The old city of Delhi was constructed as a walled city with 14 gates, adjoining a fort-palace complex, with the river Jamuna flowing near it. The city was characterized by mosques, havelis, crowded mohallas, narrow and winding lanes and by-lanes and water channels.

When Delhi was captured by the British in 1803 after defeating the Marathas, British wanted Delhi to forget its past.

(a) When the British recaptured Delhi in September 1857, they ravaged and plundered the whole city.

(b) The modern city of Delhi developed after 1911, when it became the capital of British India.

(c) The area around the Red Fort was completely cleared for security purpose.

(d) The gardens of the royal palace were shut down.

(e) Several places were razed and barracks were built in their place for British troops to stay.

(f) The Zinat-al-Masjid was converted to bakery.

(g) One-third of the monuments in Delhi were demolished and the canals were filled up.

(h) Railway tracks were laid down, and thus, the city expanded beyond the huge walls.