SIMLA

city, administrative headquarters of Simla district and capital of Himachal Pradesh state, northwestern India. The city lies northeast of Chandigarh (Punjab state), on a ridge of the Himalayan foothills, at an elevation of about 7,100 ft (2,200 m). Simla was built by the British on land they retained after the Gurkha War of 181416 and was used for resting troops. It gained popularity as a summer resort because of its cool climate and scenic setting, and from 1865 to 1939 it served as India's summer capital. From 1947 to 1953 it was headquarters of Punjab until the capital at Chand igarh was completed. Besides its administrative function, the city is one of India's most popular hill resorts. It is a rail terminus and lies on a main road, 175 mi (280 km) north of Delhi. Simla is also an agricultural trade centre and has some industry, including light manufacturing, brewing, and handloom weaving. Several sanatoriums and five colleges affiliated with Himachal Pradesh University are located there. Simla district, 1,930 sq mi (5,000 sq km) in area, was enlarged in a 197273 reorganization. It lies at the margin between the Himalayas and the northern Indian plain. Pop. (1991 prelim.) city, 81,463; district, 614,892.