HAS Preliminary Previous Year Question 2019

11. Who amongst the4 following form Kullu was the member of an all women Navy crew named ‘Tarini’ for circumnavigating the globe?

a) Lieutenant Payal gupta

b) Lt. Commander Swati P.

c) Lt S. Vijay Devi

d) Lt Commander Pratibha Jamwal

12. Who is author of the book “the Himalayan District of Kooloo, Lahaul and Spiti?

a) J.C. French    

b) Herman Goetz

c) A.F.P. Harcourt

d) E. J. Buck

13. Match the following lists and the correct answer form given codes be selected

List 1                                               List 2

1. 1^st voter of Indian Democracy                        a) Jaiwant Ram

2. 1^st Lieutenant governor of H.P.                      b) K.L. Mehta

3. 1^st Speaker of H.P. Legislative Assembly      c) Shyam Saran

4. 1^st Chief Secretary of H.P.                               d) Himmat singh

 

Codes 1                 2                     3                        4

a)         D               C                      A                        B

b)         C               D                     B                        A

c)         C                D                     A                        B

d)         D               C                      A                        B

 

14. Who was the architect of Gorton Castle at Shimla?

a) Henry Irwin

b) S.S. Jacob

c) H.S. Harington

d) C.H. Wilson

 

15. To meet the sustainable Development goals (SDGs) by 2030 what aim has been set up by the Dept. Of Forests, to enhance the forest cover in the State:

a) 50% of its geographical area

b) 35% of its geographical area

c) 30% of its geographical area

d) 40% of its geographical area

 

16. What is the approximate contribution of tourism sector to the State GDP?

a) 5.5

b) 6.6

c) 4.4

d) 8.5

 

17. Which is the pass at an elevation of 4890 meter where roads form Zanskar, Ladakh, Spiti and Lahaul meet?

a) Baralacha Pass

b) Darati Pass

c) Rohtang Pass

d) Charang pass

 

18. Who according to famous Philologist Greirsson were the earlier known indo-Aryans of the Himalaya tract?

a) Kinners

b) Khasas

c) Kiratas

d) Dasas

 

19. Who built the Bhutnath temple and founded the present mandi town in 19^th century?

a) Raja Ajbar Sen

b) Raja Suraj Sen

c) Raja Ishwari Sen

d) Raja Bhawani Sen

 

20. Which of the following painting have got Geographical indicator (GI) that has given them a unique identity in world market?

a) Kangra Paintings

b) Basholi Paintings

c) Arki Paintings

d) Chamba Paintings

 

 

11	D
12	C
13	C
14	B
15	C
16	B
17	A
18	B
19	A
20	A

 

Geographical features of Himachal Pradesh

Minerals in Himachal Pradesh

Important minerals of Himachal Pradesh are salt, gypsum, limestone, jbaryes, clays, mica, iron pirate and lead, but of these, salt and slate alone are of some significance, Rock salt deposits are located in Mandi district and gypsum in Sirmaur district. Vast deposits of slate are found in Mandi and chamba districts. Limestone is found in abundance in Bilaspur, Sirmaur, Mandi and Solan districts. Sirmaur and Bilaspur deposits of slate are of quickly suitable for cement industry. In a recent survey, uranium deposits have been reported to be found in Kullu valley and Hamirpur district. Traced of antimony, asbestos, bismuth, nickel, copper, glass-sand and china clay have also been found. At Jwalamukhi temples jets of combustible has have attracted people since long.

Famous valleys in Himachal Pradesh

Valley is the important feature of Himachal as Physiography they are the places where human civilization has flourished in this mountainous region. Some of the important valleysfound in Himachal Pradesh are given below

Satluj valley, Sangla valley, bhaga valley,Patton Valley, Malung Valley, Thrung Valley,Nishang Valley, Hangrangh or Leoparjial Valley, Swanb Valley, chauntra Valley, chuhar valley, Pangi Valley, Knihar Valley, Shami valley, sapron Valley, Lingti Valley, Dhami valley, Sapron Valley, Lingti Valley, Kiarda dun Valley, Kullu valley, Kangra Valley, Bara Banghal Valley, Balh Valley, Chamba valley Lahaul and spiti valley, Baspar Valley, Pabbar Valley etc.

