Shimla

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  1. Bushahr State
  • Area: 3,820 sq miles (nearly 6,200 sq km) including Siare.
  • Ruling Dynasty: Founded by Pradhuman (son of Lord Krishna), or by Danbar Singh (according to C.F. Kennedy).
  • Key Rulers & Time Periods:
    • Pradhuman: Legendary founder.
    • Raja Kehri Singh: Contemporary of ‘Grajayadoke’ (Tibet ruler). Defeated Tibetan Commander Guldenchhen in the 17th century. Signed a treaty establishing Kailash as the boundary with Tibet, ensuring free trade. Sided with Tibet in the 1681-83 Tibetan-Ladakhi-Mughal war.
    • Raja Ram Singh: Ruled 1688-unknown. Captured Garhwal and Handesh (Kinnaur).
    • Raja Mahender Singh: Weak ruler during Gurkha invasion (early 19th century). Army strength ~3,000 (1,000 with matchlocks).
    • Raja Shamsher Singh: Forced to abdicate in 1887. Instigated revolt against cash revenue payment in 1854.
    • Tikka Ragunath Singh: Succeeded Shamsher Singh in 1887.
    • Raja Padam Singh: Ascended the throne in 1914. Raja of Bilaspur performed his Raj Tilak ceremony.
    • Vir Bhadra Singh: Raja of Rampur-Bushahr since 1947. Born 1923.
  • Important Events/Changes:
    • Oldest hill state in Western Himalayas after Kashmir.
    • Frequent enmity with Kullu, later resolved by marriage.
    • Warfare with Garhwal before Gurkha invasion.
    • Gurkha invasion (early 19th century), becoming feudatory.
    • Part of Rampur-Bushahr.
    • British intervention post-Gurkha war, formalizing alliances.
    • Merged with Himachal Pradesh on April 15, 1948.
  • Cultural/Administrative Contributions: Art shows Chinese, Garhwal, and Kangra influences. Free trade with Tibet (tax-free as jagir for traders).
  • Significance: Strategic location on trade route to Tibet (Hindustan-Tibet Road built by British).
  1. Jubbal State
  • Area: 288 sq miles (nearly 480 sq km).
  • Ruling Dynasty: Founded by Karan Chand (from Sirmaur royal family).
  • Key Rulers & Time Periods:
    • Karan Chand: Founder.
    • Dwaji Chand: Brother of Karan Chand.
    • Rana Bhag Chand: Expanded state. Captured by Garhwal, escaped.
    • Narain Chand: Son of Bhag Chand, captured by Sirmaur, died in custody.
    • Roop Chand: Accepted Sirmaur overlordship.
    • Tek Chand: Revolted against Sirmaur.
    • Gohar Chand (Gir Chand): Shifted capital from Purana Jubbal to Deorha (present Jubbal).
    • Rana Padam Chand: Succeeded 1877.
    • Rana Gyan Chand: Died 1910 without children.
    • Rana Bhagat Chand: Succeeded Gyan Chand in 1910. Died 1946.
    • Rana Digvijay Chand: Raja of Jubbal since 1948. Last Chief of the state. Died 1966.
    • Rana Prithivi Raj Singh: Current Rana of Jubbal.
  • Important Events/Changes:
    • Historically known for continuous troubles with neighboring states, especially Sirmaur.
    • Gurkha invasion (1803-1815), became feudatory of Gurkhas.
    • British restored to Rana Karam Chand post-Gurkha war (1815).
    • British intervention in internal disputes, especially regarding succession.
    • Merged with Himachal Pradesh on April 15, 1948.
  • Cultural/Administrative Contributions: Known for grain, tobacco, apple, and opium. Rana’s residence built in a partially Chinese style.
  1. Keonthal State
  • Area: 260 sq km.
  • Ruling Dynasty: Founded by Gir Sen (from Kotkahlur/Bilaspur).
  • Key Rulers & Time Periods:
    • Rana Raghunath Sen: Fled during Gurkha invasion (1809), died later.
