Shimla’s Ascent: Unveiling the Journey to Becoming the Summer Capital of British India

Shimla, the renowned "Queen of Hills," is a name familiar to many. However, a couple of centuries ago, this charming locale was known only to a handful of locals who inhabited its serene landscapes. It was a place that transitioned from obscurity to becoming the seat of power for one of the greatest empires of the last century. The roots of Shimla's history trace back to the Anglo-Gurkha war era when parts of Shimla and its surroundings were under the dominion of the Gurkha Kingdom. The British, drawn by the allure of the hills, intervened, leading to the Anglo-Gurkha war. The eventual defeat of the Gurkhas resulted in the signing of the "Treaty of Sagauli" in 1815, compelling them to cede a significant portion of their territory to the British.
Historically, the present-day area of Shimla was once part of the Keonthal Kingdom. The first documented mention of Shimla appears in the diaries of Scottish Officers Lt. Patrik and Alexander Gerrad in 1817. Lt. Ross erected the first British residence made of wood in Shimla in 1819, followed by Lt. Kennedy establishing the first pucca house in 1822. The tales about Shimla spread fast and the then Governor General of India Lord Amherst paid a visit in 1827, along with 1700 coolies and stayed here for 2 months. Shimla's strategic location and its refreshing climate, away from the scorching heat of the Northern plains, prompted the British to acquire more land in this picturesque region. The settlement in Shimla flourished, as noted in the Shimla District Gazetteer of 1888-89, which documented its growth from 30 houses in 1830 to 1141 in 1881. The construction boom included the famous Christ Church, initiated in 1844 and designed by Mr. Boileau. The advent of Lord Dalhousie in Shimla, who preferred Chinni (Kinnaur) over Shimla, led to construction of Hindustan-Tibet Road started from Kalka. The first lap of this road up to Shimla was constructed in 1850s.
In 1857, amidst the massive revolts against the British in North India, including Shimla, Gurkha soldiers stationed in the region revolted. The local Rajas of the Hills played a crucial role in saving the British residents of Shimla. Post-1857, India became a part of the British Empire under the British Crown. Following the revolt, the search for a strategic summer capital led to Shimla's selection. In his letter to Secretary of State of Britain, Lord Lawrence elucidated the reasons why he thought Shimla is the best choice for summer capital. According to him, “Of all the hills stations, Shimla seems to be the best for the supreme government. Here you are with one foot, I may say, in the Punjab and another in the North-West provinces. Here you are among a docile population and yet near enough to influence Oudh.” Due to all these reasons, Shimla finally became the Summer Capital of British Raj in 1864 under John Lawrence. This elevation in status triggered significant changes, with the construction of notable buildings, including the Viceregal Lodge, the residence of the Viceroy of India. A railway track was laid from Kalka to Shimla, which was an engineering Marvel of that time. Shimla saw a complete change of Character. It became ‘British’. Indianness was abhorred and Indians were debarred to enter at designated places, including the iconic Mall Road. The transformation of Shimla into the capital of India brought about drastic changes, turning it into a quintessentially British enclave.
With Indian independence came a change in power dynamics. Shimla transitioned to becoming the capital of the Punjab government and later the Himachal government. While the British presence dwindled, and Indians became the predominant residents, Shimla retained a fragment of its old- world British charm, earning it the enduring title of the Queen of Hills. Today, as you explore Shimla, you'll find echoes of its fascinating journey from obscurity to regal prominence.

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