Flora in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has a diversified and rich flora because of the existence of a variety of climates and a wide range of altitudes. Here we come across every type of West Himalayan Flora from Himalayan meadows and high level fir and rhododendron down to tropical scrub and bamboo forests of the low foot hills, there are three climatic altitudinal zones of natural vegetation.

Vegetation Zone                                                          Altitude in mts

1.       Tropical and Sub tropical ---300-1525

2.       Temperate-----1525-3650

3.       Alpine------3650-4650     

               

Principle Plants

Alder (Kunch), Alpine Oak (Kharashu), Birch (Bhojpatra), Common ton(Tuna), Dog wood(Kaksh), Edilele pine(Neoza), Evergreen Oak(Bre), fir, Long leaved (Chil or Salla) Hazel (Shuroli), Himalayan Cedar (Deodar), Himalayan Horse chestnut(Kanor), Himalayan Poplar (Challan), Himalayan Spruce(Rai), Lofty Pine (Kail), Oak (Ban), Pencil Cedar(Lewar or Talu) Poplar(Pahari Pipal) Rhododendron (Bras) Silver fur (Pindro or tos) Walnut(Akhrot). Wild cherry (Jamun) wild mulberry (Kemu)

Soil Type in Himachal Pradesh

Soil in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has wide variety of soils found in its valleys and tracts. Soil changes form place to place and with it changes the nature and type and with it changes the nature and type of vegetation it supports.

Soils found in Himachal Pradesh vary form rich deep alluvial soil of the dun type valleys to the thin and bare soils of the cold desert.

The type of soils found n third started are Himalayan

a) Alluvial soils,

b) Red and Black soils.

C) Ferruginous Red soils,

d) Brown soils,

e) Forest soils,

f) Podsolic soils,

g) Himalayan foothill/Terai soils,

h) Mountain and hill soils, and

i) High altitude meadow soils.

Soil formation in Himachal has a marked difference in character which is reflected in the vegetation patterns. Classification of soil in Himachal has been made according to five under mention zones.

Low hill soil zone upto and altitude of 1000 meter above sea level

The areas of this zone comprise Paonta Valley and Nahan thesil of Sirmaur district Kunihar area of Solan district, Balh valley of Mandi district and lower bhattiyat of Chamba district. The soils are not very deep and are embedded with stones. The areas under the zone are suitable for cultivation of wheat , maize , sugarcane , ginger, paddy and citrus fruits.

Mid hill soil zone areas between 1000 meter to 1500 meters above sea level

The soils are loam to clay, aoam in texture with greyish brown colour and well drained earth. Such soil is found in the lower parts of Pachhad and Rainka tehsuls of Surmaur district, Arki and Solan tehsils of Solan district Jogindernagar area of Mandi district, Kangra and Palampur tehsil of Kangra district, the Dalhousie, Chamba tehsil, upper bhattiyat and lower churah of chamba district, these areas are suited for growing table potatoes, wheat maize and stone fruits.

High hill soil zone areas between 1500 meters to 3000 meters above sea level

The soil layers are on steep slopes with good drainage. Soil texture ranges from silty loam to clay loam of dark brown colour. These soils are quite deep. The zone comprises the upper areas of the tehsils of Pachhad and rainka in Sirmaur district, upper Shimla Hills, chichot and Karsog  tehsils of Mandi and district. This soil is good for seed potatoes and temperate fruits.

Mountainous soils zone area between 3000 meters to 3500 meters above sea level

Area of Shimla district and higher altitudes of Sirmaur and Chamba comprise this zone. These soils are not much agricultural use. The soils are shallower in depth than high hill soil and its texture is salty loam to loam of dark brown colour.

Dry hill zone

This comprises Kinnaur district, Pangi sub tehsil of Chamba district and some area of Lahaul Spiti. The monsoon rainfall is almost negligible in the region. The soil is of high texture with variable soil fertility. The area is suited for dry fruit cultivation.

Geographical location of Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is situated in the North of India below Jammu and Kashmir. Sirmaur district falls in the South of Himachal while Kinnaur is in Eastern stretch and Kangra, Una lie in the Western territories of Himachal Pradesh. China and Tibet have their boundaries with Kinnaur and Lahual-Spiti. Kinnaur, Shimla and Sirmaur touch the boundary of Uttaranchal. Solan and Sirmaur have their boundaries with Haryana while Solan. Bilaspur and Kangra districts lie with the boundaries of Punjab. Chamba and Lahaul Spiti touch Jammu and Kashmir. Hamirpur, Mandi and Kullu districts do touch the boundaries of any other state.

