Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh(Hindi:himācala pradeśapronounced[ɦɪˈmäːtʃəlpɾəˈd̪eːʃ];lit."Snow-laden Mountain Province") is astatein the northern part ofIndia. Situated in theWestern Himalayas, it is one of the thirteenmountain statesand is characterised by an extreme landscape featuringseveral peaksand extensiveriver systems. Himachal Pradesh is the northernmost state of India and shares borders with theunion territoriesofJammu and KashmirandLadakhto the north, and the states ofPunjabto the west,Haryanato the southwest,Uttarakhandto the southeast and a very narrow border withUttar Pradeshto the south. The state also shares an international border to the east with theTibet Autonomous RegioninChina. Himachal Pradesh is also known asDev Bhoomi, meaning 'Land of Gods'andVeer Bhoomiwhich means 'Land of the Brave'.
The predominantly mountainous region comprising the present-day Himachal Pradesh has been inhabited since pre-historic times, having witnessed multiple waves of human migrations from other areas.Through its history, the region was mostly ruled by local kingdoms, some of which accepted thesuzeraintyof largerempires. Prior toIndia's independencefrom theBritish, Himachal comprised the hilly regions of thePunjab ProvinceofBritish India. After independence, many of the hilly territories were organised as the Chief Commissioner's province of Himachal Pradesh, which later became a Union Territory. In 1966, hilly areas of the neighbouringPunjabstate were merged into Himachal and it was ultimately granted full statehood in 1971.
Himachal Pradesh is spread across valleys with many perennial rivers flowing through them.Agriculture, horticulture, hydropower, and tourism are important constituents of the state's economy. The hilly state is almost universally electrified, with 99.5% of households havingelectricityas of 2016. The state was declared India's secondopen-defecation-free state in 2016.According to a survey of CMS-India Corruption Study in 2017, Himachal Pradesh is India's leastcorruptstate.
Himachal Pradesh is divided into 12 districts.
The name of the state is a reference to its setting: Himachal means "snowy slopes" (Sanskrit:hima, meaning "snow";acala/achala meaning"slopes", or "land", or "abode"). Himachal Pradesh (ɦɪˈmaːtʃəl pɾəˈdeːʃ; literally "snow-laden province"). Himachal refers to being in the "aanchal" of the Himalayas hence, sheltered by the Himalayas or by the snow. It means "the land in the lap of snowy Himalayas".Pradeshmeans "state". Himachal was referenced by Diwakar Datt Sharma, aSanskritscholar, after independence, when "Jan Gan Man" was revealed publicly by Pt. Nehru from GurudevTagore's diary. The word was added in the national anthem of India "Jan Gan Man" by GurudevRabindranath Tagorewhen he was writing and composing it. Later after independence of India, Punjab province was divided and the name was given officially to the mountain state as Himachal Pradesh.
Tribes such as theKoli, Hali, Dagi, Dhaugri,Dasa,Khasa,Kanaura, andKiratainhabited the region from the prehistoric era.The foothills of the modern state of Himachal Pradesh were inhabited by people from theIndus valley civilisation, which flourished between 2250 and 1750 BCE.The Kols andMundasare believed to be the original inhabitants to the hills of present-day Himachal Pradesh, followed by theBhotasandKiratas.
During theVedic period, several small republics known asJanapadaexisted which were later conquered by theGupta Empire. After a brief period of supremacy by KingHarshavardhana, the region was divided into several local powers headed by chieftains, including someRajputprincipalities. These kingdoms enjoyed a large degree of independence and were invaded byDelhi Sultanateseveral times.Mahmud GhaznaviconqueredKangraat the beginning of the 11th century.TimurandSikander Lodialso marched through the lower hills of the state, captured several forts, and fought many battles.Several hill states acknowledgedMughalsuzeraintyand paid regulartributeto the Mughals.
