Explanation: The capital of the British Indian Empire was shifted from Kolkata to Delhi in 1911, marking a significant administrative and symbolic change in the governance of India. This decision was made during the Delhi Durbar, a grand imperial ceremony held in December 1911, where King George V and Queen Mary were present. The announcement of the capital shift was a strategic move by the British to centralize their administrative control and to move the capital away from the influence of the nationalist movements that were gaining strength in Bengal.
Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, had been the capital of British India since 1772. It was chosen as the capital due to its strategic location and its importance as a commercial and administrative center. However, by the early 20th century, the nationalist movements in Bengal were becoming increasingly vocal and influential, leading the British to consider a shift in the capital to a more central location.
Delhi, with its historical significance and central location, was chosen as the new capital. The construction of the new capital, New Delhi, began in 1912 and was completed in 1931. The shift of the capital to Delhi was not just a geographical move but also a symbolic one, intended to assert British control and to distance the administration from the nationalist movements in Bengal.
Understanding this historical event is crucial for comprehending the administrative and political landscape of British India. It highlights the strategic considerations of the British in managing their vast colonial empire and the impact of nationalist movements on colonial policies. This event also underscores the importance of Delhi as a central and historically significant city in the context of Indian history and governance.