Capital of India before Delhi:
The capital of India before Delhi was Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta). Kolkata served as the capital during the British Raj and was the center of British administration in India. Below are some key points explaining this:
- Kolkata as the Capital:
- Kolkata became the capital of British India in 1772.
- It remained the capital until 1911 when the capital was shifted to Delhi.
- Reason for the Shift:
- The main reason for shifting the capital from Kolkata to Delhi was strategic and administrative.
- Delhi, being located in the northern part of India, was considered to be more centrally located and provided better access to the rest of the country.
- The British government wanted a capital that was closer to the political and administrative center of India.
- Construction of New Delhi:
- The decision to shift the capital from Kolkata to Delhi led to the construction of New Delhi.
- The construction of New Delhi started in 1911 and was completed in 1931.
- The city was designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, and it became the new seat of government for British India.
- Significance of Kolkata:
- Although Kolkata is no longer the capital of India, it remains an important cultural, educational, and commercial center.
- Kolkata has a rich history and is known for its literary and artistic heritage.
- It was also the birthplace of the Indian independence movement and played a significant role in shaping the country's political landscape.
Overall, Kolkata served as the capital of India before Delhi, but the shift to Delhi was made for strategic and administrative reasons. Kolkata continues to be a prominent city in India, known for its cultural and historical significance.