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Shimla
History
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Shimla came
into existence in 1819, after the Gurkha War, when a thickly
wooded spot, then known for the temple of goddess `Shyamala'
was discovered by the British. Its climate commanded itself
to British officers on leave and remained a summer village
of tents for about three years. It was only in the year 1822
that Captain Kennedy constructed the first double storey
building here known as the Kennedy House. Lord Amherst, the
first Governor General who visited Shimla, in 1827 stayed at
the Kennedy House. It was during Lord William Bentinck's
time that Shimla was truly acquired by the Government of
India. The old Dak Bungalow of Shimla was demolished to
provide a site for the Bentinck Castle, which is today the
famous Grand Hotel. Soon Shimla became the summer capital of
the British Indian Government. Lord Bentinck's successor
Lord Auckland, chose a residence on the northern eastern
spur of the Shimla range which was known as the Auckland
House. The Auckland House, one of the oldest houses of
Shimla, was a scenario of brilliant balls and theatricals.
The British made Shimla their summer capital in 1864 and it
remained so until 1939. The summer exodus of the officials
from the plains, however, ended after 1947. Shimla continued
to serve as a temporary capital of the east Punjab until the
new city of Chandigarh was completed. It has remained the
capital of Himachal Pradesh ever since 1966. |
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Tel: 91-11-44112200
Fax: 91-11-23721731
E-mail :-
