FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-021

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (February 10, 2026) – This issue of Fun with Maps tells the story of when and how New Delhi was originally celebrated India’s capital city.

INDIA

Celebrations leading to the inauguration of New Delhi as the capital of India began on February 10, 1931.  The official date would be February 13th, but ceremonies began a few days early as the official agencies moved to their new offices.

The choice of New Delhi as the capital was made to relocate the government to a more central location from Calcutta, the previous capital.  In 1911, Calcutta had become a scene for anti-colonial sentiment, and the British felt a move of the capital city would strengthen their influence.

Delhi is still the capital of India today.  New Delhi refers to the small area built during British colonial times and still the location for the current government buildings.  It is the location for all three branches of the government – Rashtrapati Bhavan (the Presidential Palace), Sansad Bhavan (the Parliament Building), and the Supreme Court.

Here is Findlay’s map of India from 1814. 

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.