Random image from our India photo collection

Himachal Pradesh

History

There has been evidence of human beings existing in this region in the pre-historic times. A large number of people who inhabited this region migrated from Central Asia and the Indian plains. The first race to enter this region was the Proto-Australoid, followed by the Mongoloid, and later the Aryans.

The Aryans, who were superior in war tactics, defeated the local tribes and settled here permanently. This period, also saw the establishment of small Janpadas or republics here in Himachal Pradesh. They had a good relationship with the Mauryans, which made sure that they remained independent for a long time. Their independence was lost with the rise of the Guptas in the North Gangetic plains.

After the decline of the Guptas, several small kingdoms came to rule this hilly state and established themselves in different regions. They continuously fought with one another. The history of Himachal Pradesh is full of the stories and legends related to these kingdoms. The British also established many hill stations in this region to protect themselves from the extreme heat and dust of the northern plains in the summer. Shimla became the summer capital of India and even today the many old houses and buildings help tell the story of the English grandeur. After independence Himachal Pradesh gained the status of a union territory but was later declared a state in 1971.

Go back

Please enable Javascript to view this site properly.