TheKingdom of Gorkhaconquered many kingdoms and came to power inNepalin 1768.They consolidated their military power and began to expand their territory.Gradually, theKingdom of NepalannexedSirmourandShimla. Under the leadership ofAmar Singh Thapa, theNepali armylaid siege toKangra. They managed to defeatSansar ChandKatoch, the ruler of Kangra, in 1806 with the help of many provincial chiefs. However, the Nepali army could not captureKangra fortwhich came underMaharaja Ranjit Singhin 1809. After the defeat, they expanded towards the south of the state. However, Raja Ram Singh, Raja ofSiba State, captured the fort of Siba from the remnants ofLahoreDarbar in Samvat 1846,during theFirst Anglo-Sikh War.
They came into direct conflict with the British along thetaraibelt, after which the British expelled them from the provinces of theSatluj.The British gradually emerged as the paramount power in the region.In the revolt of 1857, or firstIndian war of independence, arising from several grievances against the British,the people of the hill states were not as politically active as were those in other parts of the country.They and their rulers, except Bushahr, remained more or less inactive.Some, including the rulers ofChamba,Bilaspur, Bhagal and Dhami, rendered help to the British government during the revolt.
The British territories came under the British Crown afterQueen Victoria's proclamation of 1858. The states ofChamba,Mandiand Bilaspur made good progress in many fields during the British rule.During World War I, virtually all rulers of the hill states remained loyal and contributed to the British war effort, both in the form of men and materials. Among these were the states ofKangra, Jaswan, Datarpur, Guler,Rajgarh,Nurpur, Chamba, Suket, Mandi, and Bilaspur.
After independence, the Chief Commissioner's Province of Himachal Pradesh was organised on 15 April 1948 as a result of the integration of 30 petty princely states (including feudal princes andzaildars) in the promontories of the westernHimalayas. These were known as the Simla Hills States and fourPunjabsouthern hill states under the Himachal Pradesh (Administration) Order, 1948 under Sections 3 and 4 of the Extra-Provincial Jurisdiction Act, 1947 (later renamed as the Foreign Jurisdiction Act, 1947 vide A.O. of 1950). The State of Bilaspur was merged into Himachal Pradesh on 1 July 1954 by the Himachal Pradesh and Bilaspur (New State) Act, 1954.
Himachal became a Part 'C' state on 26 January 1950 when theConstitution of Indiacame into effect and the Lieutenant Governor was appointed. The Legislative Assembly was elected in 1952. Himachal Pradesh became aunion territoryon 1 November 1956.Some areas of the Punjab State, namely, Simla, Kangra, Kullu and Lahul and Spiti Districts, Lohara, Amb and Una Kanungo circles, some areas of Santokhgarh Kanungo circle and some other specified area of Una Tehsil ofHoshiarpur District, as well as Kandaghat and Nalagarh Tehsils of erstwhilePEPSU State, besides some parts of Dhar Kalan Kanungo circle of Pathankot District—were merged with Himachal Pradesh on 1 November 1966 on the enactment by Parliament of thePunjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.On 18 December 1970, the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament, and the new state came into being on 25 January 1971. Himachal became the 18th state of the Indian Union withDr. Yashwant Singh Parmaras its first chief minister.
Himachal is in the westernHimalayassituated between 30°22′N and 33°12′N latitude and 75°47′E and 79°04′E longitude. Covering an area of 55,673 square kilometres (21,495 sq mi),it is a mountainous state. TheZanskar rangeruns in the northeastern part of the state and the great Himalayan range run through the eastern and northern parts, while theDhauladharand thePir Panjal rangesof the lesser Himalayas, and their valleys, form much of the core regions. The outer Himalayas, or theShiwalik range, form southern and western Himachal Pradesh. At 6,816 m,Reo Purgyilis the highest mountain peak in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Thedrainagesystem of Himachal is composed both of rivers andglaciers. Himalayan rivers criss-cross the entire mountain chain. Himachal Pradesh provides water to both theIndusandGangesbasins.The drainage systems of the region are the Chandra Bhaga or theChenab, theRavi, theBeas, theSutlej, and theYamuna. These rivers areperennialand are fed by snow and rainfall. They are protected by an extensive cover of natural vegetation.Four of the five Punjab rivers flow through Himachal Pradesh, three of them originating in the state. These rivers run through a maze of valleys separated by the mountain ranges of the state. TheSatluj Valleyis formed by the Satluj river entering the state nearShipki La, while the Spiti andBaspa Valleysare formed by the river's two major tributaries in the state. The Beas river flows though theKulluand theKangra Valleys, with tributary Parvati forming theParvati Valley. The Chenab river, formed by the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga, forms much of the northern regions of Lahaul andPangi, and the Ravi river flows principally through Chamba. ThePabbarand Giri rivers in the southeast are part of the Yamuna basin.
