The North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is a state that has remained largely untouched by foreign customs. With the technological advancements, the state has changed very rapidly. Himachal Pradesh is a multi-religion practising, multicultural and multilingual state like other Indian states. Some of the most commonly spoken languages are Hindi and the various Pahari languages.[1] The Hindu communities residing in Himachal include the Brahmins, Rajputs, Kannets, Rathis and Kolis. There are also tribal population in the state which mainly comprise Gaddis, Kinnarms, Gujjars, Pangawals and Lahaulis.[2]
Himachal is well known for its handicrafts. The carpets, leather works, shawls, paintings, metalware and woodwork are worth appreciating. Pashmina shawl is one of the products which is highly in demand not only in Himachal but all over the country. Himachali caps are also famous art work of its people.
Local music and dance reflects the cultural identity of the state. Through their dance and music, they praise their gods during local festivals and other special occasions.
There are a number of fairs and festivals celebrated in Himachal Pradesh, including the temple fairs in nearly every region that are of great significance to this state.
The day to day food of Himachalis is very similar to the rest of the north India. They too have lentil, broth, rice, vegetables and bread,etc. As compared to other states in north India non-vegetarian cuisine is more preferred. Some of the specialities of Himachal include Manee, Madeera, Pateer, Chouck, Bhagjery and chutney of til.
Himachal Pradesh has been inhabited by human beings since the dawn of civilization. It has a rich and varied history which can be divided into several distinct eras. Himachal Pradesh region was called ‘Deva Bhoomi’. In the early period, tribes like the Koilis, Halis, Dagis, Dhaugris, Dasa, Khasas, Kinnars, and Kirats inhabited it.
The Aryan influence in this area of India dates to the period before the Rigveda. Sankar Varma, the king of Kashmir exercised his influence over regions of Himachal Pradesh in about 883 AD.
This region witnessed the invasion of Mahmud of Ghazni in 1009 AD, who during that period invaded and looted the wealth from the temples in the North of India.
In about 1043 AD the Rajputs ruled over this territory. Known for its vibrant and exquisite natural scenery it received the royal patronage of the Mughal rulers who erected several works of art as an appreciation of this land.
In 1773 AD the Rajputs under Sansar Chand possessed this region, till the attack by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1804 which crushed the Rajput power here. The Gurkhas who migrated from Nepal captured this area and devastated it.
In the early 19th century the British exercised their influence and annexed the areas of Shimla after the Gurkha War of 1815-16. The British gradually emerged as the paramount power in the region. During the first Indian war of independence, rulers of hilly states remain inactive. The rulers of Chamba, Bilaspur, Bhagal, and Dhami, rendered help to the British government during the revolt. During World War I, virtually all rulers of the hill states remained loyal and contributed to the British war effort, both in the form of men and materials.
The Chief Commissioner’s province of H.P. came into being on 15th April 1948. This Pradesh became a part C state on 26th January 1950 with the implementation of the Constitution of India. Bilaspur was merged with Himachal Pradesh on 1st July 1954. Himachal Pradesh became Union Territory on 1st November 1956. Kangra and most of the other hill areas of Punjab were merged with Himachal Pradesh on 1st November 1966 though its status remained that of a Union Territory. On 18th December 1970, the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament and the new state came into being on 25th January 1971.
Thus, Himachal Pradesh emerged as the eighteenth state of the Indian Union. It became a centrally administered territory in 1948 with the integration of 31 hill states and received additional regions added to it in 1966.
Comments
Post a Comment