In Which Year, Delhi became the capital of India.
VerifiedAnswer: In the Year 1911
Explanation:
Delhi became the capital of India in 1911 during the British colonial period. This historic decision was announced by King George V during the Delhi Durbar, a grand ceremony held on December 12, 1911, to celebrate his coronation as Emperor of India.
Before 1911, Calcutta (now Kolkata) served as the capital of British India since 1772. However, the British government decided to shift the capital for several strategic and administrative reasons. The main factors included Delhi's central location, which made it more accessible from different parts of the country, and its historical significance as the seat of power for various empires throughout Indian history.
The transfer of capital also had political motivations. The British wanted to move away from Calcutta, which had become a center of growing nationalist movements and anti-British sentiments. Delhi, with its Mughal heritage and symbolic importance, was seen as a better choice to demonstrate British imperial power and legitimacy.
Following the announcement in 1911, the British began planning and constructing New Delhi as the new administrative center. The construction was undertaken by renowned architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker, who designed the grand government buildings, including what is now known as Rashtrapati Bhavan (formerly Viceroy's House) and the Parliament building.
The actual shift of the government offices and operations from Calcutta to Delhi took place gradually over the next decade. By 1931, New Delhi was officially inaugurated as the capital, and the transition was complete. When India gained independence in 1947, Delhi naturally continued to serve as the capital of the newly independent nation.
Today, New Delhi remains the capital of India and houses all major government institutions, including the Parliament, Supreme Court, and the President's residence. The decision made in 1911 has had lasting significance, making Delhi the political and administrative heart of the world's largest democracy.
