Himachal Pradesh

Photograph of Prashar Lake taken by Shambhavi Deo.

Geography: The state is full of snow clad mountains, flowering valleys, deodar forests, and gushing rivers. It lies on the foothills of Dhauladar range covering an area of 55,673 kms of mountainous region of North India, Shimla being the highest peak. Due to the high altitude geography , the state has a varied count of climatic conditions such as hot and subhumid in the Southern parts and glacial, or alpine as we go toward the north. Some parts receive rainfalls while some suffice with little or no rain (Spiti). The seasons limit to Winter, Summer, and Rainy season. Snowfall is common the highlands above 2,200 m in trans Himalayan region. It is fed by perennial rivers such as Sutlej, Beas, Chenab and Yamuna cutting across the state in crisscross fashion. The drainage consists of both glaciers and rivers draining into Indus and Ganga Basin. DEV BHO Flora and Fauna: 66.52% area of Himachal Pradesh is covered densely by forest vegetation. The state is considered the reservoir of the highest number of biological gene pool of India. The state harbours a large variety of medicinal plants and herbs in its far stretched valleys and highlands. One of the most rich district has to be Spiti despite being a cold desert, bearing roots of the most unique, rare and medicinal plants such as Ferula jaeschkeana, Lancea tibetica, and Saussurea bracteata. This fruit bowl of India consists of the most beautiful orchards in the country with it’s OMI its meadows and pastures growing delicious apples, grapes, mangoes, litchi, strawberries, apricot, peaches, cherry, pears, and plums. The forests are covered in high moist Deodar tree, oak forests, moist temperate deciduous forests, coniferous and alpine pastures. Apart from the beautiful flora, one can witness the untamed beauty of the wildlife of the Himalayan sanctuary which has recently been reorganized for its exceptional beauty by UNESCO heritage. Animals like musk deer, brown bear, Goral, Thar, leopard, snow leopard, bharal, serow, monal, Kali, Koklas, Cheer, Tragopan, snow cock etc, reside here. In the Pin valley reserve, one can also witness the grace of Snow Leopards, Siberian Ibex, Himalayan Snowcock, Chukar Partridge, Snow Partridge, Red Fox and Snowfinch Flourish. History: The history of Civilization in Himachal Pradesh dates back to 3 millennium BC when some tribes of the Indus valley travelled to the Himalayan foothills for a peaceful and colder region to live along with Dasas, Koilis, Halis, Dagis, Dhaugris, Khasas and Kinnars, the local tribes of Himachal Pradesh. Several tribes were forced to move further north when the Mongolians and then the Aryans arrived. The Aryans were powerful people with great knowledge. They forced the tribes to move further and further north to the Himalayas. Later the Mauryans arrived with their war strategies and conquered small regions till the terrible war in Ashoka’s time, after which he turned to Buddhism and helped carry the faith and its teaching in the region. The huge influence of Buddhist culture in Himachal was largely possible because of Emperor Ashoka. and conquered small regions till the terrible war in Ashoka’s time, after which he turned to Buddhism and helped carry the faith and its teaching in the region. The huge influence of Buddhist culture in Himachal was largely possible because of Emperor Ashoka. After him the state was captured by the Gorkhas who then lost it to the British in the Anglo-Gorkha war (1814). The British were smitten by the beauty of the state and made Shimla the capital of the Viceroy and built the city in a very Eurocentric architecture. Post-Independence, 30 princely states were brought together forming Himachal Pradesh out of which some were later defined inside the Punjab territory. In 1971, Himachal Pradesh emerged as the 18th State of the Indian Union. Culture: Himachal is a mix of Indian and Tibetan culture which has remained untouched by the outside cultures due to tricky terrains that lead to isolation. The population of more than 80% lives in rural and tribal lands of the state. The people here lead a very simple domestic life. Kangri, Kinaauri, Mandeali, Kulvi, and Bharmauri are some of the local languages spoken in this multilingual state. It also harbours many crafts such as wood carving, basket weaving, silver jewellery and most importantly, weaving. Kullu weaves shawls that are world famous for its colourful borders and Tibetan motifs. Made of pure yak, rabbit, and goat wool. It also produces a brilliant quality of tweed. The famous cultural costume of Himachal, the Pattu is woven by local women on domestic handlooms which are taught to them since childhood. Craft remains deep in the veins of people here. The state’s cuisine is very influenced by Punjabi and Tibetan food. Some places like Kasol also serve excellent Israeli food to cater to the biggest tourist population they receive. Non vegetarian food is also widely accepted in the state.