Understanding the Shift of British India's Capital

The question asks about the specific year when Delhi was officially declared the capital of British India. This was a significant historical event that marked a change in the administrative center of the British Empire in India, moving it from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to Delhi.

The Historic Announcement and the Delhi Durbar

The declaration of Delhi as the new capital was made during a grand event known as the Delhi Durbar. This particular Durbar was held to commemorate the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary as Emperor and Empress of India.

• A Durbar is a large gathering or assembly, often held to celebrate royal events or make major announcements.
• The Delhi Durbar of 1911 was a lavish ceremony attended by Indian royalty and British officials.
• It was during this event that King George V himself announced the decision to shift the capital.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the given options:

• 1913: While the construction of New Delhi began after the announcement, 1913 was not the year of the announcement itself.
• 1910: This year precedes the significant event of the 1911 Durbar.
• 1911: This is the year the Delhi Durbar was held and the announcement was made by King George V.
• 1907: This year is too early for the event related to King George V's coronation Durbar.

The official announcement declaring Delhi as the capital of British India by Emperor George V took place during the Delhi Durbar held in December 1911. Following this announcement, significant planning and construction for the new capital, New Delhi, began, but the declaration date is firmly in 1911.

Conclusion

Based on historical records, the year the official announcement was made by Emperor George V about shifting the capital of British India to Delhi was 1911.

Revision Table: Key Facts on Delhi as Capital

Additional Information: The Shift to New Delhi

The shift of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi was motivated by several factors, including Delhi's historical significance as an imperial capital and its more central geographic location in northern India. While the announcement was made in 1911, the actual construction of the new administrative city, New Delhi, took several years under the guidance of architects like Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. New Delhi was formally inaugurated as the capital in 1931. The 1911 announcement was the foundational moment for this significant change.