Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Civic Brief • Cities

New Delhi

New Delhi is the capital city of India and a municipality within the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

New Delhi is the capital city of India and a municipality within the National Capital Territory of Delhi. It serves as the seat of the Government of India and is known for its planned colonial-era architecture and major national landmarks.

What it is

New Delhi is the national capital of India, located in north-central India on the west bank of the Yamuna River. It is a municipality within the larger National Capital Territory of Delhi, administered by the New Delhi Municipal Council. The city was established as the capital in 1931 after construction began in 1912 following the British decision to move the capital from Calcutta (now Kolkata).

Key details

New Delhi is home to major government buildings including the Rashtrapati Bhavan (presidential residence), Parliament House, and the Supreme Court. Notable landmarks include India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, and the Red Fort. The city proper had a population of about 257,000 in the 2011 census, though the wider Delhi metro area is much larger. The city lies immediately south of Old Delhi.

Why it matters

As India’s capital, New Delhi is the centre of national political life and a key diplomatic hub. For Canadian readers, it is directly relevant to Canada–India relations, hosting the Canadian High Commission and serving as a focal point for trade, cultural exchange, and international cooperation.

In short

  • New Delhi is the national capital of India.
  • It is a planned city built after 1911, formally dedicated in 1931.
  • It hosts major national institutions like Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House.
  • Population figures vary; the municipal area is about 257,000.
Canadian angle

New Delhi is relevant to Canadian readers as the capital of India, a major diplomatic, economic, and cultural centre with direct importance for Canada–India relations.

Quick questions

What is New Delhi?
New Delhi is the capital city of India and a municipality within the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Is New Delhi the capital of India?
Yes. New Delhi is India’s national capital and the seat of the central government.
What is the difference between Delhi and New Delhi?
Delhi is the larger union territory and megacity; New Delhi is the smaller capital district/municipality within Delhi that serves as the seat of the Indian government.

Sources

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/New-Delhi
    Supports: Capital status, location, history of the capital move, dedication in 1931, and general overview.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Delhi
    Supports: Government institutions located in New Delhi and municipal/admin structure.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delhi
    Supports: Relationship between Delhi and New Delhi and 2011 census population context.
  4. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/geography-and-cartography/new-delhi-india
    Supports: Capital status, planned city history, landmarks, and metro-area population context.
  5. Kiddle — https://kids.kiddle.co/New_Delhi
    Supports: Seat of the three branches of government and general capital-city description.
  6. Twinkl — https://www.twinkl.co.uk/teaching-wiki/new-delhi
    Supports: Approximate population for New Delhi proper and distinction from Delhi.