Due to extreme variation in elevation, great variation occurs in the climatic conditions of Himachal Pradesh. The climate varies from hot and humid subtropical in the southern tracts to, with more elevation, cold, alpine, and glacial in the northern and eastern mountain ranges.The state's winter capital,Dharamsalareceives very heavy rainfall, while areas likeLahaul and Spitiare cold and almost rainless. Broadly, Himachal experiences three seasons: summer, winter, and rainy season. Summer lasts from mid-April until the end of June and most parts become very hot (except in thealpinezone which experiences a mild summer) with the average temperature ranging from 28 to 32 °C (82 to 90 °F). Winter lasts from late November until mid-March.Snowfallis common in alpine tracts. Pollution is affecting the climate of almost all the states of India. Due to steps taken by governments to prevent pollution, Himachal Pradesh has become the first smoke-free state in India which means cooking in the entire state is free of traditionalchulhas.
Himachal Pradesh is one of the states that lies in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), one of the richest reservoirs of biological diversity in the world. As of 2002, the IHR is undergoing large scale irrational extraction of wild, medicinal herbs, thus endangering many of its high-value gene stock. To address this, a workshop on 'Endangered Medicinal Plant Species in Himachal Pradesh' was held in 2002 and the conference was attended by forty experts from diverse disciplines.
According to 2003Forest Survey of Indiareport, legally defined forest areas constitute 66.52% of the area of Himachal Pradesh.Vegetation in the state is dictated by elevation andprecipitation. The state is endowed with a high diversity of medicinal and aromatic plants.Lahaul-Spiti region of the state, being a cold desert, supports unique plants of medicinal value includingFerula jaeschkeana,Hyoscyamus niger,Lancea tibetica, andSaussureabracteata.
Himachal is also said to be the fruit bowl of the country,with widespread  orchards. Meadows and pastures are also seen clinging to steep slopes. After the winter season, the hillsides and orchards bloom with wild flowers, white gladiolas,carnations,marigolds,roses,chrysanthemums,tulipsandliliesare carefully cultivated. Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Ltd. (HPMC) is a state body that markets fresh and processed fruits.
Himachal Pradesh has around 463 birds, and Tragopan melanocephalus is the state bird of Himanchal Pradesh77 mammalian, 44 reptile and 80 fish species. Himachal Pradesh has currently fiveNational Parks.Great Himalayan National Park, oldest and largest National park in the state, is aUNESCO World Heritage Site.Pin Valley National Park,Inderkilla,KhirgangaandSimbalbaraare the othernational Parkslocated in the state.The state also has 30wildlife sanctuariesand 3 conservation reserves.The state bird of Himachal Pradesh is theWestern tragopan, locally known as thejujurana.It is one of the rarest living pheasants in the world. The state animal is thesnow leopard, which is even rarer to find than thejujurana.
TheLegislative Assembly of Himachal Pradeshhas no pre-constitution history. The State itself is a post-independence creation. It came into being as a centrally administered territory on 15 April 1948 from the integration of thirty erstwhile princely states.
Himachal Pradesh is governed through aparliamentary systemofrepresentative democracy, a feature the state shares with other Indian states.Universal suffrageis granted to residents. The legislature consists of elected members and special office bearers such as the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker who are elected by the members. Assembly meetings are presided over by the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker in the Speaker's absence. Thejudiciaryis composed of theHimachal Pradesh High Courtand a system of lower courts.
