Bhalswa Jahangir Pur is a suburban area situated in North Delhi, India. The locality is named after Jahangir, a Mughal emperor, and Bhalswa, a village that existed in the area before the urbanization of the region. The neighborhood has a rich history, which is deeply intertwined with the political environment and geography of the city.
Bhalswa Jahangir Pur has a population of over 400,000 people, who are primarily Hindus, with a significant Muslim population. The area has seen significant demographic changes in the last few decades, with a large influx of people from neighboring states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The majority of the population is engaged in the informal sector, with many working as street vendors, construction workers, and domestic helpers.
The history of Bhalswa Jahangir Pur dates back to the Mughal era when the region was a part of the Delhi Sultanate. The area was primarily rural, with agriculture being the primary occupation of the residents. The region was also known for its mango orchards and cattle markets.
During the British colonial period, Bhalswa Jahangir Pur became a part of the Delhi Province. The British government encouraged the urbanization of the region, and many migrants from neighboring regions began settling in the area. The population of the region grew rapidly, and the area became an important commercial hub. The British also established several schools and hospitals in the region, which contributed to the development of the area.
After India gained independence in 1947, Delhi became the capital of the newly formed country. Bhalswa Jahangir Pur was included in the newly formed state of Delhi, which was initially a part of Punjab. The population of the region continued to grow, and the area became an important center for small-scale industries.
In the 1970s, the government of India launched a program to provide housing for the urban poor. Bhalswa Jahangir Pur was identified as one of the areas where low-cost housing could be built, and the government began constructing housing colonies in the area. These housing colonies were built to accommodate the growing population of the region, and they provided much-needed relief to the residents who were living in slums and informal settlements.
However, the political environment of the city has had a significant impact on the development of Bhalswa Jahangir Pur. The region has been affected by communal tensions and riots, particularly in the aftermath of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which resulted in the displacement of many Sikh families from the area. The region has also been affected by political corruption, with many local politicians accused of siphoning off funds meant for the development of the area.
The geography of the city has also played a significant role in the development of Bhalswa Jahangir Pur. The area is situated on the outskirts of the city, and it has limited access to basic amenities like water, electricity, and public transport. The region is also prone to flooding during the monsoon season, which has resulted in the displacement of many families from the area.
Bhalswa Jahangir Pur is a suburb of Delhi with a rich history that is deeply intertwined with the political environment and geography of the city. The region has a diverse population, and it has seen significant demographic changes in the last few decades. The area has faced several challenges, including communal tensions, political corruption, and limited access to basic amenities. However, the region has also seen significant development, particularly in the form of low-cost housing and the growth of small-scale industries.