|
|
THE HERITAGE MILES
The starting point for the Mall and it's row of shops is the Telegraph
Office which was completed in 1922 and is a superb example of stone
Ashlar-work where each piece has been dressed to fit a specific position.
A cornerstone carries the inscription Latin - "Molem Aedificcii Multi
Construxerunt: Rationem Exegit J. Begg" - many men created the
stonework of his building: the work was directed by J. Begg.
On its right the building loosely resembles a steam locomotive - which it
may as well for till very recently this was the Railway Booking Office.
The shops, banks and offices of this pedestrian stretch now begin and
attention may be paid to the variety of architectural details. This
stretch is often likened to a marketplace in rural England and forms the
core of the declared 'Heritage Zone'.
Scandal Point
Scandal Point remain the hub of Shimla's social life and is said to be so
named after a British Commander - in - Chief's daughter eloped from the
spot with the Maharaja of Patiala. The story is uncomfirmed and what is
more likely is that the name is to result of it long having been the place
where people have gathered for conversations.
The Gaiety Theatre
Continue past the fire station, on one's left lies the dressed-stone
structure of the Municipal Offices and just ahead of the famous Gaiety
Theatre. This building was originally a five storied structure that held
the old Town Hall and was completed on 30 May 1887. Loosely Gothic in
style, its architect was the same as of Viceregal Lodge - Henry Irwin.
Major defects in the construction were noticed soon after its completion
and it 1911, The upper potations were dismantled. Subsequently, some minor
additions were made in brick. The Theatre is renowned for its fine
acoustics and was built after a design that won the prize offered by the
Dramatic Society in London. Those who have acted on its stage include the
writer Rugdyard Kipling, founder of the Boy Scout movement. Badan Powell,
novelist M. M. Kaye, artist Amrita Shergil, actors the Kendalls - the
famous singer K. L. Saighal is regarded to have given his first public
performance on the Gaiety's stage. Several contemporary Indian actors and
film personalities like Anupam Kher have been associated with this stage.
Combermere Bridge
Further down the Mall, just short of the lift is Combermere Bridge, which
was first, built in 1828 and was the first construction of a public nature
in the town. A water tank was also built, past the half-timbered structure
of the Clarkes, is the day school at the chalet. The name is indicative of
its architectural style and this was once a part of the united services
club. Ahead is another fine example of the Swiss Bavarian style in the
Cedars. On the right is Oak over, the residence of the Chief Minister of
Himacheal Pradesh and once the property of the Maharaja of Patiala. Just
past this, by the rain-shelters is Shimla's oldest cemetery.
Raj Bhavan
Turn left towards Raj Bhavan, the residence of the Governor of Himachal
Pradesh. Earlier called Barnes' Court this handsome neo-Tudor building was
the residence of various Commanders- in-Chief and then the Governors of
the Punjab. The historic 'Shimla Agreement' between India and Pakistan was
signed here on 3 July 1972.
Carry on past Raj Bhawan to the left track, which climbs to the Old
Forest Hill Road - the one-time 'Lovers Lane'. Once one touches the Forest
Hill Road, the turn of the right will take one to St. Bede's College, The
Convent of Jesus and Mary, Navbahar and Sanjauli. If one decides to take
this turn, then the walk can continue to the Sanjauli Chowk where one can
take a left turn towards the Government College. This track will bring one
back to The Ridge and the Mall via Lakkar Bazaar.
Ramchandra Chowk
If above Raj Bhavan, one has to turn left, then past the Ramchandra Chowk
(named after one of Shimla's leading citizens and a distinguished civil
servant). One can see the town unfold below. One can choose two routes to
return to the Mall. A sharp slope just past the house called "The
Rookery", the road drops down to the Mall and arrives through the old
United Services Club, near the lift. The recommended road carries on to
the Ridge.
Christ Church
The Ridge holds Christ Church consecrated in 1857. This is one of the
town's prominent landmarks and is embellished with some fine stained glass
and memorial tablets. By its side is the neo-Tudor structure of the
Library.