History And Culture:

The Hindu Devotees fondly call Himachal Pradesh as the ‘Deva Bhoomi’. Since the ancient times various indigenous tribes like the Koilis, Halis, Dagis, Dhaugris, Dasa, Khasas, Kinnars and Kirats, etc populated this region. Himanchal prdaesh showcases a clear Aryan influence on its heritage; it dates back to the ancient period, even before the coming of the Rigveda. In 883 AD the king of Kashmir extended his dominence over northern regions of Himachal Pradesh. Himanchal Pradesh also experienced the invasion by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1009 AD, who during that period pillaged, ransacked and santched away the riches and wealth from the temples in the Northern parts of India. Around the year of 1043 even the Rajputs reigned over Himanchal Pradesh. Widely known for its picturesque and pristine natural landscapes it received the much desrved patronage of the Mughal rulers who constructed several architectural wonders and many works of art as an ode to this pious land.

Till 1773 AD the Rajputs ruled this region, but later the attacks by Maharaja Ranjit Singhji in 1804 ended the Rajput dominance. The Gurkhas who came from Nepal captured this area and devastated it. In the early 19th century after the Gurkha War of 1815-16 the British exercised their influence and annexed the areas of Shimla and nearby places. After independence it became a centrally administered territory in 1948.