New Delhi

New Delhi

Till December 1911, Kolkata was the capital of India under British rule. But it had become the center of nationalist movements from the late nineteenth century, leading to the partition of Bengal by Viceroy Lord Curzon. This led to political assassinations of British officials in Kolkata and a massive political and religious upsurge. Public anti-colonial sentiment led to a total boycott of British goods, forcing the reunification of Bengal and the immediate relocation of the capital to New Delhi. Due to the multi-ethnic and multicultural presence of India's vast bureaucracy and political system, New Delhi is a cosmopolitan city. The importance of national events and holidays has been amplified by the city's status as the nation's capital. New Delhi and the rest of India celebrate national events such as Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti with much excitement. The Prime Minister of India addresses the nation from the Red Fort on India's Independence Day. Many Delhi residents fly kites, a symbol of freedom, to celebrate the day. Republic Day is a large cultural and military display that showcases the cultural diversity and military power of India. There are several historical sites and museums in New Delhi. The National Museum, The India Gate, which was built in 1931, was based on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, is India's national monument in memory of the 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who were killed in action for the British Raj in the First World War and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. The Rajpath is the ceremonial boulevard of the Republic of India, was built in the style of the Champs-Élysées in Paris.