History of Shimla
The History of the Shimla is very Interesting. Shimla was the summer capital of the supreme Govt. of Punjab and of the Army headquarters. It is situated on the lower Himalayas. It is at an elevation of about 7500 feet above sea level. Its latitude is 31 degrees 6’N and 77 degrees 13’E. The territories of nearly thirty minor chiefs surrounded it. It is bounded by Mandi and Kullu in the north, Kinnaur in the east, the state of Uttaranchal in the south, Sirmaur, district in the west. The elevation of the district ranges from 300 to 6000 meters. The topology of the district is rugged and tough. Shimla district derives its name from Shimla town which was once a small village. Shimla district in its present form came into existence from 1st Sept, 1972 on the reorganization of the districts of the state.
History of Shimla goes back to the period of Anglo-Gurkha war in the beginning of 19th century. In 1804 the Gurkhas, who had suffered a severe defeat at the hands of the Sikhs at the battle of Kangra, a hill fortress about sixty miles from Shimla, where according to some accounts they lost thousand of men in the fight and many others from disease, commenced to ravage the states and hills surrounding Shimla. Gurkhas built many forts around Shimla. One of these strongholds, the Jagatgarh fortress, was the origin of the modern Jutogh, the well known military cantonment adjoining Shimla. By 1808 the invaders had conquered all the fortified posts between the Jamuna and Satluj, and from their capital Arki began their ruthless rule over the neighboring hill states, untill at length the people in their wretchedness appealed to the British for help.
A small British force under Major General 'Sir David Ochterlony' was dispatched to liberate the hill men from Gurkhas. Majority of hill chiefs responded to the call and joined the British forces. The rivals were engaged in the toughest battle at 3750 ft high Ramgarh fort at Nalagarh. A decisive battle took place near the fort at Malaon in which superior guns of the British overpowered the enemy. The battle of Malaon on 15th May 1815 ended the dream of the Gurkhas, to rule over this part of the land for any longer. After few days, an official declaration was made according to which all Chieftains who had joined British in expelling the Gurkhas were restored with their land under the British protection.
The maharaja of Patiala who has also rendered invaluable services to the British was rewarded with land in the neighbourhood of the area now comprising Shimla. After the defeat of Gurkhas they were forced to sign the 'Treaty of Sanjauli'. The company retained the strategic forts of Sabathu, Kotgarh, Ramgarh and Sandoch.Once or twice in early days, Shimla was entirely cut off for two or three days from the plains due to excessive rainfall. Shimla being made, as the summer capital of the supreme government did not suit well with the press due to this fact as the functioning of the government was hindered from time to time. From Kalka, until the new cart road, originally called the Hindustan Tibet road was finished in 1856. The Mode of transit used was ‘Jampans’ and ‘Ponies’, and the entire luggage was carried off by coolies or mules. The ‘Japan’ was really a sedan chair fitted with curtains; slung on poles born by bearers who carried the passenger at an even level. Today, Shimla holds interest specifically for visitors from England who visit Shimla to visit the churches and cemeteries for information about their grandparents who served here during the British rule in India.
Shimla Travel Guide
Attractions in ShimlaChurchs in Shimla
Festivals in Shimla
Honeymoon in Shimla
Museums in Shimla
Shimla Tourist Guide
Temples in Shimla
Travel to Shimla
History of Shimla
Jakhoo Temple Shimla
Shimla State Museum
Mall Road Shimla
Himachal Pradesh Travel Guide
Church in Himachal PardeshCulture of Himachal Pradesh
Fair and Festivals in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh Tourist Guide
History of Himachal Pradesh
Honeymoon in Himachal Pradesh
Introduction Himachal Pradesh
Museums in Himachal Pardesh
Temples in Himachal Pradesh
Tourist Attraction in Himachal Pradesh
Travel to Himachal Pradesh
