The British government officially moved the capital of India from Calcutta to New Delhi, intending to showcase a modern imperial capital that aligned with the grandeur of the British Empire. The decision to shift the capital was announced in 1911 during the Delhi Durbar and was envisioned as a way to symbolize Britain's dominance in India. New Delhi was strategically located at the heart of India, making it more accessible for governance compared to Calcutta, which had become densely populated and tumultuous.

Edwin Lutyens, a prominent British architect, played a pivotal role in designing the infrastructure and layout of New Delhi. The monumental structures, including the Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan, reflected a blend of British and Indian architectural styles, as well as the vision of an imperial capital. The government offices were completed by 1931, and the formal transfer of administrative functions marked the establishment of New Delhi as the new seat of power. This transition also included the establishment of ceremonial avenues, parks, and government buildings that emphasized the authority and legacy of British rule.

The move was not just administrative; it was also emblematic of the changing dynamics of British colonialism in India. While New Delhi embodied imperial ambitions, it was also a response to the rising nationalist sentiments among Indians who were increasingly demanding independence from colonial rule. The transfer highlighted the tensions between colonial authority and the aspirations of Indian society, setting the stage for future political developments in the country as it moved toward independence in the subsequent decades.