Explanation: The shift of the capital of British India from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911 is a significant event in the history of India. This decision was made by the British colonial government and was announced by King George V during the Delhi Durbar, a grand imperial event held in Delhi in 1911. The Durbar was a ceremonial gathering where the British monarch was proclaimed Emperor of India.
The decision to shift the capital was part of a broader strategy by the British to centralize their control over the Indian subcontinent. Calcutta, the previous capital, was located in the eastern part of India and was prone to revolutionary activities, particularly in Bengal. By moving the capital to Delhi, the British aimed to establish a more central and secure location for their administration.
Delhi, being centrally located, was considered a more strategic choice. The British also wanted to symbolically connect their rule with the historical and cultural significance of Delhi, which had been the capital of several powerful empires in the past. The construction of New Delhi, the new capital city, began in 1912 and was completed in 1931. The new capital was designed by the British architect Edwin Lutyens and was intended to reflect the grandeur and power of the British Empire.
The shift of the capital to Delhi in 1911 marked a significant change in the administrative and political landscape of British India. It was a strategic move that aimed to consolidate British control and to move away from the revolutionary activities in Bengal. This event is an important part of the historical context of Delhi and its significance as the capital of India, both during the colonial period and after independence in 1947.