History and Culture of Mussoorie: From Ancient Times to British Rule (2024)

History and beauty have always walked hand in hand and has a strange attraction for tourists. The ancient town of Mussoorie has a historical and scenic glory and has existed since the time gods walked on this earth. So, it grabs interest of many and the exact origins of this hill station are still being determined. It beautifies Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayan region and has been christened the Devbhoomi.

Furthermore, Mussoorie is historically said to be the home to a variety of unique hill tribes and small ethnic groups whose primary source of upkeep and earning was and still is grazing cattle and agriculture. The Chand or Gupta emperors, two of the prominent governing dynasties, who have always dominated Uttarakhand, are responsible for many of the attractive and “worth visiting” temples built in and around Mussoorie.

History of Mussoorie Before British Rule

Before the Britishers established their Rule on Mussoorie, it was a vacant land home to the shepherds and gypsies. Their animals grazed at the Mansoor shrubs giving Mussoorie its name!

The Gurkhas:

Gurkhas acquired Dehra and the Garhwal region, which indirectly led to the creation of Mussoorie. In 1803, Gurkhas and their leader Umar Singh Thapa acquired Mussoorie and included it in their region. Also, the Gurkhas had planned development for this region but failed in their endeavor and could not get the British intervention they desired.

The Gurkhas, whose expansionist policy the British considered a severe threat, frequently engaged in combat with British security troops. They failed in their negotiations and ultimately ended up battling against the British army. An inevitable armed conflict between the two mighty powers broke out on November 1, 1814.

As a result of the simmering tensions, Gurkhas were forced to leave Dehra when they lost the war. Their ousting from the region, in a way, solidified the British dominance on the Mussoorie hills.

By 1815, the Gurkhas had to retreat and accept defeat by the foreigners. Furthermore, by 1819, the Britishers conquered the Saharanpur district and Mussoorie.

Discovery of Mussoorie:

Mussoorie was discovered by a Britisher, Captain Young, working with the East India Company and made into an establishment or a shooting lodge with the    resident Superintendent of Revenues, Mr. Shore. Captain Young had come to Mussoorie in search of game and was enthralled by this gorgeous and entertaining hill town with an excellent climate and decided to stay put.

In 1823, Joint Magistrate Mr. Shore and Captian Young built the first house on Camel’s Back road. Within a few months, Young, the Commandant of Landour, built a bigger house called Mullingar here. Mussoorie gained popularity, and many Whites shifted here. During British Rule, in 1832, Mussoorie became a popular destination for many tourists.

Mussoorie, the British Summer Retreat:

Britishers made it their summer retreat to escape from the unbearable summer warmth in Northern India. The hill station has excellent lush green forests with thriving animal life in the forests. The exotic, majestic mountains and carpeted hilly surroundings are so beautiful that they leave tourists stunned and spellbound.

Initially, only a few Britishers stayed here, but then its popularity spread to many members of the British troops. Slowly, it became famous for social meetings and official gatherings of the privileged Britishers, and people from the Military started taking collecting here in large numbers. In fact, Mussoorie could be called a fantastic green English countryside on the Indian ground.

Greater Mussoorie:

During British Rule, the neighboring place Landour was adjoined with Mussoorie as a part of greater Mussoorie. Mussoorie gradually acquired all facilities, and the British upper class soon began to use them for recreation and pleasure. The British commanders preferred to hold social meetings and parties here as well.

No Official Title For Mussoorie:

Mussoorie may have become a favorite with the British Military officials. However, it still needed to be awarded an official title and was always treated as an unofficial “headquarters” hill station by many by 1832, though it wasn’t. The Surveyor General of India wanted to shift his office from Dehradun to Mussoorie. Nevertheless, besides innumerable efforts, the proposal was rejected.

But, by now, the hill station came to notice, and the population and development in the town started by leaps and bounds. Progressive works and social activities were on an upswing. Britishers indulged in Polo, riding, board games, hunting, board and ball games, and entertainment gatherings.

When Landour and Mussoorie formed Greater Mussoorie, it became a favorite of the Premium class English and British elite. Duke and Duchess of Connaught shifted residence here in the middle of the 19th century because of the exquisite scenic brilliance.

British Oppression and Mistreatment:

For years, the British treated the local Indians with contempt. Indian households were prohibited from participating in any social activities. Despite the glorious history of the charming hill town, it is also important to emphasize how unfairly the British treated Indians during the time they controlled India.

In several places in Mussoorie, signs read “Indians and dogs not allowed.” In addition to homes, there were also public areas where villagers and Indians, in general, were not allowed to enter.