The average altitude of Himachal Pradesh is between 300 to 7000 mts   from sea level.

Mountain Ranges

Long stretches of Hills are called mountain ranges . Himachal Pradesh has following mountain ranges falling in its territory

1.       Shivalik Mountain Ranges

2.       Solasinghi Hills

3.       Dhauladhar Mountain Range

4.       Pir Panjal Mountain Range

5.       Great Himalayan Range

6.       Zaskar Mountain Range     

                          

Shivalik Mountain Range the ancient name of this stretch was Mainak Hills. The lowest hills of Himachal falls in this range. The Western territories of Knagra, Una Bilaspur and Solan districts fall in kthis range, Shivalik range separated Kangra, Una, Bilaspur and Solan from Hishiarpur (Punjab), Chandigarh and Haryana, Kalka and Parwanoo are in the lap of this range. The average altitude of this range is 600 to 1100 mts. Form sea level.

Solasinghi Hills:  This small range of hills is located in Una district. It separates the northern edge of Kangra, Hamirpur and Bilaspur from Ina. Govind Sagar falls in this range. The average height of these hills is 300-600 mts. From sea level.

Dhauladhar Mountain Range: Dhauladhar means white coverage. These hills remain covered with white snow throughout the year. The small stretch of this range passes through chamba district. This range separates Chamba district form Kangra district. Dharmashala, Mecleodganj, Palampur and bara bhangal of Kangra district, Banikhet, Dalhousie, Chauri khas and bakloh of Chamba district and Manali of Kullu district are situated in the foot hills of Dhauladhar range.

Pir Panjal Mountain range: The largest part of this range falls in chamba district, it separated Chamba from Lahaul Spiti, Kilar, Dharwas, Sach Pass, Cheni Pass, churah, Tisa, Bharmour, Kugti, Kailash  of Chamba district, Rohtang Pass of Kullu district and Tindi, triloknarth, Tandi, Udaipur, gondla , Sissu and Khoksar of jLahaul-Spiti fall in this range, ravi river flows between Pir Panjal range and dhauladhar Range,Ravi originated from the foot hills (Bara Bhangal) of Pir Panjal range. Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar range join together near rohtang Pass. Chenab River flows beside Pir Panjal range. The average altitude of this range is between 4000 to 5500 mts. From sea level.

The Great Himalayas: Most part of this range is devoid of life or is lifeless. This range passes through the centre of Lahaul Spiti and touches the inner regions of Kinnaur. Zingizingbar, Darcha, Kunzam-la Pass. Kalaksar, Bara Shigri  Glacier, tiling of Lahaul-Spiti and Lang-Thang, change-math, Kangi, rispe, Kinner Kailash of Kinnaur district fall in this range. The elevation of this range is between 5000 to 6000 mts. from sea level. Sutlej River carved this range near rispa in Kinnaur. Miar Nadi, Chandra Nadi, bhaga Nadi and Spiti Nadi of Lahaul-Spiti sprout from this range.

Zaskar Mountain range: This is the highest mountain range in Himachal .it falls in the Eastern stretch of Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts. It separated Lahaul Spiti and Kinnaur from china Tibet. The highest peak of Shilla(7025) falls in this range. Lingti Nadi  bifurcates this range before joining Spiti River. The average height of this range is 7000 mts.

Rivers

There are five chief rivers flowing through himachal Pradesh

They are

1.Sutlej

2.Beas

3.Yamuna

4.Ravi

5.Chenab or chanderbhaga

1. Sutlej : Anciently this river was known as Sutadri, Shatdru or Shatdui. This river originates from Mansarover(Tibet) and enters Kinnaur near Shipki. It flows nearby Pooh, Jangi, rispa, Kalpa, Tappari, Wangtu and Karchham. Sutlej enters Shimla district near Jeori and flows alongh with the boundaries of Shimla and Mandi Districts. Near Dehar it enters Bilaspur district, it leaves Himachal near Nangal and covers the area of Punjab.

Tributaries : Spiti, Baspa, Bhaba (Kinnaur) are the chief tributaries of Sutlej. Ali Khan (Bilaspur) is also thetributary of Satluj.

