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.
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.
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.
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