The first capital of India was Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta) during the British colonial rule. It was later shifted to Delhi in 1911, as it was more centrally located and provided better access to the northern regions of the country.
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The first capital of India was Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, during the British colonial rule. However, it was later shifted to Delhi in 1911. This decision to relocate the capital was made by the British government for several reasons.
One of the main reasons behind the shift was the strategic location of Delhi. With its central position, it provided better access to the northern regions of the country. Moving the capital to Delhi was seen as a way to consolidate British control and administration in the northern parts of India.
Additionally, Delhi was chosen as the new capital due to its historical significance. It had served as the capital for various dynasties throughout Indian history, making it a symbolic choice to reignite the glory of India’s past.
“The historic context of Delhi, its political significance, the historic monuments, and the strength and navigability of Yamuna – all helped in deciding this location,” said Dr. KT Ravindran, an architect and urban design expert.
Interesting facts about the shift of India’s capital to Delhi:
- The decision to move the capital from Kolkata to Delhi was announced during the Delhi Durbar in December 1911, a grand event held to mark the coronation of King George V as Emperor of India.
- The British architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens, was commissioned to design and build the new capital city of Delhi. The construction of the city, known as New Delhi, began in 1912 and took nearly 20 years to complete.
- The shifting of the capital also aimed to create a seat of power that reflected British imperial grandeur and dominance.
- The British government invested significant resources in developing the infrastructure of Delhi, including the construction of government buildings, roads, and public spaces. This transformation played a crucial role in shaping Delhi into the political and administrative hub of modern India.
Table:
| Capital | Duration |
|---|---|
| Kolkata (Calcutta) | British colonial rule |
| Delhi | Since 1911 |
By relocating the capital from Kolkata to Delhi, the British government sought to establish a more strategically located administrative center and revive India’s historical grandeur. The decision not only shaped the course of India’s history but also left a lasting impact on the urban landscape of Delhi.
As Winston Churchill once said, “We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” This quote aptly captures the transformative power that the shift of India’s capital to Delhi had, both in terms of its physical landscape and its impact on the nation’s identity.
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Delhi was chosen as the capital of India due to its historical significance dating back to the Mahabharata and its central location. While Kolkata was initially the capital during British occupation, Delhi was later chosen as a more centralized option. The speaker suggests considering a new capital in central India in the future, but acknowledges that Delhi has been the capital for a long time and there’s nothing particularly special about it other than its historical significance. Despite its dark history, the decision ultimately lies with the political class, and the speaker concludes that Delhi was chosen as the capital simply because it’s a good question.
Further answers can be found here
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.
Calcutta is the first capital of India. In 13 February 1931 Delhi became the capital of India, shifting Calcutta. The capital was shifted from Calcutta as Delhi was the financial and political seat of many earlier empires and was located closer to the geographical center of India.
Calcutta did not become the capital of British India until 1772, when the first governor-general, Warren Hastings, transferred all important offices to the city from Murshidabad, the provincial Mughal capital.
Until December 1911 Calcutta was the capital of India during the British Rule. However, it had become the centre of the nationalist movements since the late nineteenth century, which led to the Partition of Bengal by Viceroy Lord Curzon.
Calcutta is the first capital of india. 12 December 1911Explanation:To assuage the feelings of the nationalists, the British government decided to shift its capital from Calcutta to Delhi in the year 1911. During the Delhi Durbar on 12 December 1911, George V, then Emperor of India, along with Queen Mary, his consort, made the announcement that the capital of the Raj was to be shifted from Calcutta to Delhi, while laying the foundation stone for the viceroy’s residence in the Coronation Park, Kingsway Camp.The capital was shifted from Calcutta as Delhi was the financial and political seat of many earlier empires and was located closer to the geographical center of India.Learn more about calcuttawhich Which was the first capital of India when was shifted and whyhttps://brainly.in/question/15182510Which was the first capital of IndiaWhen was it shifted and why https://brainly.in/question/15346781
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Why did India’s capital shift from Calcutta to Delhi? In reply to that: 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.
Correspondingly, When was India capital shifted from Calcutta to Delhi?
1911
This British shifted the capital of their Raj from Kolkata to Delhi in 1911.
Besides, Why is Delhi the capital of India and not Mumbai? Response will be: * 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.
Keeping this in consideration, Why did Delhi became the capital of India?
The response is: One third of the city was razed to rubble in 1858 and the East India Company transferred the rule to the British Crown. On 12th December, 1911, at the historic Delhi Durbar, the George V, the Emperor of the British Empire proclaimed the shifting of the capital of India from Calcutta to Delhi.
Correspondingly, Why was Delhi a capital of India 86 years ago? Delhi was inaugurated as the capital of India 86 years ago. The British government believed that ruling India from Delhi was easier and more convenient than from Calcutta. Four million British pounds was the cost of shifting the entire administration from Calcutta to Delhi.
Then, Where is the capital of India located?
Answer will be: It is situated in the north-central part of the country on the west bank of the Yamuna River, adjacent to and just south of Delhi city (Old Delhi) and within the Delhi national capital territory. In December 1911 King George V of Britain decreed that the capital of British India would be moved from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to Delhi.
Herein, 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.
Hereof, Why did the capital shift in India? Response will be: One of the main reasons that were mentioned 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.
Similarly one may ask, Which was the first capital of India?
UR ANSWER IS: Calcutta is the first capital of India. In 13 February 1931 Delhi became the capital of India, shifting Calcutta. The capital was shifted from Calcutta as Delhi was the financial and political seat of many earlier empires and was located closer to the geographical center of India.
When did New Delhi become the power capital of India?
As a response to this: NEW DELHI: It was 86 years ago on February 13 that New Delhi became the power capital of undivided India, ending a wait of 20 years. The foundation of the new capital was laid On December 12, 1911 by King George V during New Delhi durbar (a pompous royal ceremony).
Why did King George V change the capital of India? When King George V landed in India with a plan to be coronated the emperor of India at the Delhi Darbar, he stunned the world with an announcement. The capital of India was no more to be Calcutta but Delhi. India‘s capital was to be shifted from Calcutta to Delhi. A foundation stone was laid.
Why did the capital move from Calcutta to Delhi? The response is: On 12 December 1911, King George V proclaimed the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi at the climax of the 1911 Imperial Durbar. In early 1931, the buildings housing the Viceroy, government, and parliament were inaugurated. One of the main reasons that were cited for the capital shift was the location of the capital (Delhi).