On 13th December in 1911, at the Delhi Durbar, the then Emperor of the British Empire, the George V, announced the shifting of the capital of India from Calcutta to Delhi. After the proclamation of Delhi as the Capital of India, the preparation for the building a new city started with majesty, pomp and show. Thus, New Delhi came to existence, the dream of Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, city planners and architects. Built on the area in and around Raisina Hills, the new city housed among the landmarks, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (Viceroy's House), the North and South Blocks of the Secretariat, and a Council Chamber which now houses India's Parliament, the 42 meters high memorial arch India Gate, Connaught Place and numerous roads, parks and other structures.Why was the capital of India shifted to Delhi from Calcutta?The capital was shifted from Calcutta after keeping several points in consideration. Delhi was the financial as well as political seat of many earlier empires. It is also located closer to the geographic centre of the country. The rising nationalist movement in Calcutta was also responsible for the shift.Delhi_Durbar,_1911.jpgIn the image: The Delhi Durbar in1911, with King George V and Queen Mary seated upon the dais.In the cover image: The Delhi Durbar in 1877. The Viceroy of India seated on the dias to the left.