Executive authorityis vested in the Council of Ministers headed by theChief Minister, although the titular head of government is theGovernor. The governor is thehead of stateappointed by thePresident of India. The leader of the party or coalition with a majority in the Legislative Assembly is appointed as the Chief Minister by the governor, and the Council of Ministers are appointed by the governor on the advice of the Chief Minister. The Council of Ministers reports to the Legislative Assembly. The Assembly isunicameralwith 68Members of the Legislative Assembly(MLA).Terms of office run for five years, unless the Assembly is dissolved prior to the completion of the term. Auxiliary authorities known aspanchayats, for which local body elections are regularly held, govern local affairs.
In the assembly elections held in November 2022, theIndian National Congresssecured an absolute majority, winning 40 of the 68 seats while theBJPwon only 25 of the 68 seats.Sukhvinder Singh Sukhuwas sworn in as Himachal Pradesh's 15th Chief Minister in Shimla on 11 December 2022.Mukesh Agnihotriwas sworn in as his deputy the same day.
The state of Himachal Pradesh is divided into 12 districtswhich are grouped into three divisions, Shimla, Kangra and Mandi.The districts are further divided into 73 subdivisions, 78 blocks and 172 Tehsils.
Planning in Himachal Pradesh started in 1951 along with the rest of India with the implementation of the firstfive-year plan. The First Plan allocated₹52.7 million to Himachal Pradesh.More than 50% of this expenditure was incurred on transport and communication; while the power sector got a share of just 4.6%, though it had steadily increased to 7% by the Third Plan.Expenditure on agriculture and allied activities increased from 14.4% in the First Plan to 32% in the Third Plan, showing a progressive decline afterwards from 24% in the Fourth Plan to less than 10% in the Tenth Plan.Expenditure on energy sector was 24.2% of the total in the Tenth Plan.
The total GDP for 2005–06 was estimated at₹254 billion as against₹230 billion in the year 2004–05, showing an increase of 10.5%.The GDP for fiscal 2015–16 was estimated at₹1.110 trillion,which increased to₹1.247 trillion in 2016–17, recording growth of 6.8%.The per capita income increased from₹130,067 in 2015–16 to₹147,277 in 2016–17.The state government's advance estimates for fiscal 2017–18 stated the total GDP and per capita income as₹1.359 trillion and₹158,462, respectively.As of 2018, Himachal is the22nd-largest state economyin India with₹1.52 lakh crore(US$18 billion) ingross domestic productand has the 13th-highest per capita income (₹160,000(US$1,800)) amongthe states and union territories of India.
Himachal Pradesh also ranks as the second-best performing state in the country on human development indicators afterKerala.One of the Indian government's key initiatives to tackle unemployment is the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). The participation of women in the NREGA has been observed to vary across different regions of the nation. As of the year 2009–2010, Himachal Pradesh joined the category of high female participation, recording a 46% share of NREGS (National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme) workdays for women. This was a drastic increase from the 13% that was recorded in 2006–2007.
Agricultureaccounts for 9.4% of the net state domestic product.It is the main source of income and employment in Himachal. About 90% of the population in Himachal depends directly upon agriculture, which provides direct employment to 62% of total workers of state.The main cereals grown includewheat,maize,riceandbarleywith major cropping systems being maize-wheat, rice-wheat and maize-potato-wheat.Pulses,fruits,vegetablesandoilseedsare among the other crops grown in the state.Centuries-old traditionalKuhl irrigationsystem is prevalent in theKangra valley,though in recent years these Kuhls have come under threat from hydroprojects on small streams in the valley.Land husbandry initiatives such as theMid-Himalayan Watershed Development Project, which includes the Himachal Pradesh Reforestation Project (HPRP), the world's largest clean development mechanism (CDM) undertaking, have improved agricultural yields and productivity, and raised rural household incomes.
