Archive · 12 Dec 2025
Delhi Becomes India's Capital 114 Years Ago
A long time ago, India's capital was in a city called Calcutta.
But in 1911, King George V said that the capital would move to Delhi.
This was a big decision because Delhi was seen as a more central and powerful place.
Two famous architects, Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, designed the new capital.
It took a long time to build, and it was finally ready in 1931.
Today, Delhi is a big city with lots of history and important buildings.
On the same day, there was also a sad event in Italy where a bomb exploded in a bank, hurting many people.
King George V announced the shift of India's capital from Calcutta to Delhi on December 12, 1911.
The decision was made to strengthen British control and escape the political atmosphere of Calcutta.
Delhi was chosen for its central location and royal appeal, designed by architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker.
The new capital was formally inaugurated in 1931, with the India Gate serving as the All-India War Memorial.
On the same day, a bomb exploded at the Banca Nazionale dell’Agricoltura in Milan’s Piazza Fontana, killing 17 people and injuring 88.
- Who
- King George V
- What
- Announcement of shifting India's capital from Calcutta to Delhi
- When
- December 12, 1911
- Where
- Delhi Darbar in Delhi
- Why
- To strengthen British control and escape the political atmosphere of Calcutta
- Date of Announcement
- December 12, 1911
- Announced By
- King George V
- Previous Capital
- Calcutta
- Architects of New Delhi
- Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker
- Inauguration Year
- 1931
- Significance of India Gate
- All-India War Memorial
- Casualties in Piazza Fontana Bombing
- 17 people killed, 88 injured
