Explanation: The decision to shift the capital of British India from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911 was a strategic move influenced by several factors, with the primary reason being the revolutionary activities in Calcutta. Calcutta, as the capital, had become a center for nationalist and revolutionary movements, which posed a significant threat to British rule. The Swadeshi Movement, which began in 1905, was a major factor in this context. This movement was a response to the partition of Bengal by the British, which was seen as a divide-and-rule tactic. The movement involved boycotts of British goods, the promotion of Indian goods, and the spread of nationalist sentiments, which made Calcutta a hotbed of revolutionary activities.
The British, recognizing the growing unrest and the potential for further destabilization, decided to shift the capital to Delhi. Delhi, being centrally located, offered strategic advantages in terms of administration and control over the vast Indian subcontinent. Additionally, the British believed that Delhi, with its historical significance as a seat of power for various empires, would symbolize the continuity of imperial authority and help in maintaining control over the region.
While the climate of Delhi was more temperate compared to the humid climate of Calcutta, and its central location was a factor, these were not the primary reasons for the shift. The main concern was the political stability and security of the capital. The revolutionary activities in Calcutta, which included the Swadeshi Movement and other nationalist movements, made it a less secure location for the British administration.
In conclusion, the shift of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi was a strategic decision made by the British to address the growing revolutionary activities in Calcutta and to maintain control over the Indian subcontinent. This decision was influenced by the need for a more secure and politically stable location for the capital, rather than purely climatic or geographical factors.