Himachal Pradesh: Comprehensive Summary

1. Geographical Overview

• Location: Northern India, bordered by Jammu & Kashmir (NW), Punjab (W), Haryana (SW), Uttarakhand (SE), Tibet (E).
• Terrain: Mountainous (Lower Himalayas, Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal ranges), valleys (Kullu, Kangra), and high-altitude deserts (Spiti, Lahaul).
• Rivers: Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, Yamuna. Major hydropower sources.
• Climate: Subtropical (low-altitude) to Alpine (high-altitude).
• Capital: Shimla (summer), Dharamshala (winter). Key cities: Manali, Kullu, Mandi, Solan.

2. Historical Evolution

• Ancient: Part of Indus Valley Civilization; ruled by Mauryas, Guptas, and local kingdoms (Katoch, Trigarta).
• Colonial Era: Princely states under British suzerainty (19th century).
• Post-Independence:
• 1948: Formed as a Chief Commissioner’s Province.
• 1956: Union Territory.
• 1966: Merged with Punjab Hills (Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti).
• Statehood: January 25, 1971 (18th state of India).

3. Administrative Structure

• Districts: 12 (e.g., Kangra-largest, Lahaul & Spiti-largest area).
• Legislature: Unicameral (68 seats). Lok Sabha: 4 seats; Rajya Sabha: 3.
• Judiciary: High Court in Shimla.

4. Economy

• Agriculture:
• Major Crops: Apples (40% of India’s production), off-season vegetables, stone fruits.
• GDP Contribution: ~9%.
• Hydropower: “Power State of India” with 27,436 MW potential. Key projects: Nathpa Jhakri (1,500 MW), Bhakra Nangal.
• Tourism:
• Destinations: Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala (Tibetan exile government), Spiti Valley.
• Adventure Tourism: Paragliding (Bir-Billing), skiing (Solang Valley).
• UNESCO Sites: Great Himalayan National Park, Kalka-Shimla Railway.

5. Culture & Society

• Demographics:
• Population: ~7.5 million (2021); density: 123/km².
• Tribes: Gaddis, Gujjars, Kinnauris.
• Languages: Hindi (official), Pahari dialects (Kangri, Mandyali).
• Festivals: Kullu Dussehra, Losar (Tibetan New Year), Phulaich (Kinnaur).
• Arts: Nati dance, Kangra miniature paintings, Chamba rumals.

6. Infrastructure & Development

• Transport:
• Roads: NH-5 (Ambala-Shimla), NH-154 (Pathankot-Mandi).
• Railways: Narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla Railway (UNESCO World Heritage).
• Airports: Kangra (Gaggal), Bhuntar (Kullu), Jubbarhatti (Shimla).
• Education: CSK Himachal Pradesh University (Shimla), IIT Mandi, NIT Hamirpur.
• Healthcare: Topped NITI Aayog’s Health Index (2019–20); low IMR and high life expectancy.

7. Environment & Ecology

• Biodiversity:
• National Parks: Great Himalayan, Pin Valley, Simbalbara.
• Wildlife: Snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Western Tragopan.
• Conservation: Ban on plastic (2009), State Animal (Snow Leopard), Tree覆盖率 (~66%).
• Challenges: Glacial retreat, deforestation, landslides.

8. Current Affairs & Schemes

• Recent Initiatives:
• Himachal Pradesh Electric Vehicle Policy (2022): Aiming for 15% EV adoption by 2025.
• Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Yojana: Promoting natural farming (8,000+ farmers enrolled).
• Saur Sinchayee Yojana: Solar-powered irrigation.
• Disaster Management: Vulnerable to earthquakes (Zone IV/V); 2023 monsoon landslides caused significant damage.

9. Key Exam Facts

• First CM: Yashwant Singh Parmar.
• State Symbols:
• Animal: Snow Leopard | Bird: Western Tragopan | Flower: Pink Rhododendron.
• Literacy Rate: 86.6% (2021).

10. Unique Achievements

• Organic State: Targeting 100% organic farming by 2025.
• Tourism Awards: “Best Eco-Tourism Destination” (2019).

Conclusion: Himachal Pradesh is pivotal for its ecological wealth, hydropower contributions, and sustainable development models. Focus on geography, economy, and recent policies for exams.