Heritage Buildings of Hp

Kangra FortThe Kangra Fort (Hindi: कां��गड़ा�), is located 20 kilometers from the town of Dharamsala on the outskirts

of the town ofKangra, India. The fort was first mentioned in Alexander the Great's war records, referring to the 4th century BC.

The Kangra Fort (Hindi: कां��गड़ा�), is located 20 kilometers from the town of Dharamsala on the outskirts

of the town ofKangra, India. The fort was first mentioned in Alexander the Great's war records, referring to the 4th century BC.

The Kangra Fort was built by the royal Rajput family of Kangra (the Katoch dynasty), which traces its

origins to the ancientTrigarta Kingdom, mentioned in the Mahabharata epic. It is the largest fort in the

Himalayas and probably the oldest dated fort in India.

The fort of Kangra was taken by the Mahmud of Ghazni in AD In 1337, it was captured by Muhammad

bin Tughluq and again in 1351 by his successor, Firuz Shah Tughluq. But it was not completely

subdued until 1622, when after a siege of fourteen months, it was conquered by

the Mughal Emperor Jahangir who garrisoned it with his troops and appointed a Governor to keep the

turbulent hill chiefs in check.

In the second half of 18th Century, following the decline of Mughal power, Raja Sansar Chand-II

succeeded in recovering the ancient fort of his ancestors, in 1789. But by carrying his ambitions too far

he came in conflict with the neighboring hill chiefs, the Gurkhas.In 1804, crossing the Gadwall finally in

1805 the Gorkha army conquered Kangda valley across the Sutlej River after continuous fighting for

three years. Till 1809 Gorkha Army conquered Kangra Fort. Subsequently in 1809 the Gorkha army

was defeated and they had to retreat across Sutlej River. Concurrently as British East India Company

was also in their expansion spree of colonization advanced up to Nepal’s the then border. Finally,

with Maharaja of Punjab, Ranjit Singh was the conqueror of Kangra Fort in 1809. It remained in the

hands of the Sikhs till 1846 when it was made over to the British Government, along with the

surrounding hills.

A British garrison occupied the fort until it was heavily damaged in an earthquake on the 4th of April,

1905.

Masroor Rock Cut TempleThe Masroor Rock Cut Temple is in Masroor (also spelled Masrur) in Kangra Valley which is 32 km from Kangra city in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh state of India.

Location

The temple complex is located at Coordinates: 32°4'21"N & 76°8'13"E in Kangra Valley as seen on

the map.

Temple Complex

The Masroor Rock Cut Temple, also known as Himalayan Pyramid and Wonder of the World, is an

8th-century monolithic rock cut temple complex of 15 temples carved out of a single rock, the temple in

the center is carved inside, rest of the 14 temples (7 on either side of the central temple) are carved

only on the outside, are reflected in the pond carved in front of these temples.[2][3]

World Heritage Site Status

There are efforts to have these temple included in UNESCO's World Heritage Site tentative list

Indian Institute of Advanced StudyThe Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) is a prestigious research institute based in Shimla, India. It was set up by the Ministry of Education, Government of India in 1964 and it started functioning from October 20, 1965.

History and establishment

The building that houses the institute was originally built as a home for Lord Dufferin, Viceroy of

India from 1884–1888 and was called the Viceregal Lodge.[2] It housed all the subsequent viceroys and

governors general of India. It occupied Observatory Hill, one of the seven hills that Shimla is built

upon.

The building was designed by Henry Irwin, an architect in the Public Works Department. The Viceregal

Lodge had electricity as early as 1888, much before the rest of the town of Shimla. [2] The building also

was equipped with a sophisticated firefighting mechanism through wax-tipped water ducts.

Many historic decisions have been taken in the building during the Indian independence movement.

The Simla Conference was held here in 1945. The decision to carve out Pakistan and East

Pakistan from India was also taken here in 1947.[2]

After India gained independence, the building was renamed Rashtrapati Niwas and was used as a

summer retreat for the president of India. However, due to its neglect, Dr. S Radhakrishnan decided to

turn it into a centre of higher learning. The summer retreat of the president was shifted from here to a

building known as "The Retreat" situated in Chharabra, on the outskirts of Shimla.

The Indian Institute of Advanced Study was first created as a society on 6 October 1964. The institute

was formally inaugurated by Prof. S. Radhakrishnan on 20 October 1965.

Around 2004, a rare stické court was discovered on the grounds of the Viceregal Lodge complex.

A bell made of eight metals which was presented by the king of Nepal was available to be admired by

tourists till April 2010.

