Question

Why did the british choose to hold a grand durbar in delhi although it wasnot the capital

Answer 1

After the 1857 revolt, the British understood the symbolic importance of Delhi for the Indians. Hence, they choose to hold a grand Durbar in Delhi although it was not the capital.

Answer 2

Answer:

• Though Calcutta was the capital of the British, they were aware of the symbolic importance of Delhi.
• It was the city where the Mughals had ruled.
• It was the same city that had become the rebel stronghold in the rebellion of 1857, a rebellion that had momentarily threatened the collapse of the British rule in India.
• It was therefore important to celebrate British power with pomp and show at this very place.
• So, a grand Durbar to acknowledge Queen Victoria as the Empress of India was held in Delhi, in 1877.
• Later, in 1911, a Durbar was held in Delhi to celebrate the crowning of King George V.
• It was at this Durbar that the decision to shift the capital of India from Calcutta to Delhi was announced.

• What these displays did was to show to the people of India the ultimate power and supremacy of the British