Explanations:The decision to shift the capital of British India from Calcutta to Delhi was a significant event in the history of India. This decision was made during the Delhi Durbar of 1911, 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 announcement was made by King George V himself, marking the beginning of a new era in the governance of India.
The reasons behind this decision were multifaceted. One of the primary reasons was the strategic location of Delhi, which was considered more central and easier to defend compared to Calcutta. Additionally, the British wanted to move away from the Bengali influence in Calcutta, which was a center of the Indian independence movement. The decision also aimed to appease the Muslim population by moving the capital away from the predominantly Hindu city of Calcutta.
The construction of New Delhi began soon after the announcement in 1911. The city was designed by the British architect Edwin Lutyens, who was commissioned to create a new imperial capital that would reflect the grandeur and power of the British Empire. The construction took over two decades, and New Delhi was officially inaugurated as the capital of India on February 13, 1931, by Viceroy Lord Irwin.
It is important to note that while the decision to shift the capital was made in 1911, the actual transition and construction took several years. The year 1911 is significant because it marks the official announcement and the beginning of the process that led to Delhi becoming the capital of India.
Understanding the historical context and the reasons behind the decision to shift the capital is crucial for comprehending the political and social dynamics of British India. This event is a key part of the colonial history of India and is often tested in various competitive examinations that focus on Indian history and general knowledge.