Delhi Darbar

The Delhi Durbar: A Symbol of British Imperialism in India

Introduction

The Delhi Durbar was a lavish imperial-style mass assembly organized by the British in Delhi, India. It was held to mark the accession of a new British monarch to the title Empress or Emperor of India. The Delhi Durbar was a spectacular public event that showcased the power and majesty of the British Empire.

The First Delhi Durbar

The first Delhi Durbar was held in 1877 to mark the assumption of the title Empress of India by Queen Victoria. The event was attended by thousands of Indian princes and dignitaries and was a major display of British power and prestige.

The Second Delhi Durbar

The second Delhi Durbar was held in 1903 to mark the coronation of King Edward VII. The event was even more lavish than the first Durbar and was attended by dignitaries from all over the world.

The Third Delhi Durbar

The third and final Delhi Durbar was held in 1911 to mark the coronation of King George V. The event was the most elaborate of the three Durbars and was attended by over 200,000 people.

The Delhi Durbar and Indian Nationalism

The Delhi Durbar was a controversial event that sparked debate about British rule in India. Many Indian nationalists saw the Durbar as a symbol of British imperialism and oppression. They argued that the event was a waste of money that could have been spent on improving the lives of Indians.

The Legacy of the Delhi Durbar

The Delhi Durbar was a major event in Indian history and its legacy is still debated today. Some historians see the Durbar as a symbol of British power and arrogance, while others see it as a moment of great spectacle and pageantry. The Delhi Durbar is a reminder of the complex and often ambiguous relationship between Britain and India.