In modern Indian history, in which year was it formally announced that the capital of British India would be shifted from Calcutta to Delhi?

Introduction / Context:
The shifting of the capital of British India from Calcutta to Delhi was a major administrative and symbolic event in colonial history. Examinations often test whether candidates can distinguish between the year of announcement and later stages such as the formal inauguration of New Delhi. This question focuses on the year in which the decision to shift the capital was formally announced.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is about the formal announcement to move the capital.
• The move is from Calcutta, now Kolkata, to Delhi.
• Several years from the early twentieth century are given as options.

Concept / Approach:
The key event was the Delhi Durbar of 1911, when King George the Fifth announced that the seat of government would be transferred from Calcutta to Delhi. Construction of the new capital, later called New Delhi, took some years, and it was formally inaugurated in 1931. Therefore it is important not to confuse the announcement date with the completion of the new city.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the historic Delhi Durbar, attended by King George the Fifth, took place in 1911. Step 2: At this Durbar, the British government proclaimed that the capital of India would shift from Calcutta to Delhi. Step 3: Remember that the new city of New Delhi was planned and built over the following two decades. Step 4: Note that New Delhi was formally inaugurated in 1931 but the decision to shift the capital came earlier. Step 5: Therefore, from the options provided, 1911 is the correct year for the announcement.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by remembering two linked facts: 1911 equals announcement and foundation of the new capital at the Delhi Durbar, while 1931 equals official opening of New Delhi as the capital. Once this dual memory is fixed, any question about the announcement clearly points to 1911.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, 1951, belongs to the post independence period. Option C, 1931, marks the formal inauguration of New Delhi but not the original decision. Option D, 1901, and Option E, 1921, are not associated with any major capital shift announcements in Indian history.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to confuse the start of construction with the opening of New Delhi or to forget that the question is asking about the announcement rather than the completion of buildings. Always read whether the question uses words like announced, shifted, or inaugurated, and match them with 1911 and 1931 appropriately.

Final Answer:
The capital shift from Calcutta to Delhi was formally announced in 1911.