Statehood Day Special: Tracing history on how Himachal Pradesh got its name

On January 25, 1971, Himachal Pradesh became the 18th state of India after the passing of Himachal Pradesh State Act, 1970. During the British rule, Himachal Pradesh became a part of Punjab Province and later in 1950, Himachal Pradesh was declared as a Union Territory.

Solan: Himachal Pradesh is popularly known as the Devbhumi (Land of the Gods). It is surrounded by Jammu and Kashmir in the north, Punjab in the west, Uttar Pradesh in the south and Uttarakhand in the east.

Spread over 55 thousand 673 square kilometres, the state is known for its natural beauty.

Himachal, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, has high mountain ranges, deep valleys, beautiful waterfalls and greenery.

History of Himachal

Himachal Pradesh was part of Punjab state during British rule. It became a Part 'C' state on 26 January 1950 with the implementation of the Constitution of India and the Lieutenant Governor was appointed.

The Legislative Assembly was elected in 1952 and it became a union territory on 1 November 1956.

On 25 January 1971, Himachal was given full statehood. The then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi announced Himachal Pradesh as the 18th state from a public meeting at the ridge grounds of Shimla amidst snowflakes.

How the State was given the name 'Himachal'

Not many know that Himachal Pradesh was named in the court hall of Solan city.

In the court hall of Solan city, the kings of 28 princely states relinquish their power and spoke in one voice to name this beautiful province Himachal.

This building was built in the royal style. It was the court of the 77th King Durga Singh of Baghat, where the King used to listen to the problems of the people.

Dr Yashwant Parmar wanted to name as Himalayan Estate

On 28 January 1948, a meeting with the kings of 28 princely states was organized in the court hall.

In this meeting, the kings of 28 princely states of Himachal Pradesh announced to relinquish their power.

Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar, also known as Himachal founder, was also present in this meeting.

Dr Parmar wanted that the Jaunsar-Babur region of Uttarakhand state should also be included in Himachal.

They wanted this province to be named Himalayan Estate, but the 28 princely kings raised the voice of renaming the province as Himachal Pradesh.

Sardar Vallabhai Patel approved the name of state

The demands of Kings were agreed to and a resolution was passed in this regard.

The proposal was sent to the then Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for approval, who announced the name of Himachal by stamping on the proposal. Since then, Himachal Pradesh got a permanent name.

Heritage should be preserved

The three chairs from that time are still present in the court hall. Apart from this, a very beautiful sculpture at the court gate from that time is still present.

The court hall is in bad condition due to negligence in the maintenance of the court hall.

Public Works Department is presently using this hall. The employees of the department work in this hall but still the condition of the court hall has not been improved.

The existence of this place is in danger. Neither the government nor the administration is giving attention to the maintenance of the building.