Himachal Pradesh Newsletter

Resident Pahari

History of Himachal Pradesh, An early timeline: 1971 - pre-historic

From prehistoric times through the end of the 18th century, the Himachal region was primarily shaped by tribal formations, the rise and fall of regional kingdoms, and the influence of neighboring empires like the Delhi Sultanate and Sikh rule. Following the Anglo-Gorkha War (1814-1815) and concluding with Indian independence in 1947, British influence reorganized and consolidated the region, culminating in the formation of the state of Himachal Pradesh in 1971.

Post-Independence Period

  • Himachal Pradesh attains statehood, becoming the 18th state of the Indian Union.
1971 CE
  • Hilly areas of Punjab, including Kangra, Kullu, Shimla, and others, are merged with Himachal Pradesh.
1966 CE
  • Himachal Pradesh becomes a Union Territory.
1956 CE
  • Himachal Pradesh becomes a Part C state with a Legislative Assembly.
1951 CE
  • India gains independence; Himachal Pradesh initially becomes a Chief Commissioner's Province.
1947 CE

British Colonial Period

  • Rise of nationalist movements and Praja Mandals advocating for self-rule and challenging British authority.
Early 20th Century CE
  • British implement administrative and social reforms, including establishing courts, police forces, and infrastructure projects.
Late 19th - Early 20th Century CE
  • Introduction of land settlement systems based on the British-India model, impacting land ownership and revenue collection.
Mid-19th Century CE
  • British grant sanads (treaties) to hill chiefs, defining their relationship with the British government.
1815 CE Onward
  • British establish control over most of Himachal Pradesh, incorporating some areas directly and recognizing others as princely states.
Early 19th Century CE

Key figures

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Medieval Period

  • The British defeat the Gurkhas in the Anglo-Gorkha War, leading to significant territorial changes and the beginning of British influence.
1815-1816 CE
  • The Gurkhas, invited by rival hill chiefs, invade and occupy parts of Himachal Pradesh.
Early 19th Century CE
  • Maharaja Ranjit Singh captures Kangra Fort after a prolonged siege, marking a turning point in the region's history.
1809 CE
  • Rise of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the establishment of the Sikh Empire.
Late 18th Century CE
  • The rise of Sikh Misals leads to increased conflict and competition for control over hill territories.
18th Century CE
  • Adina Beg, the Mughal governor of Jalandhar, receives submission from various hill chiefs.
1745 CE
  • Hill states become tributaries of the Mughal Empire, experiencing varying degrees of autonomy.
17th Century CE
  • Akbar attempts to subjugate Kangra, leading to conflicts with local rulers.
Late 16th - Early 17th Century CE
  • Babur establishes Mughal rule in India, significantly impacting the hill states.
1526 CE
  • Firoz Shah Tughlaq besieges Nagarkot but ultimately negotiates with Raja Rup Chand.
1361 CE
  • Muhammad bin Tughlaq leads an expedition against Raja Prithvi Chand of Nagarkot (Kangra).
1337 CE
  • Muhammad Ghori's invasions mark the beginning of Muslim influence in the region.
1175 CE Onward
  • Rajput migrants establish numerous states in the outer Himalayan ranges, including Kangra, Nurpur, Suket, Mandi, and Bilaspur.
8th-12th Century CE

Key figures

Ancient Period

  • Construction of magnificent Nagara style temples in Bilaspur, showcasing rich artistic traditions.
7th-12th Century CE
  • Panini's Ashtadhyayi corroborates the existence of Janapadas in the region.
5th Century BCE
  • Samudragupta of the Gupta Empire defeats the Yaudheyas, incorporating Himachal Pradesh into the Gupta Empire.
4th Century CE
  • The Kunindas re-emerge and issue coins bearing the name of Lord Shiva, suggesting a shift in religious practices.
3rd Century CE
  • The Audumbaras, a prominent Janapada, assert their independence, evidenced by their coinage.
2nd Century BCE
  • The Kulindas flourish in the Shivalik hills, their presence confirmed by coins and literary references.
1st Century BCE - 1st Century CE

Key figures

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Pre-History & Proto-History

  • The Mahabharata mentions various tribal republics (Janapadas) in the Himalayan region, including the Audumbaras, Trigartas, Kulutas, and Kulindas.
~1000 BCE
  • Paleolithic tools discovered, suggesting early human activity and settlements.
~500,000 years ago
  • Fossils of Ramapithecus found in the Shivaliks, indicating early human presence in the region.
~1 million years ago


*Based on notes from - History of Himachal Pradesh from Pre-Historic Times to 1971, HP University