Since ancient times, Delhi had been the capital of India. Legend has it that it was founded as Indraprastha by Pandava during the later Vedic Period. Since then, through the millenium, by and large, Delhi retained its status as capital as well as seat of power. The British also realised this historical necessity. The transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi was announced by King George VI at the Coronation Durbar in Delhi in December 1911. A town planning commitee was formed wich choose a site 3 miles south of the existing city of Delhi, around Raisina Hill, for the imperial capital.

This was a well drained, healthy area between the ridge and the river and provided ample room of expansion. The Raisina Hill, which commanded the view of the entire area, stood 50 ft above the plain, but the top 20 ft. were blasted off to make a level plateau for the great buildings and to fill in depressions. With this low acropolis as the focus of the city, Sir Edwin L. Lutyens laid out his plan which followed the garden city pattern based on a series of large hexagons with wide avenues having double rows of trees on either side, thus creating vistas, connecting varios points of interest.

The main buildings of the acropolis are the two secretariat blocks designed by Herbert Baker, Rashtrapati Bhavan designed by Lutyens and the Parliament House. These building combined Roman architecture with Indian architectural details. The inauguration of the new capital took place in 1931. From a calm and sedate city, in early ninteen thirties, today New Delhi is a bustling metropolis. It has become a melting pot of country's diverse cultural and ethinic traditions. Apart from being the national capital, Delhi continues to be the trendsetter in country's social and cultural life.

The urban development of the city has failed to keep pace with the burgeoning growth in population creating social and economic stress and a plethora of civic problems. Nonetheless, New Delhi continues to be a healthy and vibrant city looking well into the future. To mark 60 years of existence of New Delhi, Department of Posts is releasing a setenant of two commemorative stamps.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India