Archive · 14 Jun 2025
1911 Delhi Durbar: A Grand Spectacle of Empire and Change
Imagine a super fancy party thrown by the British rulers in India way back in 1911!
They called it the Delhi Durbar.
The King and Queen of England came, and everyone got to see them.
It was a huge show of power, with lots of decorations and a temporary city built just for the event.
They also announced that the capital city of India would move from Calcutta to Delhi.
The party cost a lot of money, over £900,000, and India had to pay for it.
It was like a big parade where the rulers showed off and made important announcements.
The Delhi Durbar of 1911 was a lavish event to showcase British colonial power.
King George V and Queen Mary were proclaimed Emperor and Empress of India at the Durbar.
Delhi was declared the new capital of India, replacing Calcutta.
The estimated cost of the Durbar was over £900,000, paid for by India.
The event included the construction of a temporary city with amenities and new infrastructure.
- Who
- King George V, Queen Mary, British officials, and Indian dignitaries.
- What
- A lavish event showcasing British colonial power, including the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary, and the announcement of Delhi as the new capital.
- When
- December 12, 1911
- Where
- Delhi, India
- Why
- To showcase British power and announce significant political changes.
British Perspective
Indian Perspective
Cost and Purpose
British Perspective
The Durbar was a demonstration of British power and the new capital would be a positive change.
Indian Perspective
The event was a costly endeavor for India and it represented colonial exploitation.
- Event Name
- Delhi Durbar
- Date
- December 12, 1911
- Location
- Delhi
- Key Figures
- King George V, Queen Mary
- Capital Announcement
- Delhi
- Estimated Cost
- Over £900,000