Welcome back! We're going to embark on a journey through time, to a day when the heart of India witnessed a monumental change. So, grab your time-traveling goggles, because we're about to explore the intriguing story of 'The City which became the capital of India for 1 Day'
You can this video to learn more about this topic:
The City which Became the Capital of India for 1 Day
In the wake of the 1857 revolt, a seismic power shift took place. The Sepoy Mutiny had set the Indian subcontinent ablaze, and as chaos reigned in cities like Meerut, Agra, and Delhi, the British East India Company made a momentous decision.
1857 Revolt of Sepoy Mutiny
After successfully suppressing the uprising, the British East India Company turned to Allahabad, a city under their rule. On the 1st of November, 1858, Allahabad took center stage as it became the capital of India for just one day. The nation's administration was handed over to the British monarchy.
Right here, in present-day Minto Park, along the picturesque banks of the Yamuna, a pivotal moment in history unfolded. The Manifesto of Queen Victoria and Viceroy Canning was read aloud, signifying the formal power transfer. Queen Victoria's Proclamation of 1858 and the policies of Lord Canning, the then Viceroy of India, were significant in shaping the governance of India following the suppression of the Indian Rebellion of 1857-1858. These policies aimed to establish a more conciliatory and inclusive approach to governance in India after the brutal suppression of the rebellion.
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| Minto Park |
On that remarkable day, the East India Company effectively passed the reins of India to the British monarchy. But Allahabad was more than just a brief capital. It was also the capital of the North-Western Provinces during this period. Allahabad played a crucial role as the base of the British Army, hosting key institutions such as the High Court and Allahabad University. These institutions were instrumental in shaping the region and its administration.
Before this pivotal moment, India's capital was located in Calcutta. However, the British decision to move the capital to Delhi in 1911 would forever change the course of Indian history.