The story of how New Delhi became the capital of British-Indies begins with the British Raj, which refers to the period of British colonial rule in India from 1858 to 1947. During this time, the British administration was headquartered in Calcutta, which was then the capital of British-Indies.
However, there were several reasons why the British government began to consider moving the capital to a different location. One of the main reasons was that Calcutta was situated on the eastern coast of India, which made it vulnerable to attacks from foreign powers. Additionally, the city was congested and overcrowded, with poor living conditions and high rates of disease.
In 1911, King George V and Queen Mary visited India for the Delhi Durbar, a grand ceremony to celebrate their coronation as Emperor and Empress of India. It was during this visit that the idea of building a new capital in Delhi was first proposed.
The plan for New Delhi was created by British architect Edwin Lutyens, who envisioned a grand city with wide, tree-lined avenues, spacious government buildings, and grand monuments. Construction on the new city began in 1912 and continued for over 20 years.
However, the move to New Delhi as the capital of British-Indies did not happen immediately. It wasn't until March 26, 1931, that King George V officially inaugurated the new capital in a grand ceremony known as the Delhi Durbar of 1931.
The move to New Delhi was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it marked a shift in the balance of power in India, with the new capital being located in the north instead of the east. It also reflected a desire to create a new, modern city that embodied British imperial power and prestige.
However, the move was also controversial. Some Indians felt that the construction of New Delhi was a waste of resources and a symbol of British imperialism. Others saw it as a chance to modernize and develop India, and many Indians were employed in the construction of the new capital.
Despite the controversy, New Delhi remained the capital of British-Indies until India gained independence in 1947. Today, it is the capital of India and a vibrant city that reflects both its colonial past and its vibrant, diverse present.
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