Missed opportunity

Civil Lines, which served as a temporary Capital was also considered as a site for New Delhi

Civil Lines, which served as a temporary Capital was also considered as a site for New Delhi. The idea was dropped on the grounds that setting up the new capital here, would antagonise the European population, which would have to be evicted.

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Civil society
For five months of the year , when the government functioned from Delhi instead of Shimla, Civil Lines teemed with civil servants. In fact, initially many people were housed in tented camps erected for the Durbar.

The toniest address
Civil Lines saw major development during the time it served as a temporary Capital from 1912. The Ridge saw major afforestation. It was the city’s toniest address in town till New
Delhi was ready.

The ‘link’ road
The Mutiny Memorial Road and Fair Bazaar in Daryaganj served as an important route between Civil Lines and New Delhi, which was under construction. It benefited Darayaganj a great deal. It was renovated and many new shops, residences and schools came up here after 1916.

‘Maiden’ stay
Edwin Lutyens once stayed at the Maidens Hotel (now Oberoi Maidens) in Civil Lines while he was supervising the
construction of New Delhi.