Town : Pooh, Kalpa, Tappri, Wangru, Rampur, Duttnagar, Dalash, Basantpur, Tattapani and Bilaspur towns are located on the bank of Sutlej.

Dams : Govind Sagar and Bhakra Dam.

Bridges : Kundraur (Bilaspur-Ghurnawwin road), Luhri(Shimla –Kullu- Ani), Wangtu(Kinnair) and Gambhar(Bilaspur-Chandigarh)

2. Beas: This river has been called bipasa or Arzikia anciently. In 326 B.C The army of Alexander failed to cross this river due to heavy flow of water. It starts form Beas Kund. Beas Kund is situated at the foot of Rohtang pass near Larji it enters Mandi District After flowing through jMandi District it touches the boundaries of Hamirpur and Kangra jSistricts. Near Nadaun it enters Kangra District beas leaves Himachal near Mirthal and goes into Punjab.

Tributaries: Parvati, Malan-nala, Pin , Solang, Servery (Kullu), uhal, Luni, bina, Tirthan, Hansa, Rama, Suketi, Panodi, Son Bated, Juni (Mandi), Man, Kunah(Hamirpur) and Joul Khad, Loond Khad, Nakkehar, Tara, Binwa, Neogal, Gaj, Naner, chakki, Ban Ganga etc. Of Kangra.

Dams: Pandoh(Mandi), Pong Dam(Haripur), Garli Chamukha, Ghalore, Bari, Dehra, Haripur, Guler , Mangowal, Dada siba etc. towns and villages of Kangra fall on the banks or near Beas.

3. Yamuna: the ancient name of this river was Kalindi. This river has emotional relations with Lord Krishna. It originates form Yamnotri (Uttranchal) and flowing toward West & South it enters Sirmaur. Aftger flowing with the boundaries  of Sirmaur and Haryana ti enters Haryana near Tajewala.

Tributaries:  Giri, Bata(Sirmari), Rupon, Pabbar (Shimla) and Tons (Uttaranchal)

Bridges: Link bridge between Nahan and Dehradun.

Towns: Hat Koti, chirgaon, Rohru and Khara Pathar town’s villages fall on the bank of Pabbar River. Ponta Sahib falls on the bank of Yamuna.

4.Ravi:  Anciently the river had been known as Iravati Purushani. This river takes shape with the confluence3 of two  rivers Bhadar and Tantfiri near bara Bhangal (Dharam-shala) in the foothills of Dhauladhar Mountain Range. It flows through Chamba and enters Jammu and Kashmir.

Tributaries : Bhdhal, Rundehan , Chhitari, Seul, chamera, Sal, chirchand and Baljedi etc.

Towns : Khajjar, Chhitari, Rakh, Sherpur, Bhanot, Chamba etc. Chamba falls on the right back.

5. Chenab: The vedic name of Chenab (Chanderbhaga) is Asikani. It takes shapes near Keylong (Lahaul & Spiti) after the merger of Chandra and Bhaga rivers. It enters Chamba and finally it goesinto Jammuy& Kashmir.

Towns: Therot, shansa, Sissu, Triloknath, Udaypur, Khoksar, Namu (Lahual & Spiti) Kilar (Chamba)etc.

OREIGIN AND SHAPE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

Himachal Pradesh came into being on 15^th April 1948 in the form of a political unit. Before coming into being Himachal Pradesh was divided into 30 small and big Hilly State. These states were called Shimla Hill State’s Punjab Hill States.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Reorganization act of 1950

In 1950 Mahasu District was reorganized. Darkoti and Khaneeti States were merged into Kotkhai sub- tehsil came into being. Some villages of Kumarsen sub-tehsil and small territories of balson state wer included in Kotkhai sub-tehsil.

Some area of Kotgarh was included in Kumarsen sub-tehsil two villages of Uttar Pradesh were merged with Jubbal teshsil. Seven villages from Nalagarh of jPunjab were annexed to Solan tehsil while Sanjoli,Bharari, Rampur, bakna, Kato, Bhari and Kasumpti villagesof Kasumpti tehsil were transferred to Punjab. Chhabrot area of PEPSU was annexed to Kasumpti tehsil.

Merger of Bilaspur: Bilaspur state was kept out of Himachal Pradesh due to bhakra-Dam . Bilaspur remained part C State of Indian union till 30^th June 1954 Bilaspur state was merged with Himachal Pradesh having two tehsil of bilaspur sadar and ghumarwin. It became the fifth district of Himachal Pradesh.