After British Rule:

In contrast to Shimla, Mussoorie was never made the official summer retreat of the British; instead, it served as a hillside getaway for the troops making it famous and well-known to all. By 1901, Mussoorie’s population had increased dramatically due to people moving from the plains to the hills, all thanks to the trains that ran through Dehradun.

With the independence struggle uprising, the populace began to catch up with the ongoing British overthrow attempt, and they succeeded in their endeavor. With time, the British left India. Eventually, after much uprising and labor, Uttarakhand was eventually separated from Uttar Pradesh because of its own culture, traditions, and beliefs.

For Mussoorie’s decent surroundings, even government departments had plans to relocate there. Mussoorie had evolved significantly since the mid-eighteenth century. In addition to the increase in tourists, the hill station’s population has grown significantly, and the region has developed and grown uniquely.

Culture of Mussoorie

Tibetans in Mussoorie

However, as the 19th century ended, Mussoorie developed a winery and some welcoming hotels and lodges for tourists. In 1959, Mussorie became part of the state of Uttarakhand. After fleeing Tibet, the Dalai Lama created an exile Tibetan government in Mussoorie, which later transferred to Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh.

The influx of Tibetans here kept increasing day by day. Moreover, the first Tibetan school in Mussoorie was founded in the 1960s. More and more Tibetans relocated there since it was secure, safe, and comfortable. The hill station provided plenty of business and trade opportunities. As a result, Mussoorie has now become home to more than 5000 Tibetans, and the Tibetan market is famous worldwide for its pretty, dainty Tibetan handicrafts and silver embellishments.

People of Mussoorie:

Uttarakhand is a fantastic and exciting blend of numerous diverse races, nationalities, and communities, making it a secular hill station. Although the majority of the population in Mussoorie is reliant on agriculture, the production of handicrafts, and the sale of locally produced stuff, many locals also depend on tourism and other closely linked industries like taking people around and becoming tour guides. Mussoorie residents may look slightly preoccupied but they are the most loving people with warm, welcoming hearts.

Typical “Pahari appearance” with the characteristic cap is what greets the visitors here. Mussoorie’s residents are firm and diligent workers and will always be seen doing something or the other. These folks are endowed with two essential qualities: sincerity and joy. They are very welcoming and polite to the tourists heading towards different scenic spots in the city.

Music:

Due to the diversity of the cultures that call Mussoorie home, the city reverberates with a musical note in the air and celebrates a strong musical heritage. Unique and distinct musical instruments playing intriguing musical rhythms and tones can be experienced and seen here.

These instruments and typical “Himachali” tones have deep-seated roots in the lap of the Himalayan environment. They accurately represent Mussoorie residents’ cultural heritage and lifestyle in general. The essence and soul of these legendary songs are still maintained and have stayed the same. There is a change in the air, and modernization is altering everything, but despite this, the music, songs, and traditional folk music stand firm through this rigorous transition stage.

Art & Craft:

“The land of the gods” is what Uttarakhand is commonly called. Mussoorie, part of Uttrakhand’s rich heritage, is a hub where mythology and history unite to foster an utterly serene, peaceful, and loving environment. Mussoorie’s art and craft demonstrate how the people’s way of life, as shown through their work, is deeply ingrained in the past. Here are some intriguing Mussoorie craft traditions that make it famous world-wide:

• Garhwal Paintings
• Pahari Paintings
• Wood Carvings

Dekara

Based in the Garhwal region, this charming hill town was a great place of stay for Britishers on duty at one time, but today it has bloomed into a much-loved tourist destination for people! With excellent weather and plenty of scenic beauty to admire, Mussoorie, the picturesque hill town, has immense beauty and entertainment opportunities to keep the visitor busy.

Mussoorie is a favourite destination for foreigners and Indians alike. Several sightseeing spots and creations of the Britishers remind people of its historical reference. The British Rule is evident in the architecture of many buildings in Mussoorie that people find very intriguing, and it’s worth every minute to be here.

Mussoorie also earned the title of “India’s Honeymoon Capital,” attracting all types of travellers to this dreamland-like location with stunning hills, woodlands, and rich cultural heritage. The rest is history. Mussoorie is among the best hill destinations in sub-continental India, not just North India.

Getting independence was a boon for Mussooorie, and now the development in the region has made it bloom into a beautiful place. The hill station is luxuriously habitable and has all amenities to enthral tourists. It is academically, monetarily, and viable for locals and tourists alike. The Government has taken over all walks of life and works to utilize the hill station’s assets in the best possible manner to help the tourism industry nurture and grow.