Mussoorie, the Queen of Hills is not just enchanting but also with a fascinating history considering how every nook here has been walked on by some historical figure or the other.

This month we are celebrating Mussorie’s bicentennial anniversary – 200 years and still the Queen of Hills!

The municipal administration will honour the remarkable personalities woven into its rich tapestry, including Captain Frederick Young. With a visionary spirit, this young British Army officer founded the captivating hill station in 1823, nestled at an elevation of 6,600 feet in the majestic Shivalik ranges of the Garhwal Himalayas.

The descendants of this Irishman, who resided in Mussoorie for a remarkable four decades, are eagerly invited by the Nagar Palika Parishad for a warm felicitation. Captain Young's contributions extended beyond founding the town; he introduced potato farming and cultivated thriving tea gardens, adding to the region's allure and charm.

Mussoorie's historical journey is adorned with captivating milestones. One could see how this beautiful hills looked from 1790 till the establishment of the town at the Himalayan Heritage Centre in Landour.
Then there are these milestones after the hill town was born.

In a trailblazing move in 1912, it became the first town in northern India to grace its streets with the radiant glow of electricity. A mere two years later, in 1914, The Electric Picture Palace opened its doors, captivating residents and visitors with cinematic marvels. Mussoorie proudly found its place among a select group of seven global cities renowned for their vibrant culture, urban amenities, entertainment, communication, and thriving commerce.

Unravelling the compelling tale of Mussoorie, author Jaiprakash Uttarakhandi penned "Mussoorie Documents: 1915-1995," painting vivid pictures of the town's rich heritage and eventful timeline. From the arrival of Dost Mohammed, an Afghan Badshah seeking shelter in 1842, to the introduction of basmati cultivation from Afghanistan to the Doon valley, each page brims with fascinating accounts. Noteworthy mentions include Prince Dilip Singh, scion of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, finding solace in Landour, a beloved home to the venerable author Ruskin Bond.

Once adorned with palatial houses belonging to Nawabs and Maharajas, Mussoorie witnessed the passage of time and the winds of change after India gained independence. In 1959, the revered spiritual leader, His Holiness Dalai Lama, sought solace in Mussoorie, establishing the first Tibetan government in exile before relocating to Macleodganj in Himachal Pradesh.

From the magnificent Company Garden, now known as the Botanical Garden, established by scientist Dr. H. Fackner in 1842, to the historic Charleville Hotel, a haven for luminaries such as Rudyard Kipling and even Queen Mary herself in 1905, Mussoorie weaves a captivating tapestry.

It became a cherished sanctuary where Mahatma Gandhi addressed prayer and public meetings.  Pandit Nehru came and stayed in Mussoorie between 1914 and 1964 . In fact, on May 25, 1954 Nehru came to Mussoorie just two days before his death on May 27.

Legends like Subhas Chandra Bose, Motilal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Maharajas from various princely states left their footprints on these verdant slopes.

No wonder, Mussoorie's bi-centennial anniversary promises to be a celebration of heritage, resilience, and the enduring allure of this aptly christened “Queen of Hills”.
 
Himalayan Live Bureau

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