Explanations:The decision to shift the capital of India from Kolkata to Delhi was a significant event in the history of British colonial rule in India. This decision was made in 1911, during the Delhi Durbar, which was a grand imperial event held to celebrate the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary as Emperor and Empress of India. The decision to move the capital was part of a broader strategy by the British to centralize administrative control and to move the capital away from the revolutionary activities that were prevalent in the eastern part of the country, particularly in Bengal.
The choice of Delhi as the new capital was not arbitrary. Delhi had historical and strategic significance as it was the site of several ancient and medieval capitals of India, including the Mughal Empire. The British saw Delhi as a more central location that could better control the vast and diverse territories of India. The construction of the new capital, New Delhi, began in 1912 and was completed in 1931. The official inauguration of New Delhi as the capital took place on February 13, 1931, but the decision to shift the capital was made in 1911.
It is important to distinguish between the decision to shift the capital and the actual inauguration of the new capital. The decision was made in 1911, but the new capital was not officially inaugurated until 1931. The year 1948, when New Delhi was officially inaugurated as the capital, is a common misconception, but it is not the year when the decision to shift the capital was made.
Understanding the historical context of this decision is crucial for comprehending the broader political and administrative strategies of the British colonial government. The shift of the capital was not just a symbolic move but also a strategic one aimed at consolidating British control over India. This event is a significant part of Indian colonial history and is often tested in various competitive examinations related to Indian history and general knowledge.