(iii). Hill Stations in the Colonial Period
Ans.
The remote sentinels of India, its majestic mountains and verdant hills, have
played a pivotal role in the history of the country. The frontline defence on
the northern border, theses were once a safe haven for people running away from
the persecution of kings with their seats in major capitals and later were
summer retreats for the British, who sought to find cooler climes. So mighty
and vast are these landscapes, that it was not been possible to explore and map
all of them. Following are some of the hill stations in colonial period:
Shimla:
Perched against the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, the misty hill station of Shimla
is suspended in time. Its colonial style buildings and British era lodges exude
an old-world charm, which is perfectly preserved in this snow globe of a hill
station. Shimla was the summer capital of India in year 1864 and thus played
host to many Europeans, who later built lavish bungalows in the city. At that
time, the only way to travel to Shimla was on a precarious bullock cart that
traversed through the tough terrain. To make travel easy and quicker, the
British introduced the famous toy train of Shimla, which was called “British
Jewel of the Orient” in 1903. The maiden journey of the train that wound
through mesmerizing sights and quaint hamlets was taken by the then Viceroy of
India, Lord Curzon. Shimla`s heartbeat- the Ridge and the Mall Road are age old
markets that were as vibrant during colonial times as they are now.
McLeodganj:
An immaculate green expanse encompassed by the mist-covered Himalayas and a
dense cover of oak, deodar, pine and conifers. McLeodganj is a secluded natural
retreat, near Dharmsala. Today, this pristine town is known worldwide as the
home of the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leaders. A number of monasteries,
traditional markets displaying cultural handicrafts and authentic cuisines,
etc. make it a unique stopover.
Mussoorie:
Colloquially called the “Queen of Hill Stations”, it is a tranquil hamlet
nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. It was established by the British in 1823 and
traces of colonial architecture can be found almost everywhere from churches,
lamp posts and summer palaces to libraries and hotels. During colonial period,
it was a charming summer retreat, which became a centre of brewing fine
alcohol. The famous Mckinnon`s brewery that exported fine wine to England in
the 1880`s was set up here.
Gangtok:
Irreverent, charming and pleasantly boisterous, the city of Gangtok is perched
along a steep mountain ridge, descending the hillside in steep tiers. This
urban site, set against the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga is present day Gangtok,
which earned its place on the map when Enchey Monastery was constructed here in
1840, making it a centre of Buddhist teachings. A glimpse of Tibetan history
can be seen from the Namgyal Institude of Tibetograpghs, showcasing everything
from coins to old photographs, from Buddhist scriptures to religious art.
Lansdowne:
Unexplored, well-preserved, breathtaking landscapes and a tranquil valley
covered with blue pine trees, aptly symbolise Lansdowne. It is a rustic town
showcasing a blend of Garhwali and British architecture and history. Situated
at an altitude of 1706m above sea-level Lansdowne is idyllic for a perfect
summer gateway. Earlier, it was called “Kaludanda”, meaning Black Hill.
Garhwali Museum, St Mary church, Army Museum and Old Palace of king of Patiala
are some of the popular heritage sites here.
Ooty: Enveloped in the green blanket of Nilgiris, it is a little town often covered with mist, clouds and eucalyptus fragrance. Its traditional and colonial style buildings are a peeping hole in the rich history of this town. It marked its presence back in 1817 when the collector of Coimbatore, John Sullivan, discovered it. Eventually, it became a popular summer retreat of the British and the capital of Madras Residency in British India.
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