During the colonial rule in India, which hill station became the official residence of the commander-in-chief of the Indian Army?

During the colonial rule in India, which hill station became the official residence of the commander-in-chief of the Indian Army? Correct Answer <span style="">Shimla</span>

The correct answer is Shimla.

Key Points

• During colonial rule in India, Shimla became the official residence of the commander-in-chief of the Indian Army.
• The establishment and settlement of hill stations were initially linked to the needs of the British Army.
• Hill stations were strategically important for dispersing troops, guarding borders, and launching campaigns against enemy rulers.
• In this sequence, Shimla was established during the Gorkha War (1815-16).
• Since the hill stations were similar to the cold climate of Europe, so hill stations became an attractive destination for the Viceroys during the summer months.
• In 1864, the Viceroy John Lawrence officially transferred his council to Shimla, making it a practice to relocate the capitals during the hot season.
• Shimla also became the official residence of the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.
• These hill stations were also developed as sanitariums, i.e. places where soldiers could be sent for rest and recovery from illnesses, and over the years they became cantonments.

Additional Information

• The interest of the British in Mount Abu Hill Station came during the Anglo-Maratha War of 1818.
• Darjeeling was snatched from the rulers of Sikkim by the British in 1835.