# When Did Delhi Officially Become the Capital of India?
Hello there! You've asked a very interesting question about when Delhi became the capital of India. It's a significant event in Indian history, and I'm here to give you a clear, detailed, and accurate answer. Let's dive into the history and understand the circumstances surrounding this important transition.
## Correct Answer
**Delhi officially became the capital of India on December 1, 1911, and the official declaration was made on December 12, 1911, by King George V at the Delhi Durbar.**
## Detailed Explanation
The shift of India's capital from Calcutta to Delhi was a momentous decision with profound historical and political implications. To understand why this change occurred, we need to delve into the context of British rule in India and the various factors that influenced this decision.
### Historical Context
* **British India:** Prior to 1911, Calcutta (now Kolkata) served as the capital of British India. Calcutta had been the center of British power since the late 18th century, growing in importance with the rise of the East India Company. However, by the early 20th century, several factors made a shift in capital desirable for the British administration.
* **Political Unrest in Bengal:** The early 1900s witnessed growing nationalist sentiments and political unrest in Bengal. The partition of Bengal in 1905 by Lord Curzon, intended to improve administrative efficiency, instead sparked widespread protests and strengthened the nationalist movement. Calcutta, being the epicenter of this unrest, became a challenging place for the British to govern.
* **Strategic Considerations:** Delhi, with its historical significance and central location, presented itself as a more strategic choice for the capital. Delhi had served as the capital of various empires throughout Indian history, including the Mughals. Its central location made it easier to administer the vast Indian territories.
### The Delhi Durbar of 1911
The decision to move the capital was officially announced during the Delhi Durbar of 1911. This grand event was held to commemorate the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary as the Emperor and Empress of India. The Durbar was an extravagant display of British imperial power and a significant political event.
* **The Announcement:** On December 12, 1911, King George V announced the decision to shift the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. This announcement was met with a mix of reactions, including excitement and apprehension.
* **Reasons for the Announcement:** The reasons behind the announcement were multifaceted:
* **Administrative Efficiency:** A centrally located capital was deemed more efficient for governing the diverse regions of India.
* **Political Symbolism:** Delhi's historical significance as the former capital of Mughal India added symbolic weight to the decision. It was seen as a way to connect with India's rich past.
* **Reducing Unrest:** Moving the capital away from Calcutta was also intended to reduce the intensity of political agitation in Bengal.
### The Construction of New Delhi
Following the announcement, the task of constructing a new capital city began. The renowned British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker were commissioned to design the new city, which came to be known as New Delhi.
* **Lutyens' Delhi:** Lutyens and Baker designed a magnificent city with broad avenues, impressive buildings, and lush gardens. The architectural style was a blend of British and Indian elements, reflecting the imperial ambitions of the British while also incorporating local aesthetics.
* **Key Buildings:** Some of the iconic buildings in New Delhi include the Rashtrapati Bhavan (formerly the Viceroy's House), the Parliament House, and India Gate. These structures are testaments to the grandeur of British architecture and planning.
* **Inauguration of New Delhi:** New Delhi was officially inaugurated as the capital of India in 1931. The shift of administrative offices and personnel from Calcutta to Delhi was a gradual process completed over several years.
### Significance of the Shift
The shift of capital from Calcutta to Delhi marked a significant moment in Indian history with long-lasting implications.
* **Political Impact:** The move consolidated British power in a more centrally located city and reduced the immediate impact of Bengali nationalism on the central administration.
* **Symbolic Importance:** Delhi's historical legacy as a capital city added a layer of prestige and symbolism to British rule in India.
* **Urban Development:** The construction of New Delhi transformed the urban landscape of the city and set the stage for its future growth as a major metropolis.
* **Post-Independence:** After India gained independence in 1947, Delhi continued to serve as the capital, symbolizing the continuity of Indian governance and its historical heritage.
### Key Concepts
* **Delhi Durbar:** A grand assembly held by the British monarchy in India, most notably in 1911, where King George V announced the shift of capital.
* **Lutyens' Delhi:** The area of New Delhi designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, characterized by its grand architecture and urban planning.
* **Partition of Bengal:** The division of Bengal in 1905, which sparked significant political unrest and contributed to the decision to move the capital.
* **British Raj:** The period of British rule in India, from 1757 to 1947.
## Key Takeaways
* Delhi officially became the capital of India on **December 1, 1911**, with the announcement made on **December 12, 1911**, during the Delhi Durbar by King George V.
* The shift was influenced by factors such as **political unrest in Bengal**, **strategic considerations**, and the **historical significance of Delhi**.
* The new capital city, New Delhi, was designed by **Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker** and inaugurated in 1931.
* The move had significant **political and symbolic implications**, consolidating British power and connecting with India's historical legacy.
I hope this detailed explanation has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of when and why Delhi became the capital of India. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
