Himachal Pradesh

Governor : Prabha Rau
Chief Minister : Prem Kumar Dhumal
Capital: Shimla
Legislature: Unicameral
Lok Sabha seats: 4
Judicature: Shimla High Court
Languages: Hindi and Pahari
Population density: 109/sq km
No. of districts: 12
Main crops: Wheat, maize, tea, fruit and
poppy
Rivers: Ravi, Chenab, Beas, Sutlej, and Yamuna Minerals: Iron, gypsum, limestone
Industries: Resin, turpentine, fertiliser, cement and fruit processing
Airports: Kullu, Kangra, Shimla

PHYSICAL FEATURES
Almost completely mountainous with attitudes varying from 350 m to 6,975 m above sea level, Himachal Pradesh can be      divided into five zones: (i) Wet sub-temperate zone (parts of Kangra, Mandi and Chamba districts); (ii) Humid sub-temperate zone (Kullu and Shimla districts; parts of Mandi, Solan, Chamba, Kangra and Sirmaur districts); (iii) Dry temperate alpine highlands (parts of Lahaul and Spiti district); (iv) Humid subtropical zone (Sirmaur district; parts of Chamba, Solan and Kangra districts); and (v) Sub-humid subtropical zone (parts of Kangra district).

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
In Puranic chronicles Himachal has been referred to as the abode of Yakshas, Gandharvas and Kinnars. In prehistoric times, it was inhabited by Kolls, Kirats and Nagas, followed by the Indo-Tibetans from the north, Indo-Aryans from the Indus valley and Khasas from Central Asia, migrated to this land of eternal snows and tranquil solitude. ‘Mahabharata’ and ‘Kumar Sambhava’ held this land in high esteem where Kunindas and Audumbaras established multi-tribal Kingdoms. During the medieval period, when there were invasions from the north-west, ruling clans of Rajputana and adjoining areas migrated to the hills and established their kingdom. These clans were primarily responsible in civilizing the local people besides patronising Pahari art and monumental architecture which has no other parallel in the annals of Indian art.

POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

 15 April 1948 - The State came into being as a Union Territory, as a result of integration of 30 princely states

 1954 - ‘C class State of Bilaspur merged with Himachal Pradesh.

 1966 - On reorganistion of the states the hilly areas of Punjab were merged with the state increasing its size to 55,673 sq km.