Architecture In Shimla

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Shimla is a beautiful hill station in the Himachal Pradesh state of India. It is popularly know as the "Queen of Hills". Shimla, originally known as Simla, was a major town in the time of Britisher. Thus the architecture in Shimla is largely influenced by the British.

The present day Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and is a popular tourist destination. It is a small hill station town with the population of 1.6 lacs. The main things to see and experience in Shimla are the grand buildings of British time, wooden handicrafts, and apples that are exported worldwide.

During the time of the British, Shimla was the summer capital of the Viceroy. The viceroy and the other administrative members used to spend the summers in Shimla. From May till July, Shimla used to hustle and bustle with administrative activities. The families of the administrative members also used to accompany them to spend the summer in Shimla. This is the reason why Shimla has buildings, homes, churches, and lodges that are typically British in architecture.

The architecture of Shimla is called colonial architecture. Renaissance influenced designs and neo gothic architecture are predominant in the buildings of Shimla. The Britishers and their family used to spend half of the year in this hill station. Thus the whole infrastructure of Shimla is based on their needs and lifestyle.

The architecture of Shimla can be analyzed with the help of a few iconic structures of the town. The first and foremost in this category is the Viceroy's Lodge.

At present the Viceroy's Lodge operates as the Indian Institute of Advance Study. The structure looks like a grand British house or rather a palace. The exterior is done in gray sandstone and light blue limestone. In typical Gothic style iron girders, beams, and trusses have been used. To give the look of a European castle, glass windows, and brick roof have been added.

In true British style, the interior of the Viceroy Lodge is adorned with glass ceiling and fireplace. The fireplace has been replaced by Indian Wheel of Progress. To suit European lifestyle there is a ballroom and a huge library.

The architecture in Shimla is a replica of European architecture. However, the material used in construction is all Indian or local. Wooden stairs, grey sandstone, teak panels, Walnut ceiling with Kashimiri design, are some of the popular construction materials used in the Viceroy's lodge.

The other prominent structure that has European architecture in Shimla is the Christ Church. Situated in the ridge area the Church signifies British period in India. The stained glass windows are typical to the Christian architecture originated in Europe.

The landscape of Shimla is largely influenced by European architecture. The mall, church, ridge, and gardens of Shimla are the memories left behind the British. The architecture in Shimla is worth noticing along with its natural beauty.