Earliest History (2250 BC – 1500 BC)

The earliest history of Himachal Pradesh dates back to the period between 2250 and 1750 BC when it was inhabited by the people of Indus valley civilization. These people pushed the original inhabitants of Ganga plains who were known as Kolorian people towards north. They moved to the hills of Himachal Pradesh where they could live peacefully and preserve their way of living.

In the Vedas they (people of Himachal) have been referred to as Dasas, Dasyus and Nishadas while in later works they have been called Kinnars, Nagas and Yakshas. The Kols or Mundas are believed to be the original migrants to the hills of present day Himachal. The second phase of migrants came in the form of Mongoloid people known as Bhotas and Kiratas. Later on (around 1500 BC) came the third and most important wave of migrants in the form of the Aryans who left their Central Asian home and settled in the fertile plains of Punjab. These people laid the base of history and culture of Himachal Pradesh.


Mythological View

The ancient history of Himachal Pradesh can be found in Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Mahabharata mentions the janapadas (some sort of a kingdom) of Kuluta (Kullu), Trigarta (Kangra), Kulind (Shimla hills and Sirmaur), Yugandhar (Bilaspur and Nalagarh) and Gobdika (Chamba).

Scriptures like Vedas and Puranas have also mentions about this region. The Rig Veda mentions the rivers which flow through Himachal. It also tells about the mighty king “Shambar” and his 99 strong forts in the region between the Beas and the Yamuna rivers.


Gupta and Harsha Empire

Before the Gupta Empire was established, the state saw several tribal kings who ruled the foothills drained by three rivers, i.e. Ravi, Beas and Satluj. These kingdoms were Audumbras, Trigarta, Kuluta and Kulindas.

Chandragupta slowly extended his empire by show of strength or use of force though he usually did not rule them directly. Ashoka, the grandson of Chandragupta was a great ruler and extended his boundaries to the Himalayan region. He introduced Buddhism to this tract. He built many stupas; one of which is in the Kullu valley.

After the collapse of Gupta Empire and before the rise of Harsha, this area was again ruled by petty chiefs known as Thakurs and Ranas. With the rise of Harsha in the early 7th century, most of these small states acknowledged his overall supremacy though many local powers remained with the petty chiefs.


Mughal Rule

A few decades after Harsha's death (647 A.D.) many Rajput states ascended in Rajasthan and Indus plains. They fought amongst themselves and the vanquished moved to the hills with their followers, where they set up small states or principalities. These states were Kangra, Nurpur, Suket, Mandi, Kutlehar, Baghal, Bilaspur, Nalagarh, Keonthal, Dhami, Kunihar, Bushahar, Sirmour. The small hill kingdom enjoyed a large degree of independence till the eve of Muslim invasions in northern India. States of the foothills were devastated by Muslim invaders from time to time. Mahmud Ghaznavi conquered Kangra at the begining of the 10th century. Timur and Sikander Lodi also marched through the lower hills, fought many battles and captured several forts.


Pre independence Period (British Raj)

In early 19th century, Himachal was under the control of the British. They exercised their influence and occupied the areas of Shimla after the Gurkha War of 1815-16. The states of Chamba, Mandi and Bilaspur made good progress during British rule. The British established many hill stations in this region to protect themselves from the extreme heat and dust of the northern plains in the summer. Shimla became the summer capital of India and even today, many old houses and buildings tell the story of English majesty.

The people of Himachal Pradesh had also participated in the freedom struggle. Praja Mandal launched demonstrations against the British and demanded for social and political reforms. The Congress party was also active in this region under the leadership of several political leaders viz. Dr. Y.S. Parmar, Padam Dev, Shivanand Ramaul, Purnanand, Satya Dev, Sada Ram Chandel, Daulat Ram, Thakur Hazara Singh and Pahari Gandhi Baba Kanshi Ram. The struggle for independence came to an end on 15th August, 1947 when India got its independence.


Post independence Period

The post independence history of Himachal Pradesh is depicted below.

1. Himachal Pradesh (H.P.) was made a Chief Commissioner's province on 15th April, 1948.



2. H.P. became a part C state on 26th January, 1950 with the implementation of the Constitution of India.



3. Bilaspur was included in the state on 1st July, 1954.



4. Himachal Pradesh was given a status of Union Territory on 1st November, 1956.



5. Kangra and most of the other hill areas of Punjab were merged with H.P. on 1st November, 1966 though its status remained that of a Union Territory



6. The State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed in the Parliament on 18th December, 1970. H.P. came into being as the eighteenth state of Indian Union on 25th January, 1971.