Shimla (officially known as Simla until 1972) is the capital and largest city of Himachal Pradesh, a state in northern India. Shimla became British India’s summer capital in 1864. Following independence, the city was named the capital of East Punjab and later the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It serves as the state’s primary commercial, cultural, and educational center.

Small hamlets were reported prior to 1815, when British forces assumed control of the area. The climate drew the British to create the city among the deep woods of the Himalayas. As the summer capital, Shimla hosted numerous important political events, including the Simla Deputation in 1906, the Simla Accord in 1914, and the Simla Conference.