Historical Record of the Imperial Visit to India 1911: Compiled from the official records under the orders of the Viceroy and Governor-General of India

Government of India, Historical Record of the Imperial Visit to India 1911: Compiled from the official records under the orders of the Viceroy and Governor-General of India, London: Published for the Government of India by John Murray, 1914

xii + 457 pages including a colour frontispiece and 8 colour plates, 2 photogravures, 158 black and white plates, 151 colour illuminated head and tail pieces, 4 plans including 1 large folding plan of the Coronation Durbar Area, Delhi at the end of the book; fine original contemporary blue cloth with gilt monogram of royal arms on the front cover and gilt text at the spine
11.2 x 9 x 1.9 in (28.5 x 23 x 5 cm)

The Delhi Durbar (literally, "Court of Delhi") was a large-scale, imperial-style mass gathering held in Coronation Park, Delhi, India. It was organised by the British to mark the succession of King George V and Queen Mary as Emperor and Empress of India. Known by another name, the Imperial Durbar, it took place three times during the height of the British Empire: in 1877, 1903, and 1911. The first, an event honouring Queen Victoria as the Empress of India was conducted in 1877. George V, a sovereign, only attended one Durbar, in 1911. All three of the Durbars took place in Delhi, the Mughal capital known for its wealth, despite the fact that Calcutta had been the centre of British activity and authority. The common Persian term durbar is where the term originated.

A royal decree dated 22 March 1911, declared that the Durbar would take place in December to honour King George V and Queen Mary's coronation in Britain a few months prior and to facilitate their proclaimed titles of Emperor and Empress of India. All Indian princely state kings and governors were called to pay respect.

The meticulously compiled record in this book offers an unparalleled insider's view of the 1911 Delhi Durbar, a pivotal display of imperial power during the British Raj. Within these pages, discover detailed itineraries, speeches, formal gatherings of British officials and Indian royalty and the grand ceremonies that marked King George V's coronation as Emperor of India. Witness history unfold through detailed accounts and vibrant illustrations that capture the extravagance of this defining moment in colonial India.

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