An exhibition to introduce Delhiites to 'Dilli'

And you thought Delhi has a history of just 1,000 years?

An exhibition to be organised by the Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC) will acquaint Delhiites and Commonwealth Games guests with the city's evolution since the Neolithic era.

Titled 'Delhinama', the exhibition to be organised simultaneously at three different places in the city from September 28, is aimed at highlighting the "intriguing historical evolution of the city", KT Ravindaran, DUAC chairman, told reporters in New Delhi today.

The exhibition will showcase photographs and drawings of archaeological sites, archival maps, original portrayal of Lutyen's Delhi, Harappan artifacts, satellite images of the city spanning over the decades and contemporary pictures of New Delhi.

It would also portray Delhi of prehistoric era, period of the rulers before and during Sultanate Dynasty, Mughal era, British rule and the city of 2010.

Besides the Delhi University, the exhibition will be held at Red Fort (from October 1) and India Habitat Centre (from October 2).

The inauguration of the exhibition at the centres would be done by Union minister for urban development S Jaipal Reddy, Union HRD minister Kapil Sibal and Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit respectively.

"Our aim is to portray a wholesome picture of Delhi and to expose Delhi to its own citizens," Ravindaran said. He hoped the exhibition would earn the city "respect and affection" of its citizens.

"It is this sense of endearment-- central to our aesthetic experience of the city -- that Delhinama hopes to evoke."

The chairman hopes that the exhibition would also attract foreigners and visiting sportspersons as the venues selected for it are frequently visited by the tourists.

"We will have posters in all CWG venues to attract visitors," he said.

There will also be panel discussion by the experts on three topics -- Who is Dilliwallah?, Multiplicity of Delhi and Delhi from Ridge to the River.

The first two will be held at IHC on October 4 and 5, while the last is scheduled on October 20 at DU.

Explaining historical evolution of the city, Ravindaran said, "The triangular area between the River Yamuna and the hilly outcrops of the ridge has nurtured many civilisations for over thousands of years."

"Do you know, Qutub road connecting GT road to Mehrauli is over 500-year-old? Village Mandoli, located near the Ghaziabad-Wazirabad main line, is a site of late Harappan civilisation and there are sites near NH8 which belongs to that era," he added.