    • Sansar Sen: 72nd Raja of Keonthal (1831-1862). Granted hereditary title of ‘Raja’ in 1858 for loyalty during 1857 revolt (sheltered Europeans).
    • Mahendra Sen: Succeeded Sansar Sen.
    • Balbir Sen: Raja from 1882-1901. Died 1901.
    • Vijay Sen: Succeeded Balbir Sen, 1901-1916.
    • Hemendra Sen: Succeeded in 1916.
    • Hitendra Sen: Raja from 1942-1947.
    • Raja Veer Vikram Sen: Present Raja of Keonthal since 1982.
  • Important Events/Changes:
    • Gurkha invasion (1809-1815).
    • British restored the state, with tribute obligations for its feudatories.
    • Pargana of ‘Jawahar’ conferred on Keonthal by British (1816).
    • Acquired land for Shimla station in 1830 in exchange for Panjar villages.
    • Chiefs were ‘Ranas’ until 1857, then ‘Raja’ by British.
    • Merged with Himachal Pradesh on April 15, 1948.
  • Cultural/Administrative Contributions: Connected by marriage with Dhami, Khairgarh (Oudh), and Sirmaur.
  1. Tharoch State
  • Area: 75 sq miles (nearly 124 sq km).
  • Ruling Dynasty: Founded by Kishan Singh (Sisodia Rajput, descendant of Deo Karan of Udaipur) around 15th century.
  • Key Rulers & Time Periods:
    • Kishan Singh: Founder.
    • Thakur Karam Singh: Nominal ruler during Gurkha attack due to old age.
    • Jhobu: Karam Singh’s brother, held executive administration. British bestowed sanad on him in 1819 after Karam Singh’s death.
    • Ran Bahadur Singh: Succeeded 1838. Died 1877.
    • Kedar Singh: Succeeded 1877. Died 1903.
    • Surat Singh: Born 1887. Succeeded 1903. Married twice. Died 1945.
    • Rana Baldev Singh: Succeeded 1945. Born 1926.
  • Important Events/Changes:
    • Formerly part of Sirmaur state, gifted to Kishan Singh.
    • Gurkha attack.
    • British granted sanad in 1819.
    • Merged with Himachal Pradesh, becoming part of Jubbal tehsil of Mahasu district (now Shimla district).
  1. Balsan State
  • Area: 51 square miles (nearly 83 sq km).
  • Ruling Dynasty: Rathore family, offshoot of ancient Sirmaur. Founded by ‘Alak Singh’ before 12th century A.D.
  • Key Rulers & Time Periods:
    • Alak Singh: Founder.
    • Jog Raj Singh: Ruler during Gurkha invasion (1805). Assisted British forces. Granted independent sanad by General Ochterlony with cash payment of Rs. 1080/-.
    • Bhoop Singh: Died 1936.
    • Rana Vidya Bhushan Singh: Rana from 1943-1948. Born 1926. Succeeded on father’s abdication. Died 1979.
  • Important Events/Changes:
    • Acquired by conquest.
    • Feudatory of Sirmaur before 1805, then subordinate to Kumharsain during Gurkha invasion.
    • Declared independent after Gurkha war by British.
    • Merged with Himachal Pradesh on April 15, 1948.
  • Significance: Part of ‘Theog’ tehsil of Shimla district.
  1. Kumharsain State
  • Ruling Dynasty: Founded by Kirat Chand (Singh) in 11th century.
  • Key Rulers & Time Periods:
    • Kirat Chand (Singh): Founder.
    • Ajmer Singh: Brave ruler, occupied Shari and Shangri forts. Defeated Kullu ruler Raja Man Singh.
    • Rana Kehar Singh: Fled to Kullu during Gurkha invasion, returned 1815. State restored by British, but lost claims over Balsan, Bharauli, and Madhan. Died 1839 without male issue.
    • Pritam Singh: Distant collateral, appointed Rana in 1840. Ruled 1840-1858. Helped British during 1857 revolt.
