SHIMLA

formerly Simla

City (pop., 2001 prelim.: 142,161), capital of Himachal Pradesh state, northwestern India.

The city was built by the British after the Gurkha War (1814–16), on a ridge of the Himalayan foothills some 7,100 ft (2,200 m) high. It served as the British summer capital (1865–1939), and as the headquarters of Punjab (1947–53). Because of its cool climate and scenic setting, it is one of India's most popular hill resorts.