Tabo MonasteryTabo Monastery (or Tabo Chos-Khor Monastery[1]) is located in the Tago village of Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, northern India. It was founded in 996 CE in the Tibetan year of the Fire Ape.[2] by the Tibetan Buddhistlotswa (translator), Rinchen Zangpo (Mahauru Ramabhadra), the king of western Himalayan Kingdom of Guge.[2]Tabo is noted for being the oldest continuously operating

Buddhist enclave in both India and the Himalayas.[3] A large number of frescoes displayed on its walls depict tales from the Buddhist pantheon.[4] There are many priceless collections of thankas (scroll paintings), manuscripts, well-preserved statues, frescos and extensive murals which cover almost every wall. The monastery is in need of refurbishing as the wooden structures are aging and the thanka scroll paintings are fading.[5] After the earthquake of 1975, the monastery was rebuilt, and in 1983 a new Du-kang or Assembly Hall was constructed. It is here that the 14th Dalai Lama held the Kalachakraceremonies in 1983 and 1996.[6][7] The monastery is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as a national historic treasure of India.

The monastery is situated in the Spiti valley (an isolated valley with a total population of 10,000) above Tabo village on the left bank of the Spiti River. The valley as such is delimited by Ladakh in the north, Lahaul and Kullu districts in the west and south-east respectively, and by Tibet and theKinnaur district in the east. While Tabo village is in a bowl-shaped flat valley, the monastery is also in the bottom of the valley, unlike other monasteries in the valley, which are perched on hills; in the past the region was part of Tibet.[8] It is located in a very arid, cold and rocky area at an altitude of 3,050 metres (10,010 ft).[7][9] Above the monastery there are a number of caves carved into the cliff face and used by monks for meditation.[6] There is also an assembly hall in the caves and some faded paintings on the rock face.

Hidimba Devi TempleHidimbi Devi Temple, also known variously as the Hadimba Temple, is located in Manāli, a hill station in the State of Himāchal Pradesh in north India.It is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, sister of Hidimba, a figure in the Indian epic Mahābhārata. The temple is surrounded by a cedar forest at the foot of the Himālayas. The sanctuary is built over a huge rock jutting out of the ground which was worshipped as an image of the deity. The structure was built in 1553.

The Hidimba Devi temple is built around a cave where Hidimba performed meditation. Hidimba was supposed to have lived there with her brother Hidimb, and not much is known about their parents. Born into a Rakshas family, Hidimba vowed to marry one who would defeat her brother Hidimb, who was supposed to be very brave and fearless. During the Pandava's exile, when they visited Manali; Bhima, one of the five Pandavas, killed Hidimb. Thereafter, Hidimba married Bhima and gave birth to their son Ghatotkacha.

The Hidimbi Devi Temple has intricately carved wooden doors and a 24 meters tall wooden "shikhar" or tower above the sanctuary.[2] The tower consists of three square roofs covered with timber tiles and a fourth brass cone-shaped roof at the top. The earth goddess Durga forms the theme of the main door carvings.[3] The temple base is made out of whitewashed, mud-covered stonework. An enormous rock occupies the inside of the temple, only a 7.5 cm (3 inch) tall brass image representing goddess Hidimbi Devi. A rope hangs down in front of the rock,and according to a legend,in bygone days religious zealots would tie the hands of "sinners" by the rope and then swing them against the rock.

The Great Himalayan National Park-Amazing Wildlife In the Lap Of Himalayan

The Great Himalayan national park is the pride of Himachal Pradesh. It is recently labeled as the UNESCO World heritage sites. It is the richest biodiversity hub of India. It is located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. It is the favorite place of adventurous and best place for trekking. The Great Himalayan National Park spread over the 1736 sq. km. and elevated 6000m above from the sea level. it also includes two watershed areas, Tirthan and Sainj which covers an area of about 905 sq km.Lofty hills, snow capped peaks, rich deep forest, undulating meadow, glaciers and wonderful rhythmic cascades make this National park very beautiful and incredible.

It is one of the National Parks in the world which have a large number of the endangered western Tragopan.It is a natural habitat of a large number of species and very rich in natural beauty. The park is isolated by natural barriers from all sides. It is embodied with the 675 sq-km Pin Valley National Park in the cold desert of Spiti in Trans-Himalaya, the 61-km Kanawar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kullu and 503 sq-km Rupi-Bhawa Wildlife Sanctuary in Kinnaur. It supports a full range of western Himalayan biodiversity and protects other islands of biodiversity around.

Christ Church (Shimla)Christ Church, Shimla, is the second oldest church in North India, after St John's Church in Meerut. It is a parish in the Diocese of Amritsar in the Church of North India. Its current incumbent is The Rev. Mushtaq Achher Malk, B.D., M.Th., whose ecclesiastical designation is presbyter-in-charge. Worship is conducted in Hindi and English.

Built in the neo-Gothic style in 1857 to serve the largely Anglican British community in what was

formerly called Simla, Christ Church is situated on The Ridge where is stands out as one of the

prominent landmarks of Shimla. The silhouette of Christ Church is visible for miles around the vicinity

of Shimla city. Christ Church remains one of the enduring legacies of the British Raj.

