Shimla (Hindi: [ˈʃɪmlaː]) or in British Indian orthography, Simla, is the capital city of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, located in northern India. In 1864, Shimla was declared as the summer capital of British India, succeeding Murree, northeast of Rawalpindi. After independence, the city became the capital of Punjab and was later named the capital of Himachal Pradesh.
Asia India Simla, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
Built in the neo-Gothic style in 1857 to serve the largely Anglican British community in Simla, Christ Church is situated on The Ridge where is stands out as one of the prominent landmarks of Shimla.
1935, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
Around 1880, rickshaws appeared in India, first in Simla. At the turn of the century it was introduced in Kolkata and in 1914 was a conveyance for hire.
Asia India Simla, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
The Governor-General of India (or, from 1858 to 1947, the Viceroy and Governor-General of India) was originally the head of the British administration in India. Throughout the British administration, Governors-General retreated to Shimla each summer to escape the heat, and the government of India moved with them.
Asia India Simla, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
View of Lower & Middle Bazaar | A fire cleared much of the area where the native Indian population lived (the "Upper Bazaar"), and the planning of the eastern end to become the centre of the European town forced the natives to live in the Middle and Lower Bazaars on the lower terraces descending the steep slopes from the Ridge.
Asia India Simla, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
The Lower Bazaar, Shimla
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