The capital of Himachal Pradesh is Shimla. The history of Shimla goes back to the early 19th century when the British East India Company was established. Himachal Pradesh is famous for its serene view, which is nestled in the lap of the Himalayas.
It is well known for its hill stations and rich cultural heritage. Shimla, a charming hill station, has captivated visitors for centuries.
Shimla’s History and Development
The place Shimla became the summer capital of India in the year 1864. Initially, after independence, Shimla was declared the capital of Punjab successively in 1956, and later on, it was named the capital of the newly formed Himachal Pradesh.
However, in 1903 a rail line was constructed to join Kalka and Shimla. Shimla is gifted by nature in many ways.
Shimla is known as the Queen of Hills, which consists of seven hills in the northwest region of the Himalayas. It is surrounded by beautiful valleys and forests of rhododendrons, oak, and pine; it is the capital of Himachal Pradesh, which was once the summer capital of colonial India.
The British influence is evident in the town's colonial architecture, which includes Gothic churches, Victorian mansions, and quaint cottages.
What is a Geographical Location?
It is quite surprising to know that Shimla was once a part of Nepales Kingdom, which is known by the name of Shyamala, another name for the goddess Kali.
It is situated in the northwest of the Himalayas at a height of 2205 mts, within the distance of the Human Resource Development Center.
It is almost 6 kilometres away from the railway station. It is bounded by Mandi and Kullu in the north, Kinnaur in the east, the state of Uttaranchal in the south, and Sirmaur district in the west. The district ranges from 300 to 6000 meters.
How does Shimla serve as an Administration and Political Center?
Shimla, besides being the largest city in Himachal Pradesh, is the administrative and political hub of the state. It houses several state government offices, such as the Vidhan Sabha state assembly, the Secretariat, and the Raj Bhawan, which is the governor’s house.
There are various government departments located in Shimla, including education, health, agriculture, and tourism. They are very important in the formulation and implementation of policies of the concerned state.
Shimla also plays an important administrative role and is an important cultural and educational centre.
The town has several facilities for imparting knowledge and skills in universities, colleges, and schools. This region also has art galleries, theatres, auditoriums, cultural complexes, museums and libraries, which have immense collections reflecting the History and culture of Himachal Pradesh.
Conclusion
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a hill station that has been well-settled with historical and political development. It is a popular destination for tourists. Shimla is perfect for its history and administrative importance. Hence, the town faces certain challenges in Shimla.
According to the census, the population of Shimla is approximately 173877. The demographic composition of this place reflects the diverse multicultural heritage.