Colonial Charm of Shimla

Shimla, the charming hill station in Himachal Pradesh, holds a special place in India’s heart. It is home to many heritage structures that tell stories of a bygone era. Our recent journey to Shimla allowed us to explore its timeless streets and colonial architecture.

We were amazed to learn that Shimla was once the summer capital of British India. During our visit, we observed that Shimla was rich in colonial heritage. The Viceregal Lodge, now the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, stood tall as a grand reminder of British rule. The Christ Church on the Ridge, built in 1857, reflected neo-Gothic architecture and still remained one of the most iconic landmarks of Shimla.

Mall Road, along with landmarks such as the Town Hall and Gaiety Theatre, still showcased classic British architectural styles. The Gaiety Theatre, inaugurated in 1887, hosted performances by well-known British artists. It was designed in the Gothic Revival style. We discovered that it served as a cultural hub during the colonial period and still continued to function as a venue for theatre and arts. The Town Hall, built in the Tudor style with exposed timber framing and sloping roofs, housed the municipal offices and was truly a fine example of functional yet ornate colonial architecture.

These buildings weren’t just sights to admire but they carried stories from a different time. As we wandered through Shimla, it felt like history was built into the walls around us. Each landmark revealed something about how the town took shape during British rule. We realised that by respecting and maintaining them, we remain connected to our heritage and history.

Writen By Aarav Sharma, Ananya Singh, Maira Rizvi, and Zinia Khan (Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, Delhi).

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