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History of SHIMLA |
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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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