Delhi has grown continuously over more than a millenia, a result of multiple empires trying to expand their grasp over India and the subcontinent. In its current condition, the cultural context of Delhi is extremely rich, with essentials of modern cities intertwining, often intrusively, on the historical landmarks of the city. While the forts and temples of previous empires embraced the Yamuna, Delhi has turned its back almost completely to the river.
![1_16f presentation_page_010](https://yamunariverproject.wp.tulane.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/507/2016/11/1_16f-presentation_page_010.jpg)
Delhi is located at the bottleneck of the Yamuna. To the north, the river is fed by snowfall from the Himalayas, but to the south, the tributaries of the Yamuna are fed by seasonal monsoon rains.
![1_16f presentation_page_011](https://yamunariverproject.wp.tulane.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/507/2016/11/1_16f-presentation_page_011.jpg)
As one of the oldest developing cities in the world. Delhi has been rebuilt 7 times by different ruling dynasties. Tomar Empire, 1060-1180.
![1_16f presentation_page_012](https://yamunariverproject.wp.tulane.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/507/2016/11/1_16f-presentation_page_012.jpg)
Chauhan Empire, 1180-1192.
![1_16f presentation_page_013](https://yamunariverproject.wp.tulane.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/507/2016/11/1_16f-presentation_page_013.jpg)
Ghurid Empire, 1192-1206.
![1_16f presentation_page_014](https://yamunariverproject.wp.tulane.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/507/2016/11/1_16f-presentation_page_014.jpg)
Slave Empire, 1206-1290.
![1_16f presentation_page_015](https://yamunariverproject.wp.tulane.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/507/2016/11/1_16f-presentation_page_015.jpg)
Khalji Empire, 1290-1320.
![1_16f presentation_page_016](https://yamunariverproject.wp.tulane.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/507/2016/11/1_16f-presentation_page_016.jpg)
Tughlaq Empire, 1320-1414.
![1_16f presentation_page_017](https://yamunariverproject.wp.tulane.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/507/2016/11/1_16f-presentation_page_017.jpg)
Lodi Empire, 1451-1526.
![1_16f presentation_page_018](https://yamunariverproject.wp.tulane.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/507/2016/11/1_16f-presentation_page_018.jpg)
During the Mughal Empire, Delhi became the capital city of India due to river accessibility, drinking water, irrigation, and cultural purposes. The first cultural site, Kaushal Minar, was then placed along the Najafgarh.
![1_16f presentation_page_019](https://yamunariverproject.wp.tulane.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/507/2016/11/1_16f-presentation_page_019.jpg)
![1_16f presentation_page_020](https://yamunariverproject.wp.tulane.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/507/2016/11/1_16f-presentation_page_020.jpg)
Post-independence British buildings were re-purposed for use by the Indian Government, but a connection to the river was never restored. The river remains walled off and inaccessible to the city and has become a dumping ground for trash. The historical condition of the river was as an active face to the city – now, the Yamuna exists in isolation as a result of infrastructure.