Origin of Kinnaur District: On 1^st May 1960 Kinnaur district was constituted by merging 14 villages of Rampur tehsil of Mahasu district, into Chini tehsil of Mahasu. Kalpa, Pooh and Nichar were made tehsils of Kinnaur district.

Reorganisation Act of 1966: On 1^st Nov. 1966 Punjab State was reorganized and Punjab and Haryana State came into being. Some territories of Hill States of Punjab, were merged in Himachal Pradesh, and four new districts were made in Himachal Pradesh,

There were 10 districts in Himachal Pradesh on 25^th Jan. 1971 Himachal Pradesh obtained statehood on 25^th January 1971. On 1^st September 1972 Shimla, Mahasu and Kangra districts were reorganized. Two new districts, Hamirpur and Una were made form Kangra district while Solan District came into being after Reorganisation of Mahasu and Shimla district. The name of Mahasu was abolished and was merged with Solan and Shimla districts.  

IMPORTANT HISTORICAL EVENTS HIMACHAL

The ancient Capital of Chamba state was Brahampur (Bharmour).

Verman dynasty ruled Chamba state.

It is said that Maru Verman was the founder of Chamba state in 550.

Aditya Verman, Bala Verman, Dowakar Verman, Ajay Verman ,Suwaran  Verman, Laxmi Verman were the famous rulers of Chamba state during the period of 550-920

In 920 Sahil Verman shifted his capital from Brahampur to Chamba and he laid the foundation of Chamba town.

Chamba has been named after the princess of Chamba Champavati, who was the daughter of Sahil Verman.

Queen Naina Devi who was the wife of Sahil Verman has sacrificed herself to please the gods.

Nathu was the famous Wazir of Raja Jeet sing of chamba

Raja sansar chand of Kangra defeated raja Raj Singh of chamba in 1974 in the war of Nerti near Shahpur.

Mr. Vigne was the first European who visited Chamba in 1839.

Lord Mayo, governor general of India visited Chamba on 13^th Nov. 1871.

Viceory Lord Curzon and Lady Curzon visited Chamba in the first week of September 1900

Bhuri singh ruled chamba from 1904 to 1919 and he founded bhuri singh Museum in 1908.

Katoch dynasty  ruled Kangra.

The ancient name of Kangra was Trigarta.

Bhumi Chander Katoch was the first ruler of Kangra who built Kangra fort.

Susharam Chander Katoch ofj trigarta took part in Mahabharata war on behalf of Kauravas.

Mahamood Ghaznavi plundered Naharkot (Kangra) in 1009.

Nagarkot was the old name of Kangra.

Raja Sansar chand Katoch ruled Kangra from 1775 to 1823.

Hieun tsng of China visited trigarta in 7^th Century.

Sher shah Suri invaded Kangra in 1540.

 Feroze Shah tughlaq invaded Kangra in 1365 and he visited Jawalamukhi temple in 1365. He took a number of religious books form Jwalamukhi along with him.

The old name of Nurpur was Dhameri, Nurpur was named after the queen of Mughal Emperor Jahangir.

Jahangir and Nurjahan visited Kangra in 1622.

Raja Ghamand Chand of  Kangra was appointed the governor of Jallandhar and Doab by Ahmad Shah Durrani.

Raja Hari Chand established Guler State.

Hamir Chand was the founder of Hamirpur State.

Nawab Saif Ali Khan was the last Muslim Foundar of Kangra Fort.

Raja Ghamand Chand had built Sujanpur tira fort.

Nurpur state was founded by Jhetpai.

Sikh general  Jai Singh Kanaihya snatched Kangra Fort from the Mughals in 1783.

Raja Sansar Chand invaded Kangra Fort in 1786.

Dada sibba state was founded by Siberan Chand.

Dattar chand founded Dattarpur state.

Sansar Chand of Kangra handed over Kangra fort to Maharaja- Ranjit Singh in 1809.

Desa Singh Majithai was appointed the first governor or Nazim of Kangra hills by Maharaja Ranjit singh.

Raja Sansar chand had made his Capital at Sujanpur.

Jallandhar was the ancient Capital of Kangra and in 1170 this capital was shifted to Nagar Kot.

Kirgram was the ancient name of Baijnath.

Rabinder Namth tagore had spent a few months at Dalhousie.

