Prayagraj (Allahabad) India’s Capital for a Day: You probably know that New Delhi is the capital of India, but history once witnessed another city being declared the nation’s capital for just one day. This event took place in 1858.

India’s capital has changed several times. Before Delhi, the capital was Calcutta, which was shifted to Delhi in 1911. Let’s find out which city was made the capital for just one day.

When Calcutta was India’s capital, the government used to function from Shimla during summers. Because of this, Shimla effectively became the country’s capital during that time.

Did you know there’s a city in India that was declared the capital for just one day?

According to reports, in 1858, Allahabad was made India’s capital for a single day. It is said that on this day, the East India Company handed over the administration of the nation to the British monarchy in the city. This historic event holds special significance in India’s political history.

When Allahabad was made the capital for a day in 1858, it was a major city in northern India. It was also the capital of the North-Western Provinces. The British had a large military base in Allahabad and carried out many administrative activities there.

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Prayagraj

Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, is a historic city in Uttar Pradesh, India, situated at the confluence of the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati. It holds immense religious significance in Hinduism and hosts the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering, every 12 years. The city has been a cultural and political hub for centuries, with landmarks like the Allahabad Fort, built by Emperor Akbar in 1583, and played a key role in India’s independence movement.

Allahabad

Allahabad, now officially known as Prayagraj, is a historic city in Uttar Pradesh, India, situated at the confluence of the sacred rivers Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati. It holds immense religious significance in Hinduism and hosts the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering, every 12 years. Founded in 1583 by Mughal Emperor Akbar, who named it «Illahabad,» the city has been a major cultural, political, and spiritual center for centuries.

New Delhi

New Delhi, the capital of India, was officially inaugurated in 1931 as the new seat of the British colonial government, replacing Kolkata (Calcutta). Designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, it features grand colonial-era buildings, wide boulevards, and landmarks like India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan (the Presidential Residence). Today, it serves as India’s political and cultural hub, blending historical heritage with modern urban life.

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. Known for its cultural richness, Kolkata is home to landmarks like the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and vibrant festivals like Durga Puja.

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 multiple 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.

Shimla

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh in northern India, is a picturesque hill station known for its colonial-era architecture and scenic beauty. Established as the summer capital of British India in 1864, it became a popular retreat with landmarks like the Viceregal Lodge and the Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Shimla is a major tourist destination, offering a blend of history, nature, and vibrant local culture.

East India Company

The East India Company was a British trading company founded in 1600, which grew to dominate trade between Britain, India, and Asia. Initially focused on spices and textiles, it later expanded its influence, effectively ruling large parts of India through military and political control until the British Crown took over after the 1857 Indian Rebellion. Its legacy is marked by colonial exploitation, economic transformation, and lasting cultural impacts on the regions it controlled.

British monarchy

The British monarchy is a constitutional institution with a history spanning over a thousand years, tracing its roots to the early medieval kingdoms of England and Scotland. It evolved into a constitutional monarchy after the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which established Parliament’s supremacy. Today, the monarchy serves as a ceremonial and symbolic head of state, with the reigning monarch, King Charles III, fulfilling diplomatic and cultural roles while the UK is governed by elected officials.