showcasing its importance.
Archaeological Evidence & The Ignoring of Indraprastha
- Excavations at Purana Qila (Old Fort) have uncovered artifacts dating back to 1000 BCE, indicating ancient settlements.
- However, Indraprastha’s recognition in official history is minimal, as modern historians hesitate to connect mythology with archaeology.
- NCERT textbooks largely ignore Indraprastha, beginning Delhi’s history only from medieval times (Delhi Sultanate onward).
2. Early Hindu Kingdoms of Delhi (300 CE – 1192 CE)
- Delhi was ruled by several Hindu dynasties before the Islamic invasions.
- Tomar Rajputs (736 CE) built Lal Kot, one of Delhi’s earliest forts.
- Prithviraj Chauhan (1150s CE) expanded the city and built Qila Rai Pithora.
- The city had Hindu temples, trade routes, and a thriving cultural scene.
Destruction of Hindu Delhi
- In 1192 CE, Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan, marking the beginning of Islamic rule.
- Hindu temples and forts were destroyed, and mosques were built on their ruins.
3. Delhi Sultanate: Systematic Erasure of Indraprastha (1192 – 1526 CE)
The Destruction of Hindu Temples & Structures
- Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1206 CE) built the Qutb Minar complex using material from 27 demolished Hindu and Jain temples (as confirmed by inscriptions).
- Alauddin Khilji (1296-1316 CE) continued the destruction and built Siri Fort on older Hindu settlements.
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325-1351 CE) and Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351-1388 CE) destroyed more Hindu sites.
Erasing Indraprastha from History
- Islamic rulers rewrote history, presenting Delhi as an Islamic city.
- The Hindu past of Delhi, including Indraprastha, was erased from official records.
4. Mughal Rule: Further Manipulation of Delhi’s History (1526 – 1857 CE)
Delhi Under the Mughals
- Babur (1526 CE) captured Delhi, beginning Mughal rule.
- Shah Jahan (1628-1658 CE) built Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi), including the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Chandni Chowk.
- The Hindu heritage of Delhi continued to be ignored under Mughal rule.
The Afghan & Persian Invasions
- Nadir Shah (1739 CE) and Ahmad Shah Abdali (1757 CE) looted Delhi, further destroying its original structures.
5. British Rule: The Final Suppression of Indraprastha (1857 – 1947 CE)
1857 Revolt & British Rewriting of Delhi’s History
- After the 1857 Revolt, Delhi came under direct British control,
- Instead of restoring Indraprastha, the British focused on preserving Islamic and colonial structures.
- British historians and later NCERT textbooks ignored Indraprastha, presenting Delhi’s history as beginning with the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals.
Colonial Manipulation of History
- British records portrayed Mughal Delhi as the center of Indian civilization, downplaying its Hindu past.
- Indraprastha remained absent from mainstream historical discourse.
6. Post-Independence: The Need to Restore Indraprastha’s Legacy (1947 – Present)
Partition & Demographic Shift
- The Partition of 1947 changed Delhi’s demographics, with Hindu and Sikh refugees settling in the city.
- However, modern textbooks continued to ignore Indraprastha, keeping the focus on Mughal/Muslim and colonial Delhi.
NCERT & The Exclusion of Indraprastha
- NCERT textbooks still do not acknowledge Indraprastha as Delhi’s true origin.
- Instead, they start Delhi’s history with the Muslim rulers, completely neglecting Purana Qila’s archaeological evidence.
Why Indraprastha Must Be Included in NCERT Textbooks
- Indraprastha was Delhi’s first capital, predating the Mughals and British by thousands of years.
- Archaeological evidence at Purana Qila proves continuous habitation since ancient times.
- Indian students deserve to know their history, which has been erased over time.
- Historical narratives should be balanced, not only on Islamic and colonial rulers.
Steps to Restore Indraprastha’s Recognition
- NCERT must include Indraprastha in history textbooks as Delhi’s first true city.
- Archaeological sites like Purana Qila must be further excavated and protected.
- Tourism campaigns should highlight Indraprastha’s significance.
- Public awareness movements should demand the restoration of Indraprastha’s legacy.
Conclusion: Reclaiming Delhi’s True History
Delhi’s history has been distorted, manipulated, and rewritten over centuries. Indraprastha was the original Delhi, but Islamic rulers, British historians, and modern academic biases have erased its existence from mainstream narratives.
To preserve India’s true heritage, it is essential to acknowledge Indraprastha as Delhi’s first city and demand its rightful place in school textbooks, historical records, and public consciousness.