    • Rana Bhawani Singh: Succeeded Pritam Singh, 1858-1874.
    • Hira Singh: Succeeded Bhawani Singh, 1874-1914.
    • Rana Vidyadhar Singh: Succeeded 1914. Ruled 1914-1945. Born 1895. Died 1945.
  • Important Events/Changes:
    • Originally ruled by Koteshwar Devta.
    • Tributary of Bushahr during Gurkha invasion, later independent.
    • British sanad in 1816, requiring 40 begalis or Rs. 1440/- annual payment.
    • Lapsed to government in 1839, but continued due to Kehar Singh’s loyalty during Nepalese war.
    • Reintroduction of ‘Begar’ (forced labor) in 1919.
    • Merged with Himachal Pradesh on April 15, 1948.
  1. Dhami State
  • Ruling Dynasty: Founded by Govind Pal (from Rathore family of Rajputs).
  • Key Rulers & Time Periods:
    • Govind Pal: Founder.
    • Rana Goverdhan Singh: Ruler during Gurkha invasion. Fought British initially, later sided with them. Loyal during 1857 revolt, annual cash payment reduced. Died 1867.
    • Rana Fateh Singh: Succeeded 1870. Died 1910.
    • Rana Dalip Singh: Born 1902. Succeeded 1910. Died 1987. During his tenure, Praja Mandal movement was active.
    • Rana Jagdeep Singh: Current owner of Dhami Jagir.
  • Important Events/Changes:
    • Originally feudatory of Bilaspur.
    • Gurkha control (1805-1815).
    • British restored after Gurkha expulsion.
    • Praj Mandal movement actively protested forced labor and lack of representation.
    • Integrated with Indian Union.
    • Now part of Shimla district’s Kasumpati assembly constituency and a Sub-tehsil.
  • Religious Significance: Sipi Fair held annually in Sihpur in honor of Sip Devta.
  1. Khaneti State
  • Ruling Dynasty: Founded by Kirat Chand, brother of a Keonthal ruler.
  • Key Rulers & Time Periods:
    • Kirat Chand: Founder.
    • Mahendra Chand: Succeeded 1858. Died 1888.
    • Lal Chand: Succeeded 1888. Died 1899.
    • Rana Yashpal Singh: Last ruler. Born 1913. Succeeded 1920. Educated at Aitchison College.
  • Important Events/Changes:
    • Merged with Himachal Pradesh on April 15, 1948.
  1. Delath State
  • Key Rulers & Time Periods:
    • Rana Pratap Singh: Last Rana of Delath.
  • Important Events/Changes:
    • Under Gurkha control from 1810 to 1815.
    • Merged with Himachal Pradesh on April 15, 1948, becoming part of Mahasu district (now Shimla district).
  1. Rawingarh Thakurais
  • Area: ~7 sq miles (nearly 12 sq km).
  • Ruling Dynasty: Founded by Duni Chand, third son of Sirmaur Raja Ugar Chand.
  • Key Rulers & Time Periods:
    • Duni Chand: Founder.
    • Himmat Singh: Ruler during Gurkha invasion.
    • Thakur Kedar Singh: Succeeded Hari Chand in 1904. Born 1876. Ruled 1904-1950.
    • Tikka Fateh Singh: Succeeded Kedar Singh. Born 1906.
  • Important Events/Changes:
    • Feudatory of Jubbal.
    • Originally a fief of Tehri.
    • Eastern portion run by Bushahri forces before Gurkha invasion.
    • Partitioned between British, Raja of Garhwal, and Rana of Rawain after Gurkha expulsion.
    • British portion given to Keonthal in 1830.
    • Thakurs were exempted from the land exchange of 1830.
  1. Ratesh State
  • Area: 12 sq miles (nearly 20 sq km).
  • Ruling Dynasty: Ruling family adopted title ‘Rana’.
  • Key Rulers & Time Periods:
    • Raja Karam Prakash: Founder ruler from Sirmaur.
    • Teet Singh: Died 1801.
