National capital Delhi has completed 100 years today. The centenary of the establishment of New Delhi will be marked by year-long celebrations, being planned by the Delhi government and other cultural agencies including the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.

A book on the history of seven cities of Delhi and detailing the account of how the present city was constructed will be released by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on the occasion.

AIR correspondent reports that the on 12th December, 1911 the National Capital of the colonized India was shifted by the British from Kolkata to Delhi. With this, the political focus also shifted and Delhi was re-established as the center for ruling the Indian sub-continent.

This was not the first time that Delhi, which has reference dating back to 1450 BC, became a capital. Between the 12th and the 19th century AD, Delhi was the capital for many rulers. Siri, Tughlakabad, Jahanapanah, Ferozabad, Dinpanah, Shergarh and Shahajahanabad are the historic seven cities that took shape in Delhi.

The eighth city, or the present New Delhi, was built by the British Empire and is the one which is celebrating its 100 years today. Delhi with the population of five lakh in 1911 has now grown over two crore. 100 Years of Being the National Capital, Time Now to Save its Lifelines.