Simla Hill Women at Sipi fair

Simla Hill Women at Sipi fair in 1905

Statue of Lala Lajpat Rai

This statue was re-unveiled on August 15, 1948 by Hon’ble Dr. Gopi Chand Bhargva, Premier of East Punjab. This picture taken around 1955-1960.

Lala Lajpat Rai was among the prominent freedom fighters of British India. Born in Punjab, he is popularly referred to as the Lion of Punjab. He died on November 17, 1928 on account of injuries suffered during lathi charge on a procession, led by him and Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, against the Simon Commission. A statue of this important national figure stands tall at the Scandal Point in Shimla. Planted on a marble podium, the sculpture depicts Lalaji addressing an audience. This statue was unveiled on August 15, 1948 after being brought from Lahore.

Who made the statue :

Born in Dibrugarh, Assam in 1902, Bhabesh Chander Sanyal studied at the Government School of Art and Craft Calcutta. His unique style earned him a commission to make a bronze statue of Lala Lajpat Rai at the time of 1929 Congress session at Lahore. He was merely 27 yrs of age when he made this marvelous statue. 

Statue in Lahore :

At Lahore this statue was displayed in front of Gol Bagh, now known as Nasir Bagh in Pakistan. As can be gleamed from the writings on the back plaque of this statue, it was originally mounted by the workers of Arya Savrajya Sabha Panjab Lahore in 1929, pedestal foundation stone was laid by Mahatma Gandhi and Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru collectively followed by unveiling of the statue by Sh. Vithal Bhai Patel on 1st January 1930 on the occasion of 46th Congress session.

How and when statue was brought to Shimla :

The announcement of the Independence of India on 15th August 1947 generated the atmosphere of fear and utter confusion and chaos amongst both Hindus and Muslims which resulted in wide spread massacre and migration to their respected allotted abodes. Hindus tried to board the very first train to India which they could get. Few Arya Savrajya Sabha and Congress workers hurriedly dismantled the statue of Lala ji, wrapped and stuffed it with bed sheet and after covering it carefully with hold-alls “bisterbunds” pushed it through the door of the bogie of the passenger train, to avoid of its being noticed by hooligans. The statue, thus concealed, reached Amabala station and from there it found its destination to Shimla.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad, President of India, visited the site of the statue of Lala Lajpat Rai in Simla during his stay there in September, 1951.

Re-unveiling of statue on The Mall Shimla :

This statue was re-unveiled on August 15, 1948 by Hon’ble Dr. Gopi Chand Bhargva, Premier of East Punjab. In Sept, 1951, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, President of India, garlanded the statue of Lala Lajpat Rai. He was received by the President and Members of the Simla Municipal Committee on arrival at the site. On the occasion H.E. Shri Chandulal Trivedi, Governor of Punjab was also present.

Courtesy:Photo Division India, Suresh Sharma

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Shimla Hills climbers resting on narrow ledge

Having a rest on a narrow ledge after a stiff climb, Simla Hills. 1910 photo.

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Pictures from the past - Rohru

View of Dutta complex Rohru in 1984

Rohru bazar in 1984

Rohru bazar in 1984

HRTC bus standing at Rohru bus stand in 1986

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St Bedes College Shimla in 1911

Rare Picture of St Bedes College Simla (Shimla) taken in 1911. 

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Jakhu Road 1915

View of Ridge Jakhu road (Simla) in 1915.

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Bandstand & Christ Church

Bandstand & Christ Church 1914

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Barnes Court

Barnes Court the Residence of H.H. the Lieut. Governor, Simla
Pre 1914

Click on the image to view.

The Gardens & Terraces, Viceregal Lodge, Simla

1915 picture of Viceregal Lodge

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Grand Hotel Shimla in 1920

Grand Hotel Shimla in 1920

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General view of Government Offices, Shimla in 1905

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Combermere Bridge

The Combermere Bridge was built by Lord Combermere in 1828, the British Commander-in-Chief of the Indian army, Spanned a gushing mountain stream.

The Combermere Bridge on the mall is the oldest British landmark of Shimla. In the words of Captain Mundy, A.D.C. to lord Combermere (1928),"Lord Combermere amused himself, and benefitted the public by superintending the formation of a fine, broad,level road round the mount Jakhu, Combermere Bridgeabout three miles in length...worked entirely by Hill men...and skillfully done..and when finished, will be a great acquisition to the loungers of Shimla.This is the present Jakhu round, a favourite woody walk around Jakhu Hill." Across a deep ravine, a quarter of mile from the town, his lordship erected neat 'Sangah', or a mountain bridge of pines; and under it a capacious stone tank was constructed to obviate the great scarcity of water." The bridge still bears the name of Combermere and it was the first step towards the improvement of Simla. Present day bridge was built in 1971-72.

Shimla in 1905

Picture of Shimla taken in 1905

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The Mall 1915

View of Mall Road Shimla in 1915. We can also see General Post office and part of Town Hall in this picture.

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The Mall 1895

General Post Office in 1910

View of The Mall and General Post office. 1895

Town Hall Shimla in 1910

Picture of Town Hall Shimla around 1910

Town Hall Shimla

Town Hall Shimla

Shimla Bazaar in 1921

Click on the picture to see full image

View of Simla from Taradevi

View of Simla from Taradevi in 1907

Tonga Terminus & Winterfield - Simla

Tonga Terminus & Winterfield - Simla in 1905

The Chowra Maidan Simla 1906

The Chowra Maidan Simla in 1906. Click on the picture to enlarge.