Lord Dalhousie founded Dalhousie town in 1852

Lord Elgin the viceroy of india had died on 20^th Nov. 1863 and  was buried at Dharmshala Church. He was the only Lord who died and was buried in India.

Jaswan state was established by Purab chand.

Roop chand of Kangra invaded Delhi in 1360.

A treaty was signed at Jwalamukhi in 1809 between Maharaja Ranjit  Singh and Raja Sansar chand.

Sonitpur was the old name of Sarahan and was the Capital of Banasur.

Anciently, Kinnaur was called Kamru and Pardyuman was the first ruler of Kamru. It was the capital of Bushahar State.

Ancientgly, Jubbal was called deora.

Lord William Hay was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Shimla and the agent for the the Hill States in 1857.

Rana durga Singh of baghat was the Chairman of Solan Conference held on 26,27,28, January 1948.

In 1921

Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi visited Shimla.

Lord Amherst was the first Viceroy to visit Shimla in 1827.

Lord Lawrence visted Shimla in 1864 and Shimla became the Summer Capital of british Empire.

Lord Dalhousie spent three summers at Shimla in the year of 1849, 1850, 1851.

Bushism was introduced in Lahaul-Spiti during 8^th century.

Padmasambhan, a bushiest Missionary visited Lahaul-Spiti form Tibet. He introduced  Budhism in Lahaul-Spiti.

Zorawar Singh who was  a Sikh general, burnt down Buddhist Literature and dismantled Buddhist monasteries in Lahaul-Spiti.

Ras bihari bose, a patriot had spent eight months at Lahaul & Spiti in 1913.

Bir Chand was a chandel Rajput. Rajputs migrated to Himachal form chanderi(bundle Khand). Bir Chand was the founder of Bilaspur.

Anciently Nalagarh was called Hindur.

Guru Gobind Singh visited Bilaspur in 16t82 A. D. during the reign of Raja bhim chand.

Raja Sansar chand was defeated by gorkah forces at Mehal Mori (Hamirpur) in 1805).

Kharak chand ruled Bilaspur form 1824 to 1839 . His period of reign has been counted the darkest chapter in the history of Bilaspur..

The old Capital of Sirmaur was rajban, raja Udit Prakash shifted his capital form Kalsi to Nahan.

Laxmi singh and Vaid surat singh were the leaders of Pajhota Movement launched in Sirmaur in 1942.

Bihangmani Pal was the founder of Kullu state and he made his capital at Naggar.

According to Sir cunningham the ancient name of Kullu was Kuluta. In 1820 Moorcraft visited          Kulu, Chinese traveler Hieun tsang named Kullu as Kiu-lu-ta.

         

Raja Jagar singh made his Capital at Sultanpur in place of Naggar in 1660.

The founder of Mandi State was Ban Sen.

Ajbar Sen founded Mandi town in 1527.

Guru Gobind singh proclaimed this slogan regarding Mandi – Mandi ko jab Lootenge Asmani gole Chhotenge.

Lord Mayo visited Mandi in Oct. 1871.

Raja Shamsher singh of Bushahar strongly opposed the british during the great Mutiny of 1857.

British govt. hanged to death raja Pratap singh of Kullu of taking part in revolt of 1857.

Mian Jawahar Singh was the founder of Gadar Party at Mandi. Hirda Ram who was the active worker of Gadar Party was put to death by the british govt.

Himachal Pradesh Came onto being on 15^th April 1948.

                                                                                                                                                                              

Mahatma Gandhi , Madan Mohan Malviya and Lala Lajpat rai visited Shimla on 11^th May, 1921.

Gandhi-irwin Pact was signed at Shimla on 5^th March 1931.

Subhash Chander bose stayed at Kieness bungalow for five months in 1937.

Himalayan Hill States Regional council was constituted in Jan 1946.

Amrit Kaur led the movement of Quit India 1942 at Shimla.

Bilaspur was the state which was not willing to merge with indian Union in 1947.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Some importance history and tourist place in Shimla

A quaint little hill train chugs up into the Shivalik foothills, over dramatic loops and high arched bridges to the hill resort of Shimla (2130m) - the capital of the mountain state of Himachal.

