The capital of India was officially transferred from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to Delhi on December 13, 1911. This historic decision was made during the reign of King George V, who announced the change in the imperial capital of British India.

The decision to move the capital from Calcutta to Delhi had several reasons and implications:

1. Geographical Center: Delhi was seen as a more centrally located city within India, making it logistically more convenient for administrative and political purposes. Calcutta was situated on the eastern edge of India, while Delhi is more centrally located in the northern part of the country.

2. Symbolic Importance: Delhi held significant historical and cultural importance as the former seat of several powerful empires, including the Mughal Empire. By moving the capital back to Delhi, the British sought to emphasize the continuity of India's historical legacy.

3. Political Unrest: Calcutta had become a center of anti-British political activism and unrest. By moving the capital, the British hoped to weaken the influence of nationalist movements in Bengal and other regions.

4. Modern Infrastructure: The British government invested heavily in developing modern infrastructure and government buildings in Delhi, including the construction of New Delhi, which would serve as the new administrative and political center. The city was meticulously planned by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and became the capital of British India's new administrative entity, known as the Delhi Province.

The process of transferring the capital was gradual, and it took several years to complete. New Delhi was officially inaugurated as the capital of India on February 13, 1931, and the government began functioning from there. The Viceregal Lodge, now known as Rashtrapati Bhavan (the official residence of the President of India), and other government buildings were completed as part of this transition.

The transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi played a significant role in reshaping India's political and administrative landscape during the colonial era. Today, Delhi remains the capital of the Republic of India and continues to be a center of political, cultural, and historical significance.