Delhi became the capital of India in 1911, during the time of British colonial rule. It was chosen to replace Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta) as the administrative center due to its strategic location in northern India.
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Delhi, the capital of India, holds a rich history and significance that dates back centuries. Based on my expertise and knowledge, I can provide you with a detailed answer to the question, including an interesting quote and an additional list of facts.
Delhi became the capital of India in 1911, during the British colonial rule. This decision was made to replace Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta) as the administrative center. The choice of Delhi as the new capital was influenced by its strategic location in northern India. The British recognized the political and geographical importance of Delhi, which made it an ideal choice to establish central control over various regions.
One interesting fact about the decision to make Delhi the capital is that it was based on the vision of British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. He was commissioned to design the new administrative area, which is now known as Lutyens’ Delhi. His architectural brilliance created iconic landmarks such as India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President’s House), and the Parliament House.
To further illustrate the significance of Delhi as the capital, Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian nation, once said, “A people and their capital city share a unique bond, reflecting the aspirations, struggles, and progress of a nation.”
Here are some additional interesting facts about Delhi as the capital of India:
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Historical Significance: Delhi has been the capital of various empires throughout history, including the Mughals, the Delhi Sultanate, and the British Raj.
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Political Hub: Delhi serves as the political center of India, housing the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the government.
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Cultural Diversity: Delhi is a melting pot of diverse cultures, languages, and traditions. It attracts individuals from all over the country, making it a vibrant and cosmopolitan city.
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Educational Hub: Delhi is home to several renowned educational institutions, including prestigious universities, research centers, and schools, which contribute to the overall intellectual growth of the nation.
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Tourism Magnet: Delhi is a major tourist destination, offering visitors a blend of historical monuments, museums, religious sites, and bustling markets. It showcases the rich heritage and cultural diversity of India.
Here is a table showcasing some of the iconic landmarks in Delhi:
| Landmark | Description |
|---|---|
| India Gate | A majestic war memorial honoring Indian soldiers who died in WWI |
| Rashtrapati Bhavan | The official residence of the President of India |
| Qutub Minar | A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its intricate Islamic design |
| Red Fort | A historic fort complex that served as the residence of Mughal emperors |
| Lotus Temple | A Bahá’í House of Worship featuring its distinctive lotus-like shape |
| Humayun’s Tomb | An architectural masterpiece and the final resting place of Humayun |
In conclusion, Delhi became the capital of India in 1911, replacing Kolkata, due to its strategic location and significance. Its historical importance, cultural diversity, and iconic landmarks make it a captivating city. As an expert in this subject, I hope this comprehensive answer provides you with a deeper understanding of Delhi’s role as the capital of India.
A video response to “When did Delhi became the capital?”
The video discusses the historical significance of Delhi as the capital of various empires throughout history. From the Tomar dynasty to the British colonial rule, Delhi has seen the rise and fall of several dynasties and has been referred to as the nursery and symbol of Indian history. The video explores the early settlements in Delhi, the construction of forts and buildings by different rulers, and the shifting of the capital from Aurangabad to Delhi. It also highlights the construction of the city of Shahjahanabad, now known as Old Delhi, and its role as the capital of the Mughal Empire. Despite invasions and destruction, Delhi continues to stand as the capital of India, showcasing its resilience and rich history.
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13 February 1931It was made a district province of the Punjab. In 1911, it was announced that the capital of British-held territories in India was to be transferred from Calcutta to Delhi. This formally transferred on 12 December 1911. The name "New Delhi" was given in 1927, and the new capital was inaugurated on 13 February 1931.
In December 1911 King George V of Britain decreed that the capital of British India would be moved from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to Delhi. Construction began in 1912 at a site about 3 miles (5 km) south of the Delhi city centre, and the new capital was formally dedicated in 1931.
At the Delhi Durbar in 1911, King George V made a historic announcement – the capital of British India would be shifted from #Calcutta to Delhi. In 1931, New Delhi was inaugurated. Ironically, during these 20 years, the fate of the British Empire had changed.
In 1931, New Delhi became the capital of India. Before New Delhi, Kolkata was India’s capital during British Rule. The British have ruled India for nearly 150 years therefore, old India is also called British India.
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Considering this, When did Delhi become capital in India?
Response will be: On 13 February 1931, Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India, inaugurated Delhi as the new capital of the country. Kolkata was the capital of the country until 1911 before the capital of India became New Delhi.
What was the capital before Delhi?
As a response to this: Calcutta
During the British Raj, until 1911, Calcutta was the capital of India. By the latter half of the 19th century, Shimla had become the summer capital. King George V proclaimed the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi at the climax of the 1911 Delhi Durbar on 12 December 1911.
Subsequently, Why did the capital shift from Calcutta to Delhi? Response to this: In the year 1911 Calcutta became the former capital of British India and it was shifted to Delhi. The decision was taken during the reign of Lord Hardinge, the then Viceroy of India. Hardinge’s explanation was that Calcutta was located in the extreme east so the capital should be centralized for betterment.
When was the capital shifted from Calcutta to Delhi? As a response to this: This British shifted the capital of their Raj from Kolkata to Delhi in 1911.
When Delhi was made the capital of India? When Delhi was made as the capital of India ? Calcutta was the capital of British India up to 1911. On 12th December 1911, at the historic Delhi Durbar, George V, the Emperor of the British Empire proclaimed the shifting of the capital of India from Calcutta to Delhi.
In this regard, When was the capital of British India transferred from Calcutta to Delhi?
As a response to this: The capital of British India was transferred from Calcutta to Delhi in the Year _ _ _ _ _ _. Hint: In the Year 1911, Delhi became the Capital of British India and it was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi. The decision was taken during the Reign of Lord Harding, who was the Viceroy of India.
Is Mumbai the capital of India?
As a response to this: No, Bombay or currently Mumbai is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. Why Is New Delhi The Capital Of India? New Delhi is the capital of India because of the city’s symbolic value in India. Is Mumbai Or Delhi The Capital Of India?
Why is New Delhi a modern city in India? In reply to that: It is the seat of all three branches of the Government of India, the Supreme Court of India, and hosts the Rashtrapati Bhavan. New Delhi is one of the cities in India which has a tremendous historical background and now it is one of the modern cities in India.
Subsequently, When did Delhi become the capital of India? In December 1911 King George V of Britain decreed that the capital of British India would be moved from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to Delhi. Construction began in 1912 at a site about 3 miles (5 km) south of the Delhi city centre, and the new capital was formally dedicated in 1931.
When did New Delhi get its name?
As a response to this: The new capital was carved out from undivided Punjab province and was named ‘New Delhi’ in 1927. Initially, everyone was hoping that the new capital would be ready within four years.
Simply so, Is Delhi a city or a state?
Delhi, [a] officially the National Capital Territory ( NCT) of Delhi, is a city and a union territory of India containing New Delhi, the capital of India. Straddling the Yamuna river, primarily its western or right bank, Delhi shares borders with the state of Uttar Pradesh in the east and with the state of Haryana in the remaining directions.
Keeping this in view, Why was Calcutta declared the capital of India?
* One of the reasons for declaring it the capital was that Delhi was the financial and political centre of many empires that had earlier ruled India. * Another main reason for the capital shift was the location of Delhi. Calcutta was situated in the eastern coastal part of the country, while Delhi was located in the northern part.