During the British RaJ until 1911, Calcutta was the capital of India. By the later half of the 19th century Shimla became the summer capital.king George 5 ,the viceroy of that time decided to transfer the capital from Calcutta to Delhi while laying the foundation stone for the Viceroy's residence in coronation park.

The capital of India before Delhi was Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta).

Background:
Kolkata served as the capital of India during the British colonial rule from 1772 to 1911. The British East India Company established Kolkata as the trading post in 1690 and it eventually became the capital of British India.

Reasons for choosing Kolkata as the capital:
- Trading Hub: Kolkata was strategically located on the eastern banks of the Hooghly River, making it an ideal trading hub for the British East India Company. It provided easy access to the Bay of Bengal, which facilitated trade with other parts of India and the world.
- Administrative Convenience: The British administration found Kolkata to be a suitable location for their administrative center due to its proximity to the British trading posts and military bases. It also had a well-developed infrastructure, including the presence of the East India Company's headquarters.

Key Developments in Kolkata:
- Government Buildings: Kolkata witnessed the construction of significant government buildings during its tenure as the capital. The iconic Writers' Building, which served as the administrative headquarters, was constructed in 1777. The General Post Office, High Court, and several other administrative buildings were also built during this period.
- Educational Institutions: Kolkata became an important center of education and culture during its time as the capital. Institutions like the University of Calcutta (established in 1857), Presidency College (1817), and the Indian Museum (1814) were established, contributing to the city's intellectual growth.
- Social Reforms: Kolkata played a crucial role in the social and cultural resurgence of India. It became a center for various reform movements, including the Bengal Renaissance, which promoted social reforms, education, and cultural awareness.

Reason for the shift to Delhi:
The capital was shifted from Kolkata to Delhi in 1911 due to several reasons:
- Geographical Considerations: Delhi was considered a more central location in India, which made it easier for the British administration to govern the vast country.
- Security Concerns: Kolkata was vulnerable to attacks from the sea due to its proximity to the Bay of Bengal. Delhi, being further inland, was seen as a safer location.
- Nationalist Movements: The Indian National Congress and other nationalist movements were gaining momentum in Kolkata. By shifting the capital to Delhi, the British hoped to weaken the nationalist movements by moving away from their stronghold.

In conclusion, Kolkata served as the capital of India before Delhi. Its strategic location, administrative convenience, and significant developments during the British colonial rule made it an important city. However, the shift to Delhi in 1911 was driven by geographical considerations, security concerns, and the desire to counter the growing nationalist movements in Kolkata.