Explanations:The history of Delhi as the capital of British India is a significant event in the timeline of the British Raj. The decision to shift the capital from Calcutta to Delhi was made in 1911, during the Delhi Durbar, 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 British had several reasons for this shift. One of the primary reasons was to move the capital away from the growing nationalist movement in Calcutta. The city had become a hub of political activism and was the center of the Indian National Congress, which was increasingly challenging British rule. By moving the capital to Delhi, the British aimed to centralize their administration and reduce the influence of the nationalist movement.
Another reason for the shift was to symbolize the British commitment to India. Delhi, being the historical capital of several empires, including the Mughals, held significant cultural and historical importance. The British wanted to create a new capital that would reflect their power and permanence in India. The construction of New Delhi, the new capital, began in 1912 and was completed in 1931, with the Viceroy's House (now Rashtrapati Bhavan) being the centerpiece of the new city.
The decision to shift the capital was announced in 1911, and the process of moving the administrative functions from Calcutta to Delhi took several years. The actual transfer of the capital took place in 1912, with the Viceroy's Council moving to New Delhi. However, the official inauguration of New Delhi as the capital of British India occurred in 1931, during the visit of Viceroy Lord Irwin.
Understanding the historical context of this event is crucial for comprehending the political and administrative strategies of the British in India. It also highlights the significance of Delhi in the history of India, both as a historical and as a modern capital.