Evolution of Delhi

British monarch King George V had announced the shifting of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi on December 12, 1911, during a grand ceremonial Delhi 'Durbar'. Prior to this, Calcutta had served as the capital of British India. Designed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker, the new city was christened ‘New Delhi’ on December 31, 1926. Having taken more than 20 years to build, New Delhi was finally inaugurated by Lord Irwin with its centrepiece in the Raisina Hill Complex. On the day of the inauguration, four columns, each a gift from a different dominion in the British Empire, were unveiled as well.