Himachal Pradesh – overview of its history and geography
An Introduction to Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is a north Indian state which is also known as Dev Bhumi means "land of god" (Adobe of god). Himachal takes its name from the Himalayas. Himachal literally means “Land of snowy mountains”. Himachal Pradesh is a small world in itself. Someone has drawn a beautiful picture of Himachal Pradesh in his poetic words, "Eternal snows, lush green forests, singing streams, dancing words, lovely lakes, verdant vales, emerald meadows, smiling glaciers:- this is the picture of Himachal Pradesh which sprawls in the North Western lap of the Himalayas."
How Himachal Pradesh emerged and its History
Himachal Pradesh came into being as a ‘CHIEF COMMISSIONERPROVINCE’ of the Indian Union on 15th April 1948 as a result of the merger of 30 erstwhile princely states of Punjab and Shimla hills into the Indian Union. In 1951 it was made a part ‘C’ state. On 1st July 1954, the neighbouring part ‘C’ state of ‘Bilaspur’ was integrated with Himachal Pradesh. In 1956 Fazil Ali headed State Reorganization Commission recommended to abolish the categorization of states thus it granted the status of Union Territory. Its status as Union territory continued till the award of a full-fledged statehood on 25th January 1971.
Geography of Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is bound between 30°22’ to 33°12’ North latitude and 75°47’ to 79°4’ East longitude. To the east, it forms India’s border with Tibet, to the North lies state of Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand in the south-east, and Haryana in the South and Punjab in the west. The entire territory of Himachal Pradesh is mountainous with altitude varying from 350 to 7000 metres above the sea level. Himachal Pradesh is a hilly and mountainous tract. Geographically it forms part of western Himalayas, and thus presents an intricate pattern of mountain ranges, hills and valleys. There is general increase in elevation from West to East and from South to North.
Topographically, Himachal’s territory from South to North can be divided into three zones – ‘The Shivaliks’or Outer Himalayas, Inner Himalayas or ‘Mid mountains’ and ‘Alpine Zone’ or the Greater Himalayas. The lower hills of district Kangra, Hamirpur, Una, Bilaspur and lower parts of Mandi, Solan and Sirmaur are known as ‘Shivalik Hills’.
In the Himalayas, there are enough opportunities for trekking, skiing, fishing, mountaineering, riding, sightseeing and boating. Natural beauty, ecology and environment, the rich cultural heritage of the Himalayan state is all the best recreational resources. The top tourist destination of Himachal is Kullu valley, Dharamshala, Manali, Chamba, Mandi. Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and it is the most urbanized city in the state.Its peace and beauty make it different from other urban cities in India. Himachal Pradesh is famous for its temples and trekking trips.
0 comments