Christ Church was designed by Colonel J. T. Boileau in 1844, and the church was consecrated after

1857. The clock adorning Christ Church was donated by Colonel Dumbleton in 1860. The porch was

added in 1873.

Christ Church has survived partition and the subsequent political upheavals on the Indian

subcontinent. Christ Church continues to be very well maintained and remains in good condition. The

clock, however, no longer functions - due toentropy.

It is designed in the typical Elizabethan style and consists of a great collection of books and ancient

scriptures. The church looks absolutely magical during night when lights placed at strategic corners

illuminate this beautiful church. The church glows with all its beauty and grandeur and is an amazing

sight to look at.

The church contains five fine stained glass windows. One represents the Christian virtues of Faith,

Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Patience and Humility. The Pipe-Organ of Christ Church is the biggest in the

Indian subcontinent and was erected in September 1899.

Rang Mahal

Located in Suraj Mohalla, Rang Mahal attracts many tourists every year, mainly for its history and beauty. Historically speaking, King Ummed Singh laid down the foundation of the palace, during mid-eighteenth century. Later, kings of the same dynasty, including Raj Sri Singh, repaired this brick palace. The aim

behind its erection of Rang Mahal, besides serving as king’s accommodation, was to have a warehouse for royal grain and treasure. The palace served as the centre of royal activities in its inception.

Now, it is a government property and Department of Handicrafts uses it as the work-shop for shoe, slippers, etc. All the paraphernalia that was left in the palace has now been taken out and kept in different museums across India. The wall paintings, belonging to the Kangra School, that adorn Rang Mahal are splendid and represent one of the most extensive hill collections. The paintings follow stories of Lord Krishna. The major attraction of the palace is the fact that its doors are carved and painted in style. Rang Mahal also houses a Himachal emporium, apart from a college that operates inside its premises.

The emporium facilitates embroidery work by local women. These women have been carrying the thousand-year-old craft of embroidery by making embroidery on handkerchief. These handkerchiefs are made of silk and after embroidery work, become extremely beautiful. The place also attracts for embroidery work on silky clothes. Tourists have to take permission for any visit to Rang Mahal. The visiting time for the palace is from 10 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm, from M/ondays to Saturdays

Hotel Chail Palace

The Palace Chail Built in 1891, Chail Palace Maharaja's palace is set in approximately 75 acres and has a truly regal setting with spectacular views. Chail Palace wide variety of cottages, suites and rooms with different tariffs can accommodate every visitor who wish to savor this majestic hill station. 

Today, the Maharaja's creation can be experienced by everyone. And for Himachal Tourism, who now own the gracious mansion, every visitor is royalty. Here is a resort in the true sense of the word: Chail Palace a beautiful palace with ornate furniture, charming cottages, delightful log huts, thick forests and quiet walks, a 'lovers hill', an orchard of its own, elegant lawns, badmintion and lawn tennis, billiards and even a children's park. Each regally appointed room, each quaint cottage and every warm log hut offers a memorable holiday in Chail Palace.

Key MonasteryKey Gompa (also spelled Ki, Kye or Kee - pronounced like English key) is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery

located on top of a hill at an altitude of 4,166 metres (13,668 ft) above sea level, close to the Spiti River, in

theSpiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Lahaul and Spiti district, India.[1]

It is the biggest monastery of Spiti Valley and a religious training centre for Lamas. It reportedly had 100 monks

in 1855.

Key Gompa is said to have been founded by Dromtön (Brom-ston, 1008-1064 CE), a pupil of the famous

teacher, Atisha, in the 11th century. This may however, refer to a now destroyed Kadampa monastery at the

nearby village of Rangrik, which was probably destroyed in the 14th century when the Sakya sect rose to power

with Mongol assistance.[4][5]

Key was attacked again by the Mongols during the 17th century, during the reign of the Fifth Dalai Lama, and

became a Gelugpa establishment. In 1820 it was sacked again during the wars between Ladakh and Kulu. In

1841 it was severely damaged by the Dogra army under Ghulam Khan and Rahim Khan[disambiguation needed]. Later that

same year suffered more damage from a Sikh army. In the 1840s it was ravaged by fire and, in 1975, a

violent earthquake caused further damage which was repaired with the help of the Archaeological Survey of

India and the State Public Works Department.[6]

The walls of the monastery are covered with paintings and murals, an example of the 14th century monastic

architecture, which developed as the result of Chinese influence.

Key monastery has a collection of ancient murals and books, including Buddha images.[7]

There are three floors, the first one is mainly underground and used for storage. One room, called the Tangyur is

richly painted with murals. The ground floor has the beautifully decorated Assembly Hall and cells for many

monks.