Appleis the principal cash crop of the state grown principally in the districts of Shimla, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, Chamba and some parts of Sirmaur and Lahaul-Spiti with an average annual production of fivelakhtonnes and per hectare production of 8 to 10 tonnes.The apple cultivation constitute 49 per cent of the total area under fruit crops and 85% of total fruit production in the state with an estimated economy of₹3500crore.Apples from Himachal are exported to otherIndian statesand even other countries.In 2011–12, the total area under apple cultivation was 104,000 hectares, increased from 90,347 hectares in 2000–01.According to the provisional estimates ofMinistry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, the annual apple production in Himachal for fiscal 2015–16 stood at 753,000 tonnes, making it India's second-largest apple-producing state afterJammu and Kashmir.The state is also among the leading producers of other fruits such asapricots,cherries,peaches,pears,plumsandstrawberriesin India.
Kangra teais grown in the Kangra valley. Tea plantation began in 1849, and production peaked in the late 19th century with the tea becoming popular across the globe.Production dipped sharply after the1905 Kangra earthquakeand continues to decline.The tea receivedgeographical indicationstatus in 2005.
Himachal Pradesh is renowned as Asia's pharmaceutical hub, housing a total of 652pharmaceutical units. The state hosts a thriving ₹40,000 crore drug manufacturing industry.
Hydropoweris one of the major sources of income generation for the state.The state has an abundance of hydropower resources because of the presence of various perennial rivers. Many high-capacity hydropower plants have been constructed which produce surplus electricity that is sold to other states, such asDelhi,PunjabandWest Bengal.The income generated from exporting the electricity to other states is being provided as subsidy to the consumers in the state.The rich hydropower resources of Himachal have resulted in the state becoming almost universally electrified with around 94.8% houses receiving electricity as of 2001, as compared to the national average of 55.9%.Himachal's hydro-electric power production is, however, yet to be fully utilised.The identified hydroelectric potential for the state is 27,436 MW in five river basinswhile the hydroelectric capacity in 2016 was 10,351 MW.
Tourism in Himachal Pradesh is a major contributor to the state's economy and growth. TheHimalayasattracts tourists from all over the world. Hill stations likeShimla,Manali,Dharamshala,Dalhousie,Chamba,Khajjiar,KulluandKasauliare popular destinations for both domestic and foreign tourists.The state also has many importantHindu pilgrimage siteswith prominent temples likeShri Chamunda Devi Mandir,Naina DeviTemple,Bajreshwari Mata Temple,Jwala JiTemple,Chintpurni,Baijnath Temple,Bhimakali Temple,Bijli MahadevandJakhooTemple.Manimahesh Lakesituated in theBharmourregion of Chamba district is the venue of an annual Hindu pilgrimage trek held in the month of August which attracts lakhs of devotees.The state is also referred to as "Dev Bhoomi" (literally meaningAbode of Gods) due to its mention as such in ancient Hindu texts and occurrence of a large number of historical temples in the state.
Himachal is also known for its adventure tourism activities likeice skatingin Shimla,paraglidingin Bir Billing and Solang Valley,raftingin Kullu,skiingin Manali, boating in Bilaspur,fishingin Tirthan Valley,trekkingandhorse ridingin different parts of the state.Shimla, the state's capital, is home to Asia's only naturalice-skatingrink.Spiti Valley in Lahaul and Spiti District situated at an altitude of over 3000 metres with its picturesque landscapes is popular destination for adventure seekers. The region also has some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the world.Himachal hosted the firstParagliding World Cupin India from 24 to 31 October in 2015.The venue for the paragliding world cup was Bir Billing, which is 70 km from the tourist townMacleod Ganj, located in the heart of Himachal in Kangra District. Bir Billing is the centre for aero sports in Himachal and considered as best for paragliding.Buddhist monasteries, trekking to tribal villages and mountain biking are other local possibilities.
There are a variety of festivals celebrated by the locals of Himachal Pradesh who worship gods and goddesses. There are over 2000 villages in Himachal Pradesh which celebrate festivals such asKullu Dussehra, Chamba's Minjar, Renuka ji Fair,Lohri,Halda, Phagli,LosarandMandi Shivratri.There approximately 6000 temples in Himachal Pradesh with a known one beingBijli Mahadev. The temple is seen as a 20-meter structure built in stone which, according to locals, is known to attract lighting. They say that this is a way the Gods show their blessings.