    • Ram Singh: Died 1890.
    • Shamsher Singh: Ruled 1925-1948.
  • Important Events/Changes:
    • Fief of Keonthal state.
    • Merged with Himachal Pradesh on April 15, 1948.
  1. Sangari State
  • Area: 40 sq km.
  • Key Rulers & Time Periods:
    • Dikram Singh: Restored by British in 1815. Died 1816.
    • Jeet Singh: Succeeded 1816. Died 1841.
    • Jagar Singh: Uncle of Jeet Singh, superceded by his son Ranbir Singh. Appointed Thakur of Sangari in 1841. Died 1876.
    • Rai Mian Hira Singh: Born 1849. Rai of Sangri from 1876-1927. Adopted by senior Rani of Raja Ajit Singh. Granted hereditary title ‘Rai’ in 1887 by British. Died 1927.
    • Rai Raghuvir Singh: Succeeded 1927. Born 1909.
    • Rai Mian Digvijay Singh: Born 1961. Current Rai.
  • Important Events/Changes:
    • Seized by Gurkhas in 1803, restored to Kullu Raja in 1815.
    • Under Sikh Government of Lahore until 1845-46.
    • Separated from Kullu and incorporated with Shimla Hill States in 1841.
    • Under British Management until 1876.
    • No tribute levied, income ~Rs. 2000/- per annum.
    • Merged with Himachal Pradesh on April 15, 1948.
  1. Koti State
  • Area: Nearly 70 sq km.
  • Ruling Dynasty: Descendants of Kutlehar state of Kangra.
  • Key Rulers & Time Periods:
    • Thakur Tara Chand: Shifted capital from ‘Kati’ to ‘Kayar Koti’ (continued until 1947).
  • Important Events/Changes:
    • Founded simultaneously with Bhajji.
    • Gurkhas attacked and controlled in 1809, collected Rs. 2000/- tribute.
    • Merged with Himachal Pradesh.
  1. Dhadi State
  • Key Rulers & Time Periods:
    • Thakur Hari Singh: Died 1948.
  • Important Events/Changes:
    • Became part of Jubbal tehsil of Mahasu district when Himachal Pradesh was formed.
  1. Sairie State
  • Key Rulers & Time Periods:
    • Puran Singh: Last ruler, died fighting Gurkhas without heir.
  • Important Events/Changes:
    • Historically available through folktales and folklore.
    • Attacked by Gurkhas and brought under their control.
    • Rohru was also under Sairie.
    • Later merged with Bushahr as Nazarana.
    • Now part of Shimla district.
  1. Theog State
  • Key Rulers & Time Periods:
    • Thakur Hari Chand: Removed in 1909.
    • Padam Chand: Succeeded 1909.
    • Shamsher Chand: Grandfather of Padam Chand.
  • Important Events/Changes:
    • Under Gurkha control from 1805 to 1815.
    • Under control of Keonthal state after Gurkha departure.
    • Thakur enjoyed full criminal and civil jurisdiction, but capital sentences required confirmation of Superintendent of Shimla Hill States.
    • Now a tehsil of Shimla district.
  1. Kotkhai Thakurai
  • Ruling Dynasty: Founded by Ahimtal, scion of Kumharsain state.
  • Key Rulers & Time Periods:
    • Ahimal: Founder.
    • Rana Ram Saran Singh: Adopted son, received state from British.
  • Important Events/Changes:
    • Under Sikh possession before Gurkha invasion.
    • Gurkhas attacked.
    • British restored it to Rana Ram Saran Singh after Gurkha expulsion.
    • Disputes between Rana and public led to British intervention.
    • Currently part of Shimla district.
  • Religious Significance: Mahasu Jatara fair held on 3rd Tuesday of Baisakha.
  1. Karangla
  • (No specific details provided beyond being a location.)
  1. Patiala
  • Key Rulers & Time Periods:
    • Maharaja of Patiala: Received Bharauli Pargana in exchange for Kairthu, Bagleg, Cheog, and Ainidari villages.
