What was India’s capital before Delhi and why was it changed? Learn the full story.
Whenever we talk about the capital of India, Delhi is the first name that comes to mind. Today, Delhi is the country’s political, administrative, and historical capital. But have you ever wondered where the capital of India was before independence or during the British rule? Very few people know that another city was considered the capital of India before Delhi.
Kolkata
During the British rule, that is, during the era of the East India Company, Kolkata (formerly known as ‘Calcutta’) was the capital of India. It remained the capital from 1772, when Warren Hastings became the Governor General of Bengal and made Calcutta the capital of the East India Company, until 1911.
The main reason for making Calcutta the capital was its commercial importance. For the British East India Company, this city had become a crucial center for trade with regions like Bengal,
About: Delhi
Delhi, the capital city of India, boasts a rich history that spans over a thousand years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. It has served as the capital of several empires, including the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire, which have left a lasting legacy in the form of magnificent monuments like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar. Today, Delhi is a vibrant metropolis that blends its historical past with modernity, reflected in its diverse architecture, culture, and bustling markets.
About: Kolkata
Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital city of the Indian state of West Bengal, renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and intellectual prominence. Established as an East India Company trading post in the late 17th century, it was India’s capital under the British Raj from 1773 to 1911. Today, Kolkata is celebrated for its colonial architecture, expansive literary heritage, and significant festivals like Durga Puja, reflecting the city’s deep cultural and artistic roots.
