It is almost impossible to separate Delhi from its Art and Culture. Being the centre of the nation has also made Delhi the cultural capital which not only boasts of many museums and art galleries but also plays host to a lot of events involving visual and performing arts.

Interestingly, the styles and forms of craftsmanship took on the personality of many of the rulers, under their patronage. Around the middle of the 17th century, the mughals ascended the throne and under many of their rulers, Delhi flourished as a centre for art and craft.

Akbar was well known for his contribution to the arts and craft. He built an extensive library of books on many subjects, and his capital city at Fatehpursikri still stands as a monumental example of mughal architecture. Miniature paintings under Akbar were more aggressive and action oriented while under his son, Jahangir, they took on peaceful hues and calmer subjects.

In the ancient days, rulers and common men looked upon craft as a means to better their lives. Thus we have stories about how the mughal rulers imported craftsmen from Persia to weave their favorite carpets. Carpet weavers from Iran and Turkistan were also brought down to India and separate workshops and dwelling established for them, under the rule of Akbar. The mughals also brought in the Islamic style and form to many old Indian crafts. Stone craft, carpet weaving and metal craft are among some of the crafts that evolved a unique style under Islamic influence . This helped evolve a unique Indo-Islamic style of architecture, metal craft and carpet weaving.

Architecture is another area where the mughals left their mark. Monuments like the red fort, the Jama Masjid, the Qutub Minor and some of the city's finest gardens stand testimony to the lasting influence of mughal rule over India.

Delhi saw almost seven generations of mughul rule before the advent of the britishers. Britishers too contributed liberally to the architecture, leading to numerous architectural masterpieces. Old Delhi was the capital of mughul India while new Delhi is the creation of the british raj.

Delhi is unique in that it has representative outlets for the handicrafts of each Indian state. This in it self presents a staggering array of goods, and at very affordable prices. In the last decade there has been a dramatic change in Delhi's markets. Upwardly mobile lifestyle has led to greater sophistication in display and upgrading of various markets in terms of availability of items Delhi- the capital of India, reflects the cultural diversity and religious unity of India. It is difficult to define the culture and religion of India. As there is a continuous inflow of people from all parts of India, the cultural diversity is very prominent. Being an ancient city Delhi has the shadows of its past. It is said that the Delhi is losing its charm but still the glory of the past looms large its life-style. Delhi might be changing with time it has always done so but it has never shelved the past. There are discos for youngsters to swing their body through out the night, but still the Quwallies at the Nizamuddin Shrine floats in the air, the silence of the night is broken by the Prabhat ferries and the singing of Gurbani (the verses from the Granth Sahaib), the bells in the temples still tells about God being every where, the Sunday masses in Churches still attract the otherwise busy residents of India. People take a break from the hurried life during the ancient fairs and festivals like 'Phoolwalo-Ki-Sair which are still oraganised in traditional way.

The city fares well on the cultural front. A range of indoor and outdoor venues host performances of classical dance such as Bharatnatyam and Kathakali; one Sunday a month a classical concert is held free of charge in Nehru Park - but you'll have to be there very early to get in. Check any of the listings magazines we've detailed to see what's on at India International Centre, a good place to catch art exhibitions, lectures and films on all aspects of Indian culture and environment. The colossal new India Habitat Centre, the British Council and the art and theatre auditoria around India Gate are all renowned for their innovative shows and high-standard drama in both Hindi and English mediums.

Cinemas

After gloriously hyped releases, Bollywood movies make their way to the capital where there is passionate enthusiasm for burly heroes and red-lipped maidens. If you're interested in enjoying a classic Indian experience, the best cinemas to head for are the Regal, Odeon and Plaza in Connaught Place. All show popular films with the compulsory goodies and baddies, a generous dose of manly courage and shy love, much singing and dancing, and happy endings. An alternative branch of Bollywood has recently emerged, producing films in English that ooze attitude, with sex scenes and lots of designer wear. Suburban cinemas, such as the Priya in Vasant Vihar, the Chanakya in Chanakyapuri and the PVR Anupam in Saket, provide a diet of relatively recent Hollywood films (in English, with Hindi subtitles) with digital surround sound and superb popcorn. In addition, many of the cultural centres we've listed run international film festivals.