TheGreat Himalayan National Parkis found in theKullu districtsof Himachal Pradesh. It has an area of 620 kmand ranging from an altitude of 1500 meters to 4500 meters and was created in 1984. There are various forest types found here such asDeodar,Himalayan Fir,Spruce,Oakand Alpine pastures. In theGreat Himalayan National Park, there are a variety of animals found such asSnow leopard,Yak,Himalayan black bear,Western tragopan,MonalandMusk deer. This National Park is a trail to many hikers and trekkers too. Moreover, there are sanctuaries which are tourist spots such as Naina Devi and Gobind Sagar Sanctuary in theUnaandBilaspurdistricts with an area of 220 km. There are animals such asIndian porcupineandgiant flying squirrelfound here. TheGobind Sagar Lakehas fish species such asMrigal,Silver carp, Katla,MahaseerandRohuare found here.Narkandalocated in at an altitude of around 8850 feet is known for its apple orchards. It is located between the river valleys of Giri andSutlej.
Himachal has three domestic airports in Kangra, Kullu and Shimla districts, respectively.The air routes connect the state withNew DelhiandChandigarh.
The only broad-gauge railway line in the whole state connectsAmb Andaura–Una Himachal railway stationtoNangal DaminPunjaband runs all the way toDaulatpur, Himachal Pradesh.It is an electrified track since 1999. While a tiny portion of line adjacent to Kandrori(KNDI) station on either side on Pathankot-Jalandhar Section, under Ferozepur Division of Northern Railway also crosses into Himachal Pradesh, before venturing out to Punjab again.
Future constructions:
Himachal is known for itsnarrow-gauge railways. One is theKalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site, and another is theKangra Valley Railway.The total length of these two tracks is 259 kilometres (161 mi). The Kalka-Shimla Railway passes through many tunnels and bridges, while the Pathankot–Jogindernagar one meanders through a maze of hills and valleys. The total route length of the operational railway network in the state is 296.26 kilometres (184.09 mi).
Roads are the major mode of transport in Himachal Pradesh due to its hilly terrain. The state has road network of 28,208 kilometres (17,528 mi),including eightNational Highways(NH) that constitute 1,234 kilometres (767 mi) and 19State Highwayswith a total length of 1,625 kilometres (1,010 mi).Hamirpur districthas the highest road density in the country.Some roads are closed during winter andmonsoonseasons due to snow andlandslides. The state-ownedHimachal Road Transport Corporationwith a fleet of over 3,100,operates bus services connecting important cities and towns with villages within the state and also on various interstate routes. In addition, around 5,000 private buses ply in the state.
Himachal Pradesh has a total population of 6,864,602 including 3,481,873 males and 3,382,729 females according to the Census of India 2011. It has only 0.57 per cent of India's total population, recording a growth of 12.81 per cent.The child sex ratio increased from 896 in 2001 to 909 in 2011.The total fertility rate (TFR) per woman in 2015 stood at 1.7, one of the lowest in India.
Thescheduled castesandscheduled tribesaccount for 25.19 per cent and 5.71 per cent of the population, respectively.The sex ratio stood at 972 females per 1,000 males, recording a marginal increase from 968 in 2001.The main caste groups in Himachal Pradesh areBrahmins,Rajputs,Kanets, Kulindas, Girths, Raos, Rathis,Kolis, Hollis,Chamars, Drains, Rehars, Chanals, Lohars, Baris, Julahas, Dhakhis, Turis, Batwals
In the census, the state is placed 21st on the population chart, followed byTripuraat 22nd place.Kangra Districtwas top-ranked with a population strength of 1,507,223 (21.98%),Mandi District999,518 (14.58%),Shimla District813,384 (11.86%),Solan District576,670 (8.41%),Sirmaur District530,164 (7.73%),Una District521,057 (7.60%),Chamba District518,844 (7.57%),Hamirpur district454,293 (6.63%),Kullu District437,474 (6.38%),Bilaspur district382,056 (5.57%),Kinnaur District84,298 (1.23%) andLahaul Spiti31,528 (0.46%).