  • Important Events/Changes:
    • Involved in land exchange with British around Shimla (1830).
  1. Shimla District/City
  • Name Origin: Mentioned in historical texts.
  • Early Inhabitants: Simple-minded, orderly, faithful, and submissive hill people.
  • Gurkha Invasion:
    • General Ochterlony dispatched to liberate hill states from Gurkhas (1808-09).
    • Local people responded and joined British forces.
  • British Development and Summer Capital:
    • 1822: Charles Pratt Kennedy appointed Superintendent of Hill States, responsible for tribute collection and maintaining law and order. Sited houses, bazaars, and roads.
    • 1827: Lord Amherst visited Shimla.
    • 1828: Lord Comberemere (Commander-in-Chief British forces in India) visited. Planned and constructed a three-mile road around Jakhu Hill and a wooden bridge.
    • 1829: Appointment of Political Assistant of Subathu changed to Principal Assistant to Resident of Delhi (Captain Kennedy first occupant).
    • 1830: Government acquired more land. Major Kennedy empowered to deal with Chiefs of Keonthal and Patiala for land acquisition.
    • 1831: Lord William Bentinck visited Shimla.
    • 1838: Lord Auckland visited Shimla.
    • 1846-1848: Lord Dalhousie, Governor General of India, spent three consecutive summers in Shimla.
    • 1849: Charles Napier (Commander-in-Chief) spent summer at Barnes Court (Shimla).
    • 1850: Municipal Committee established (oldest in Punjab).
    • 1864: Shimla officially became the summer capital of the Raj under Lord John Lawrence (Viceroy).
    • 1871: A.M. Jacob (art dealer, jeweller, collector) opened a fascinating shop.
    • 1876: Lord and Lady Lytton (Viceroy and Vicereine) visited.
    • 1879: Barnes Court purchased for Lt. Governor of Punjab’s residence.
    • 1880: Shimla Fine Arts Society’s exhibition held at Ravenswood.
    • 1883: A.O. Hume (founder of Indian National Congress) conceived the idea of Congress at Rothney Castle.
    • 1887: The Gaiety Theatre opened.
    • 1888: Town Hall completed.
    • 1902: First Municipal Committee of Shimla formed with Indian representation.
    • 1903: Kalka-Shimla Railway flagged off.
    • 1904: Civil Secretariat shifted to Gorton Castle.
    • 1906: Muslim League partly owed its origin and formation to a delegation meeting Viceroy Lord Minto at Shimla, leading to formal recognition of separate representation in 1909.
    • 1925: Legislative Assembly building/Council Chamber constructed, opened by Lord Reading.
    • 1930: Vithal Bhai Patel resigned as President of Legislative Assembly in Shimla, sparking civil disobedience.
    • 1939: Himalaya Riyasati Praja Mandal launched in Shimla.
  • Key Administrative/Cultural Contributions:
    • Development of infrastructure: roads, bridges, railway.
    • Establishment of public institutions: Municipal Committee, schools (Bishop Cotton School).
    • Hub for British social life, art, and political activities.
  • Changes in Control:
    • From fragmented hill states under Gurkha influence to British control.
    • Became a prominent British administrative and recreational center.
    • After 1947 partition, became capital of ‘East Punjab’.
    • Later became capital of Himachal Pradesh.
  • Foreign Visitors/Mentions:
    • Victor Jacquemont (Frenchman): Stayed in Shimla in 1830, gave detailed expression of Shimla’s life.
    • William Howard Russel (Times correspondent): Visited 1859, brought first-hand accounts of violence from the plains.
    • Rudyard Kipling: Immortalized rickshaws (jinnyrickshaw) in his stories.
  • Story Behind Rickshaw: Origin disputed, but popularized in Shimla. Initially called ‘jinnyrickshaw’ from Japanese ‘jin-riki-sha’ (man-strength-cart). First used in Shimla by Rev. J. Fordyce in 1880s. Superceded ‘Jampan’ and ‘dandy’.




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