Explanation: The shift of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911 is a significant event in the history of British India. This decision was made by King George V during his visit to India and was announced at the Delhi Durbar in 1911. The Durbar was a grand ceremony held to celebrate the coronation of the British monarch as the Emperor of India.
The reasons behind this shift were multifaceted. One of the primary reasons was the British desire to centralize their administrative control. Calcutta, being the capital, had become a hub of nationalist activities and a center for the Indian independence movement. The British were concerned about the growing influence of the nationalist movement in Calcutta and sought to move the capital to a more central location that would be easier to control.
Delhi was chosen as the new capital because of its central location in the Indian subcontinent, which made it easier to manage the vast territories of British India. Additionally, Delhi had historical and cultural significance, being the site of several previous empires and dynasties. The construction of the new capital, New Delhi, began in 1912 and was completed in 1931 under the leadership of the British architect Edwin Lutyens.
The shift of the capital had significant implications for the political and administrative landscape of British India. It marked a strategic move by the British to consolidate their power and reduce the influence of nationalist movements. The new capital, New Delhi, became a symbol of British imperial power and a center for governance and administration.
Understanding this historical event is crucial for students of West Bengal General Knowledge, as it provides insight into the political and administrative changes that occurred during the British colonial period. It also highlights the strategic thinking of the British in managing their vast empire in India.