Thelife expectancyat birth in Himachal Pradesh increased significantly from 52.6 years in the period from 1970 to 1975 (above the national average of 49.7 years) to 72.0 years for the period 2011–15 (above the national average of 68.3 years).Theinfant mortality ratestood at 40 in 2010, and the crudebirth ratehas declined from 37.3 in 1971 to 16.9 in 2010, below the national average of 26.5 in 1998. The crudedeath ratewas 6.9 in 2010.Himachal Pradesh's literacy rate has almost doubled between 1981 and 2011 (see table to right). The state is one of themost literate states of Indiawith a literacy rate of 83.78% as of 2011.
Hindiis thede jureofficial language of Himachal Pradesh and is spoken by the majority of the population as alingua franca.Sanskritis the additional official language of the state.Although mostly encountered in academic and symbolic contexts, the government of Himachal Pradesh is encouraging its wider study and use.
Most of the population, however, speaks natively one or another of theWestern Pahari languages(locally also known asHimachalior justPahari), a subgroup of theIndo-Aryan languagesthat includesBhattiyali,Bilaspuri,Chambeali,Churahi,Gaddi,Hinduri,Kangri,Kullu,Mahasu Pahari,Mandeali,Pahari Kinnauri,Pangwali, andSirmauri. Additional Indo-Aryan languages spoken includePunjabi(native to 4.4% of the population),Nepali(1.3%),Chinali,Lahul Lohar, and others. In parts of the state there are speakers ofTibeto-Burman languageslikeKinnauri(1.2%),Tibetan(0.3%),Lahuli–Spiti languages(0.16%),Pattani(0.12%),Bhoti Kinnauri,Chitkuli Kinnauri,Bunan(or Gahri),Jangshung,Kanashi,Shumcho,Spiti Bhoti,Sunam,Tinani, andTukpa.
Hinduism is the major religion in Himachal Pradesh. More than 95% of the total population adheres to the Hindu faith and majorly followsShaivismandShaktismtraditions,the distribution of which is evenly spread throughout the state.Himachal Pradesh has the highest proportion of Hindu population among all the states and union territories in India.
Other religions that form a smaller percentage areIslam,SikhismandBuddhism.Muslimsare mainly concentrated inSirmaur,Chamba,UnaandSolandistricts where they form 2.5-6.3% of the population.Sikhs mostly live in towns and cities and constitute 1.16% of the state population. The Buddhists, who constitute 1.15%, are mainly natives and tribals fromLahaul and Spiti, where they form a majority of 62%, andKinnaur, where they form 21.5%.
Himachal Pradesh was one of the few states that had remained largely untouched by external customs, largely due to its difficult terrain. With remarkable economic and social advancements, the state has changed rapidly.Himachal Pradesh is a multilingual state like other Indian states.Western Paharilanguages also known as Himachali languages are widely spoken in the state. Some of the most commonly spoken Pahadi lects areKangri,Mandyali,Kullvi,Chambeali,BharmauriandKinnauri.
Himachal is well known for its handicrafts. The carpets, leather works,Kullu shawls,Kangra paintings,Chamba Rumals,stoles, embroidered grass footwear (Pullan chappal), silver jewellery, metal ware, knitted woolen socks,Pattoo, basketry of cane and bamboo (WickerandRattan) and woodwork are among the notable ones.Of late, the demand for these handicrafts has increased within and outside the country.
Himachali caps of various colour bands are also well-known local art work, and are often treated as a symbol of the Himachali identity.The colour of the Himachali caps has been an indicator of political loyalties in the hill state for a long period of time withCongress partyleaders likeVirbhadra Singhdonning caps with green band and the rivalBJPleaderPrem Kumar Dhumalwearing a cap with maroon band.The former has served six terms as theChief Ministerof the state while the latter is a two-time Chief Minister.Local music and dance also reflect the cultural identity of the state. Through their dance and music, the Himachali people entreat their gods during local festivals and other special occasions.
