The earliest known inhabitants of the region were tribals called Dasas. Later,
Aryans came and they assimilated in the tribes. In the later centuries, the hill
chieftains accepted suzerainty of the Mauryan empire, the Kaushans, the Guptas
and Kanuaj rulers. During the Mughal period, the Rajas of the hill states made
some mutually agreed arrangements which governed their relations. The situation
more or less remained unchanged till 1947. After Independence, 30 princely
states of the area were united and Himachal Pradesh was formed on 15th April,
1948. With the recognition of Punjab on 1st November, 1966, certain areas
belonging to it were also included in Himachal Pradesh. On 25th January, 1971,
Himachal Pradesh was made a full-fledged State. The State is bordered by Jammu &
Kashmir on North, Punjab on West and South-West, Haryana on South, Uttar Pradesh
on South-East and China on the East.
Himachal Pradesh is a tiny hill state whose pleasant summers make it a popular
holiday resort. This mountain state in northern India has what few other states
have a kaleidoscope panorama of wealth; of mighty snowy peaks and enchanting
evergreen glades, bubbling streams and misty forests, lakes, meadows and
cultivated hillscapes. Situated in the trans Himalayan region of Lahaul and
Spiti, it is a land of contrasts. To its north are the barren rocks and raging
torrents of the twin valleys of Lahaul and Spiti. The Raj still lingers in
Shimla, the state capital and former summer capital during British rule.
Kullu-Manali are neighbouring resorts including Manikaran, Naggar and Brighu
Lake; the barely accessible valleys of Lahaul and Spiti are a trekker’s delight,
surrounded by pine covered hills and lush meadows. Himachal has, in addition to
popular resort towns, a series of secluded hill retreats ideal for interested
anglers, trekkers and those wanting a quiet getaway. Many of these include: from
Shimla - Mashobra, Kufri, Naldehra; those around Kullu-Manali
Kulu and Manali are different, bountiful orchard country; the valleys of Kangra
are rich croplands. High points for the visitors include Simla, Kullu, Manali,
Rohtang Pass. The Kullu valley is one of the most beautiful, with lush green
forests and Beas River running through it. From Manali, the trip along the
spectacular mountain road to Leh via Rohtang, Keylong, Pang is breathtaking, and
takes one across the second highest vehicular pass in the world at a height over
5500 m. Dharamsala, famous for settlement of Dalai Lama, lies on the foothills
of Dhauladhar mountain which flanks the valley. Himachal's valleys - Simla;
Chamba; Kangra, Kullu, Kinnaur, Spiti & Lahaul are the trasure hunt, each famous
for its tradition, landscape, culture, temples, people and art.
Charming, tolerant, guileless, and scrupulously honest are the people of
Himachal that make an indelible impression on visitors. The majority of the
population is of aryan stock and are devout Hindus, there is ample
representation of Buddhism, especially in the north, and Islam. The people of
Lahaul-Spiti are of Mongol stock, and display the facial features associated
with the east. |
