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Key Points

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar arrived in Shimla for an important visit to the historic Raj Bhavan. The legendary Barnes' Court, where the pivotal 1972 Simla Agreement was signed, will be his residence during the trip. Local dignitaries including Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla warmly welcomed the Vice-President at Annandale helipad. The visit highlights the rich historical significance of Shimla's colonial-era architectural treasures.

Key Points: Dhankhar Visits Historic Simla Agreement Raj Bhavan in Himachal

  • Vice-President stays at legendary British-era Raj Bhavan
  • Shimla hosts 90 heritage buildings from colonial period
  • Historic site of 1972 Simla Agreement signing
3 min read

During Himachal trip, Vice-President Dhankhar to stay where historic Simla agreement was inked

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar explores Shimla's legendary Raj Bhavan, site of iconic 1972 India-Pakistan diplomatic milestone

"Barnes' Court is a heritage building with immense historical significance - Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla"

Shimla, June 6

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar who reached Himachal Pradesh on Friday, will be staying at the British-era Raj Bhavan in the state capital Shimla where the historic Simla agreement between India and Pakistan was inked after the 1971 War on July 2, 1972.

The elegant building was the residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab during British rule, with Sir Louis Dane being its first occupant.

During his visit, Vice-President Dhankhar is scheduled to visit Solan town, some 60 km from here, on Saturday.

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu extended a warm welcome to the Vice-President at the Annandale helipad.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, who has been designated as the Minister-in-Waiting for the Vice-President's visit, were present on the occasion.

Lieutenant General Devender Sharma, GOC-in-C, ARTRAC, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh, besides senior officials of the state government were also present to welcome the Vice-President.

On behalf of the people of Himachal Pradesh, the Governor honoured Dhankhar by presenting him a traditional Himachali cap, a shawl and a memento.

Shimla, which served as the summer capital of British India between 1864 and 1939, currently has nearly 90 British-era heritage buildings, but most are in bad shape.

Still, there are some honourable exceptions like the Ellerslie, housing the state secretariat; the Vidhan Sabha; the Town Hall; the United Services Club; Barnes' Court, which is the Raj Bhavan now and the Viceregal Lodge.

Now, one can visit the Barnes' Court on weekends as Governor Shukla in August 2023 formally dedicated the Raj Bhavan to the public. It will now be open for visitors from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on every Saturday and Sunday.

The Governor at the time of opening it for the public said that Barnes' Court is a heritage building of the British-era constructed in 1832 and Indian skilled craftsmen had made an important contribution to its construction.

Barnes' Court has a special importance as it has been witness to many historical events.

Author E.J. Buck wrote in his book 'Simla Past and Present' that Barnes' Court is partly a single and partly a double-storey building. It has been built in a way that it has good views on three sides -- the west, south and east. The front portion of the house is raised on a masonry terrace and there is a level lawn to the west between the house and a hill.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
The Simla Agreement was a landmark moment in our history. It's good to see our leaders honoring these heritage sites. But we must also remember the sacrifices of our soldiers in 1971 that led to that agreement. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
Beautiful to see the Himachali traditions being showcased with the cap and shawl presentation! Our cultural heritage is as important as our political history. Hope more people visit these heritage buildings now that they're open to public.
A
Arjun S.
While I appreciate preserving history, we must ask why most British-era buildings are in bad shape? Our government should allocate more funds for heritage conservation. These are not just buildings but living lessons of our past.
N
Neha T.
Shimla is such a gem! Visited last summer and was amazed by the architecture. Glad to know Raj Bhavan is open for visitors now. Pro tip: Try the local sidhu while you're there - perfect for the chilly weather! ❄️
S
Sanjay V.
The article mentions Indian craftsmen built these structures. We often forget the skilled workers behind our heritage. Their descendants probably still live in Himachal - would be great if the government could trace and honor them too.
K
Kavita R.
Interesting to see how buildings meant for colonial rulers now serve our democracy. The Viceregal Lodge becoming Rashtrapati Niwas shows how we've reclaimed our spaces. But we must maintain them better - peeling paint doesn't suit our rich history.

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