There are national and regional fairs and festivals, including temple fairs in nearly every region.TheKullu Dussehra, Minjar mela and Mahashivratri Mandifestival is nationally known.The day-to-day cuisine ofHimachalisis similar to the rest of northern India withPunjabiandTibetaninfluences.Lentils(Dāl),rice(chāwalorbhāț),vegetables(sabzī) andchapati(wheat flatbread) form the staple food of the local population.Non-vegetarian food is more widely accepted in Himachal Pradesh than elsewhere in India, partly due to the scarcity of fresh vegetables on the hilly terrain of the state.
Himachali specialities include Siddu, Babru, Khatta, Mhanee, Channa Madra, Patrode,  Mah ki dal, Chamba-style fried fish, Kullu trout, Chha Gosht, Pahadi Chicken, Sepu Badi, Auriya Kaddu, Aloo palda, Pateer,Makki di roti,Sarson ka saag,Chamba Chukh(Chouck), Bhagjery,Chutneyof Til, etc.
At the time of Independence, Himachal Pradesh had a literacy rate of 8% – one of the lowest in the country.By 2011, the literacy rate surged to 82.8%,making Himachal one of the most-literate states in the country. There are over 10,000 primary schools, 1,000 secondary schools and more than 1,300 high schools in the state.In meeting the constitutional obligation to make primary education compulsory, Himachal became the first state in India to make elementary education accessible to every child.Himachal Pradesh is an exception to the nationwide gender bias in education levels.The state has a female literacy rate of around 76%.In addition, school enrolment and participation rates for girls are almost universal at the primary level. While higher levels of education do reflect a gender-based disparity, Himachal is still significantly ahead of other states at bridging the gap.TheHamirpurDistrict in particular stands out for high literacy rates across all metrics of measurement.
The state government has played an instrumental role in the rise of literacy in the state by spending a significant proportion of the state's GDP on education. During the first six five-year plans, most of the development expenditure in the education sector was utilised in quantitative expansion, but after the seventh five-year-plan the state government switched emphasis on qualitative improvement and modernisation of education.To raise the number of the teaching staff at primary schools they appointed over 1000 teacher aids through the Vidya Upasak Yojna in 2001.The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is another HP government initiative that not only aims for universal elementary education but also encourages communities to engage in the management of schools.The Rashtriya Madhayamic Shiksha Abhiyan launched in 2009, is a similar scheme but focuses on improving access to quality secondary education.
The standard of education in the state has reached a considerably high level as compared to other states in Indiawith several reputed educational institutes for higher studies. TheBaddi University of Emerging Sciences and Technologies,Indian Institute of Technology Mandi,Indian Institute of Management Sirmaur,Himachal Pradesh Universityin Shimla, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamsala,National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur,Indian Institute of Information Technology Una,Alakh Prakash Goyal University,Maharaja Agrasen University,Himachal Pradesh National Law Universityare some of the notable universities in the state.Indira Gandhi Medical Collegeand Hospital in Shimla,Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical CollegeinKangra, Rajiv Gandhi Government Post Graduate Ayurvedic College in Paprola and Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital in Kumarhatti are the prominent medical institutes in the state. Besides these, there is a Government Dental College in Shimla which is the state's first recognised dental institute.
The state government has also decided to start three major nursing colleges to develop the healthcare system of the state.CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalya Palampuris one of the most renowned hill agriculture institutes in the world.Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestryhas earned a unique distinction in India for imparting teaching, research and extension education in horticulture, forestry and allied disciplines. Further, state-runJawaharlal Nehru Government Engineering Collegewas inaugurated in 2006 atSundernagar.Himachal Pradesh also hosts a campus of the fashion college,National Institute of Fashion Technology(NIFT) inKangra.
Source:Department of Information and Public Relations.