Why Was the Capital of India Changed to Delhi?

The decision to make Delhi the capital of India was a significant event in the country's history. This change, officially announced on December 12, 1911, by King George V, marked a new chapter in the governance and development of the nation.

An Important Historical Event

The announcement to make Delhi the capital was made on December 12, 1911, when King George V and Queen Mary visited the Delhi court. King George V declared in front of an audience of 80,000 people: 'We are very pleased to tell the people of India that the British government moves the capital of India from Calcutta to Delhi to better administer the country, on the advice of the Government and its ministers.'

The Naming of Delhi

The interesting story of how Delhi got its name is both intriguing and complex. Historians suggest that the name came from Persian roots, meaning 'daylight lines,' as Delhi was known as 'Dehliyas' for the low-lying areas of the Ganga River. Another folklore suggests that the name 'Delhi' was derived from the name of King Dhillu, who attempted to dig a nail into the foundation of the city to reverse a curse. His palace was destroyed after this incident, and the name 'Delhi' was a combination of 'Dhilli' and 'Bhi,' meaning dead and deathless.

A Backward Capital

Despite being the capital, Delhi was quite backward at the time. Major metropolitan cities such as Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras were leading in every aspect. Even cities like Lucknow and Hyderabad were considered to be better than Delhi. Only three percent of Delhi's population could read English, and it had fewer foreign residents than Meerut. This situation was so poor that no significant businessman wished to invest in Delhi initially, yet the geographical and strategic importance of the region led to its development in the following two decades.

Modernization Efforts

The modernization of Delhi began to take shape from the early 1930s. A new city was planned and designed by British architects Sir Herbert Baker and Sir Edwin Lutyens. This project took two decades to complete, transforming the city into a modern capital. By the early 1930s, Delhi had all the necessary amenities of a capital city, including telephone facilities.

Life in Early 1930s Delhi

Life in early 1930s Delhi was vastly different from what it is today. At that time, all government offices operated on a strict schedule. People had to be mindful of the time while making phone calls. A three-minute phone call cost four annas (25 paise) and required people to cut their conversations to fit within the allotted time. Ordinary people had to be conscious of each minute to ensure they did not exceed the limit.

Conclusion

The decision to make Delhi the capital of India marked a new era in the country's history. From a backward, underdeveloped city, Delhi has evolved into a modern, bustling capital that continues to shape India's future. The legacy of King George V and the vision of British architects have contributed significantly to the city's growth and transformation.