New Delhi

On December 12, 1911, during the Delhi Durbar, King George V announced the transfer of the capital of British India from Calcutta to Delhi. This decision marked a significant turning point in Indian history as Delhi regained its status as a major center of political power, which it had held several centuries before during the reign of the Delhi Sultanates and the Mughal Empire. The choice of Delhi over Calcutta was based on its historic significance and geographic centrality, which the British believed would help administer the vast colony more efficiently. Subsequently, New Delhi was constructed as a planned city, designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, and was formally inaugurated as the capital in 1931.

New Delhi, the capital city of India, was officially inaugurated on February 13, 1931. Designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, New Delhi was constructed to serve as the seat of government for British India after the capital was moved from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911. The city was planned to reflect British imperial power and incorporated elements of Victorian architecture with Indian influences. Major landmarks such as India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhavan (formerly the Viceroy's House), and the Secretariat buildings were completed during this period. New Delhi remains the seat of the Government of India and the host of several national institutions.

On August 15, 1947, India gained independence from British rule, and simultaneously, the partition of India and Pakistan occurred. The capital, New Delhi, became the center of political authorities for the newly independent India. This period was marked with tragic communal violence and a massive migration of people as Hindus and Sikhs moved to India while Muslims moved to Pakistan. New Delhi faced a significant influx of refugees, which altered its demography and placed enormous pressure on its infrastructure. The event laid the foundation for New Delhi's role in shaping modern Indian politics and its tradition of hosting significant national ceremonies at places like the Red Fort.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) was established in New Delhi on September 20, 1956. As one of India's premier medical institutions, AIIMS was created to develop a medical workforce with high standards and to enhance healthcare in the country. Since its inception, AIIMS has been at the forefront of medical research and education, providing services and training in nearly all areas of healthcare. The institute plays a vital role in public health policy advisory and continues to be a hub for cutting-edge medical research and sophisticated patient care on the Indian subcontinent. Its establishment symbolized the nation's commitment to improving public health and higher education.

The 1982 Asian Games, officially the IX Asiad, were held in New Delhi from November 19, 1982, to December 4, 1982. This was the first time the Asian Games were hosted in India since the inaugural games in 1951. The event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and marked by a spectacular opening ceremony. The games were significant for introducing colour television in India, and the infrastructure built for the event, including the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, contributed to the development of sports in the country. The 1982 Asian Games are remembered as a landmark event in India's sporting history, showcasing New Delhi's ability to host major international events.

On October 31, 1984, the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, was assassinated in New Delhi by her own Sikh bodyguards in retaliation for Operation Blue Star. The assassination led to a wave of anti-Sikh riots that swept across New Delhi and other parts of India, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Sikhs and causing severe communal tension. Indira Gandhi's death was monumental in Indian history, leading to the rise of her son Rajiv Gandhi as Prime Minister. The events following her assassination exposed significant fractures in Indian society and highlighted issues related to communal violence and political instability in the capital and beyond.

On May 11, 1998, India conducted a series of underground nuclear tests at the Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan, codenamed 'Operation Shakti.' Although the tests were conducted in Pokhran, the decision was politically centered in New Delhi. They marked India's entry into the group of nations possessing nuclear weapons and had significant geopolitical ramifications. As a result, New Delhi faced immediate sanctions from the United States and other countries but also gained strategic leverage in South Asia. These tests were a defining moment in India's defense policy and remain a source of national pride, illustrating India's technological and scientific capabilities. They also sparked a regional arms race, particularly with Pakistan, who conducted its own tests shortly thereafter.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games were held in New Delhi, India, from October 3 to October 14, 2010. This was the first time India hosted the Commonwealth Games, featuring 6,081 athletes from 71 Commonwealth nations and territories. The event was marked by both grandeur and controversy, with elaborate opening and closing ceremonies held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The games significantly boosted infrastructure development in New Delhi, including the construction of new stadiums, roads, and public transport systems. However, the preparations faced criticism for delays, budget overruns, and allegations of corruption. Nonetheless, the games were eventually successful and positioned New Delhi as a capable host of international events.

On December 16, 2012, a heinous gang-rape and assault occurred in New Delhi, sparking nationwide protests and unprecedented public outcry. The 23-year-old victim, Jyoti Singh, was brutally assaulted on a moving bus. Her case brought attention to the issue of women's safety and gender-based violence in India. Following her death from injuries, mass protests ensued across India, particularly in New Delhi, demanding stricter laws against sexual assault and better protection for women. The government responded with amendments to laws, including harsher punishment for offenders, but the incident remains a pivotal point in India’s ongoing fight against gender-based violence and inequality.

In February 2020, violent communal riots erupted in northeastern New Delhi, primarily affecting Muslim-populated neighborhoods. The violence, which began on February 23, left at least 53 people dead and hundreds injured. It was characterized by mobs attacking homes, shops, and places of worship. Triggered by protests against India's Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the riots exposed deep divisions within Indian society and were condemned both domestically and internationally. The Delhi Police were criticized for their alleged inaction or complicity during the violence. These riots highlighted ongoing tensions around citizenship and religious identity in India and raised questions about the city's governance and law enforcement.