On December 12, 1911, King George V announced that the capital would be shifted from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to Delhi.
More about King George V’s announcement:
- The decision was taken to help in better administration of the country.
- The announcement was made during the Delhi Durbar, which was also known as the Imperial Darbar.
- Delhi Darbar, a mass assembly organized by the British, was convened three times. -George V attended the Darbar only in 1911 and made the announcement in front of thousands of people.
Why was Delhi selected as the new capital?
- Geography was one of the most important reasons.
- The British government was of the opinion that ruled India from Delhi was not only easier but convenient as well.
- Delhi is located in the northern part of the country while Calcutta lies in the eastern coastal part.
About new capital
It took 20 years to build the new capital. -The plan to design new capital was drafted by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker.
The site picked by them was the southern plains beyond the old walled city of Shahjahanabad. The main aim was to keep the roads huge in contrast to the narrow lanes of the walled city.
In 1931, the then Viceroy of India, Lord Irwin inaugurated the newly formed capital.
