Explanation: The decision to shift India's capital from Calcutta to Delhi was a significant event in the history of British colonial rule in India. This decision was announced by King George V and Queen Mary during their visit to India in 1911, at the Delhi Durbar, a grand ceremonial event held to celebrate the coronation of the British monarch.
The shift of the capital was a strategic move by the British to centralize their administrative control and to reduce the influence of the nationalist movement in Calcutta. Calcutta, being the capital since 1772, had become a center of political and cultural activity, and the British were concerned about the growing nationalist sentiments there. By shifting the capital to Delhi, the British aimed to create a new administrative center that would be more central and less influenced by the nationalist movements.
The actual shift of the capital was completed in 1912, with the inauguration of New Delhi as the new capital. The construction of New Delhi was a massive project that involved the building of numerous government buildings, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan (then known as Viceroy's House), the Secretariat buildings, and the Parliament House. The design of New Delhi was influenced by both Indian and British architectural styles, reflecting the British desire to create a new imperial capital that would symbolize their rule.
Understanding the context of this decision is crucial for comprehending the political and administrative strategies of the British in India. It also highlights the importance of the capital city in the governance and administration of a country, especially during colonial times. The shift from Calcutta to Delhi marked a significant change in the political landscape of India and had long-lasting effects on the country's administrative and political structures.