Whenever we talk about India’s capital, the first name that comes to mind is Delhi. Today, Delhi is the country’s political, administrative, and historical capital. But have you ever wondered where India’s capital was before independence or during British rule? Very few people know that another city was considered India’s capital before Delhi.

Kolkata
During British rule, specifically under the East India Company, Kolkata (formerly known as ‘Calcutta’) was India’s capital. In 1772, after Warren Hastings became the Governor-General of Bengal and declared Calcutta the capital of the East India Company, the city remained India’s capital until 1911.

The primary reason for making Calcutta the capital was its commercial significance. For the British East India Company, the city had become a crucial hub for trade with regions like Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. The British government found it convenient to administer and advance their interests from here.

Why was the capital changed?
In 1911, British Emperor George V held a durbar in Delhi and announced that India’s capital would be shifted from Calcutta to Delhi. There were several reasons for this:

Geographical location: Delhi is centrally located in India, making it easier to access other parts of the country.

Historical significance: Delhi has a very ancient and rich history. The Mughals and several dynasties ruled from here.

Political strategy: The British government wanted greater control over North India’s political situation, and Delhi was a better choice for this.

Delhi

Delhi, India’s capital, is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage dating back over 2,000 years. It has served as the seat of several empires, including the Mughals and the British, leaving behind iconic landmarks like the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and India Gate. Today, Delhi is a vibrant metropolis blending ancient traditions with modernity.

Kolkata

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital of India’s West Bengal state and a major cultural, commercial, and educational hub. Founded in 1690 by the British East India Company, it served as the capital of British India until 1911 and played a pivotal role in India’s colonial history and independence movement. Today, Kolkata is renowned for its colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, and festivals like Durga Puja, reflecting its rich Bengali heritage.

Calcutta

Calcutta (now Kolkata) is a historic city in eastern India, founded in 1690 by the British East India Company as a trading post. It served as the capital of British India until 1911 and played a key role in India’s colonial history and independence movement. Today, Kolkata is a vibrant cultural hub known for its colonial architecture, literary heritage, and festivals like Durga Puja.

Bengal

Bengal, a historically and culturally rich region in South Asia, is now divided between Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal. It was a major center of trade, art, and learning under ancient kingdoms like the Pala Empire and later the Mughals. Known for its literature, music (Rabindra Sangeet), and the Bengal Renaissance, it played a key role in India’s independence movement and remains influential in regional culture today.

Bihar

Bihar, located in eastern India, is a historically and culturally significant region known as the birthplace of Buddhism and Jainism. It was home to ancient universities like Nalanda, a renowned center of learning in the 5th century, and was the center of powerful empires such as the Maurya and Gupta dynasties. Today, Bihar remains an important pilgrimage site, with landmarks like Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment, and Patna, its vibrant capital with a rich historical legacy.

Odisha

Odisha, located on India’s eastern coast, is a state rich in cultural heritage and history, known for its ancient temples, vibrant arts, and tribal traditions. It is home to the iconic Sun Temple at Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century, and the Jagannath Temple in Puri, a major Hindu pilgrimage site. The region’s history dates back to the Kalinga Empire, with its famous Ashokan-era transformation after the Kalinga War in 261 BCE.