Explanation: The shift of the capital of India from Kolkata to Delhi in 1911 is a significant event in the history of British India. This decision was made during the reign of King George V and Queen Mary, who visited India for the Coronation Durbar in December 1911. The Coronation Durbar was a grand imperial event held to celebrate the coronation of the King and Queen and to assert British authority in India.
The decision to shift the capital was part of a broader strategy by the British to centralize their administrative control and to move the capital away from the politically volatile region of Bengal. Kolkata, the previous capital, had been a center of political unrest and nationalist movements, which made it less desirable as the seat of British power. Delhi, on the other hand, was centrally located and had historical significance as the seat of several Mughal emperors, making it a symbolically important choice.
The announcement of the capital shift was made during the Coronation Durbar, and the construction of the new capital, New Delhi, began soon after. The planning and construction of New Delhi were overseen by the British architect Edwin Lutyens, who designed the city to reflect the grandeur and power of the British Empire. The new capital was officially inaugurated in 1931, but the decision to shift the capital was made in 1911.
Understanding the historical context of this event is crucial for students of Indian history and those preparing for competitive examinations that cover Delhi's general knowledge. The shift of the capital from Kolkata to Delhi marked a significant change in the administrative and symbolic center of British India, and it remains a pivotal moment in the country's colonial history.