Consider the reasons for the 1911 capital shift to Delhi:
1. Delhi's location was closer to then volatile North-West Frontier Province.
2. A sop to the Muslims, as Delhi was associated with Muslim glory.
3. The British wanted to promote Delhi as a major trade hub instead of Calcutta.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Question

Consider the reasons for the 1911 capital shift to Delhi:
1. Delhi's location was closer to then volatile North-West Frontier Province.
2. A sop to the Muslims, as Delhi was associated with Muslim glory.
3. The British wanted to promote Delhi as a major trade hub instead of Calcutta.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is correct. The 1911 capital shift was influenced by Delhi's proximity to the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), which faced tribal unrest from groups like the Afridis and Wazirs. These tribes posed a challenge to British control, necessitating a centralized administrative base closer to the region for effective governance and defense against Russian incursions.

Statement 2 is correct. The annulment of the Partition of Bengal (1911) angered Muslims who had seen it as a step towards strengthening their political identity. To appease them, the British emphasized Delhi's connection to Mughal heritage. Leaders like Aga Khan and Syed Hussain Bilgrami were cultivated to secure Muslim support, reducing communal backlash and stabilizing British rule.

Statement 3 is not correct. This is incorrect because Calcutta was a thriving trade hub due to its port access, which enabled exports of jute, tea, indigo, and coal. Additionally, its fertile surroundings supported agriculture-based industries, and it served as the entry point for Bengal's raw materials. These factors, combined with established infrastructure and rail connectivity, kept Calcutta economically pivotal despite the administrative shift to Delhi.

Modern Indian History

Shift of Capital to Delhi in 1911

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
Consider the reasons for the 1911 capital shift to Delhi: 1. Delhi's location was closer to then volatile North-West Frontier Province. 2. A sop to the Muslims, as Delhi was associated with Muslim glory. 3. The British wanted to promote Delhi as a major trade hub instead of Calcutta. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3