Shimla was on a string of hill stations that the British established to escape from the scorching, heat of the plains. The 12 km, crescent-shaped ridge on which it is located was first occupied by the British troops, in the early part of the 19^th century, during the Anglo-gurkha War. The little village of Shymala, a retreat for British officers, soon grew to become the glamorous summer capital of the British, in India.

Shimla’s Salubrious climate, easy accessibility and numerous attractions have made it one of the most popular hill stations in northern India. The splendid views of the snow- clad ranges of the Himalayas, fine walks through oak and flowering rhododendron, enchanting resorts within easy reach, golf at Naldehra and sking at Kufri and Narkanda make Shimla an attractive destination throughout the year.

Places of interest in Shimla

The mall: All visitors to Shimla inevitably walk down the Mall, the main promenade that runs along the top of the ridge-a busy shopping area with old colonial buildings, souvenir shops and restaurants, At the top end of the Mall is Scandal Point, a large open square with a view of the town-a favorite rendezbous for visitor and the local people. Overlooking it is the elegant Christ Church with its fine stained glass windows. The labyrinth of shimla’s bazaars spill over the edge of the Mall.

Viceregal Lodge Housed in the gothic splendor of the viceregal Lodge is the Indian institute of Advanced Studies; India’s premier academy for higher research

Himachal State Museum:  Very close to the institute, in a colonial building set in spacious lawns, is the museum, it has collections of Pahari miniatures, stone sculpture, local handicrafts textiles and embroidery.

Jakhoo hill (2438 M) the steep climb to Jakhoo Hill, shimla’s highest point, is rewarding for there are superb views of the town and its surroundings. At the top is an old Hanuman temple(2km)

Annandale(1864 m)  the open grounds at Annandale, below the ridge, was a favourite location in the days of the rji the venue of picnics, cricket and polo matches and gymkhana races,

The glen (1830 m) A pretty picnic spot beyond Annandale is located in the thickly wooden glen, beside a sparkling stream.(4km)

Summer hill (1982 m) the quiet and lovely suburb of Summer Hill has secluded, shady walks and charming views. It was here that Gandhiji stayed on his visits to Shimla, in the elegant Georgian mansion that belonged to Rajumari Amrit Kaur. Summer Hiss is located on the Shimla-Kalka railway line (5km)

Chadwick falls (1586 m) A 15 minute climb form boileauganj. Prospect Hill is another favorite walk and vantage point with breath taking view. There is a little temple to Kanna Devi on the top of the hill (5KM)

Sanjauli (2257 m) A serene location with delightful walks, Sanjauli is ideal for a tranquil weekend. There are fine vistas and the lights of Shimla and Chail can be seen twinkling at night.

On the other side, Mashobra and Naldhra are visible.

Temples: Among the little temples dotted around Shimla is the ancient temple of Bihargaon- a splendid example of traditional Himachal architecture. Just short of Shimla are the temples of Tara Devi and Sankat Mochan. (8km)

Around Shimla

Mashobra (2149)

Noted for its apple orchards and thick woods of oak and pine, Mashobra is a sylvan retreat with pretty walks and picnic spots. A little track leads down to sipur a grassy glade with a stream wandering through it, Eccursions are possible to Shali Peak the highest point in the area or to Craignano (3km) with its elegant guest house set in a delightful flower filled garden. 9.6KM

Kufri(2622):  Kufri is a noted summer and winter resort with its glorious views of forested slops and tall ranges leed in a covering of perpetual snow. A tine ski resort, Kufri has 3 winter season that extends from January to March. A sparkling winter sports festival is held each year in February.

Fagu (2509 m)  Just 6 km form Kufri, Fagu is a vantage point with panoramic views of the ranges and valleys. Picturrpuely located amid forests and orchards, fagu has a rest house and tourist bungalow overlooking the Giri Valley.

Naldehra:  The scenic, nine hole golf course with its springy turf and crown of deodar was laid out at the instance of the Viceroy, Lord Curzon. So enamoured was the by the beauty of the spot, that he named his youngest haughtier Alexandra Naldehra. (23).

Tattapani: Tattapani is just 28 km from Naldehra, along a road winding through the scenic countraside, The hot sulphur springs here, are noted for their invigorating and curative powers.(51)

Narkanda (2708) A hill road with superb views links Narkanda with Shimla. Narkanda, located amidst fragrant pine forests is a ski resort in winter. It has a choice of slopes ranging from a beginners run and a slalom slope, to sharper descents for the experienced skier.(64km )