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. After announcement of Delhi as the Capital of India, the preparation for the building a new city started with majesty, pomp and show.
Who built New Delhi as the capital of India?
The foundation of the new capital was laid On December 12, 1911 by King George V during New Delhi durbar (a pompous royal ceremony). However, it was 20 years later that King George V, during his visit to India, announced that New Delhi will replace Kolkata (then Calcutta) as national capital.
How many times Delhi became capital of India?
In December 1911 King George V of Britain decreed that the capital of British India would be moved from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to Delhi. Construction began in 1912 at a site about 3 miles (5 km) south of the Delhi city centre, and the new capital was formally dedicated in 1931.
Why was New Delhi made the capital of India?
After the Mughals conquered the Delhi Sultanate, it became one of their main capitals, along with Agra and Lahore. The British originally ruled India from Calcutta, but moved the capital to the newly built district of New Delhi in 1911 because of the city’s symbolic value in India.
What are the 7 cities of Delhi?
Historians speak of the “Seven Cities of Delhi” but, between 1100 A.D. and 1947 A.D., there have actually been eight of them:
- The oldest city near the site of the Qutab Minar.
- Siri.
- Tughlqabad.
- Jahanpanah.
- Firozobad.
- The city around Purana Qila.
- Shahjahanabad.
- New Delhi.
Is Delhi is a state?
Delhi, officially the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT), is a city and a union territory of India containing New Delhi, the capital of India. It is situated alongside River Yamuna and bordered by Haryana state on three sides and by Uttar Pradesh state to the east.
Why is Delhi famous?
Delhi has been the chosen Capital of India for centuries. … Delhi also has shopping markets in some of the historically important places. Chandni Chowk, for instance, leaves visitors awestruck with its numerous hidden gems. Furthermore, Delhi is also famous for its street shops and street food as well.
What is India’s largest city?
India: Major Cities
- New Delhi, India’s capital, is a modern city with a population of more than 7 million people. …
- Bombay (Mumbai), India’s largest city, has a metropolitan area population of more than 15 million. …
- Calcutta (Kolkata) is India’s second largest city.
Why is Delhi called Delhi?
According to legend, the city was named for Raja Dhilu, a king who reigned in the region in the 1st century bce. The names by which the city has been known—including Delhi, Dehli, Dilli, and Dhilli, among others—likely are corruptions of his name.
Is Delhi Same as New Delhi?
Although colloquially Delhi and New Delhi are used interchangeably to refer to the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT), these are two distinct entities, with New Delhi forming a small part of the city of Delhi. … The foundation stone of New Delhi was laid by George V during the Delhi Durbar of 1911.