New Delhi's Architectural Masterminds

The question asks about the architect who collaborated with Edward Lutyens in designing New Delhi and Shahjahanabad. The correct answer is Herbert Baker.

Herbert Baker: Co-architect of New Delhi

Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker were two prominent British architects chosen to plan and design New Delhi as the new capital of British India. Their collaboration resulted in the distinctive architectural style known as "Lutyens' Delhi."

• Edward Lutyens was primarily responsible for the overall city plan of New Delhi, including the central administrative area. He famously designed the Viceroy's House, now known as Rashtrapati Bhavan, which serves as the official residence of the President of India.
• Herbert Baker was another key architect who worked closely with Lutyens. He is credited with designing the Secretariat Buildings (North and South Blocks) that flank the Rashtrapati Bhavan, and also played a significant role in the design of the Parliament House (then known as the Council House), which was a joint effort with Lutyens. The collaboration, though sometimes marked by creative differences, yielded an impressive and grand architectural ensemble for the new capital.

Shahjahanabad: A Historical Perspective

It is important to clarify the mention of "Shahjahanabad" in the question. Shahjahanabad is the seventh city of Delhi, founded by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century (specifically around 1639-1648). This walled city is now known as Old Delhi. Edward Lutyens and Herbert Baker were involved in the design and construction of New Delhi in the early 20th century, not Shahjahanabad. Their architectural work was entirely focused on creating a new, modern capital adjacent to the historic city.

Analyzing Other Options

Let's briefly look at why the other options are not correct in this context:

• George V, Emperor II: King George V was the reigning British monarch who announced the shifting of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911. He was a sovereign, not an architect.
• Lord Irwin: Lord Irwin served as the Viceroy of India from 1926 to 1931. While he oversaw the final stages of New Delhi's construction and its formal inauguration, he was an administrator and not an architect involved in its design.
• Charles Correa: Charles Correa was a renowned Indian architect known for his post-independence modern architectural works. His contributions are significant in India's contemporary architecture, but he was not involved in the design of colonial New Delhi.

New Delhi's Architectural Legacy

The architectural partnership of Edward Lutyens and Herbert Baker left an indelible mark on New Delhi, shaping its iconic buildings and broad avenues. Their work represents a unique blend of Western classical architecture with subtle Indian motifs, creating a distinctive and grand capital city that stands to this day.