Mall Road, Shimla

The Mall Road, Shimla

Mall Road is the main street in Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, India. Constructed during British colonial rule, the Mall road is located a level below the ridge. The offices of municipal corporation, fire service, and police headquarters are located here. Automobiles, except emergency vehicles are not allowed on this road. For this reason, the locals — and tourists — are often found strolling on this road in the evenings.

Mall road has a number of showrooms, department stores, shops, restaurants and cafes. A Himachal emporium that offers handicraft products of Himachal Pradesh like locally designed woollen cloths, branded cloths, pottery items, and jewellery is also located here.^[1] There are at least three books shops including one that sells old books.

Attractions

Scandal point

Scandal point, as seen from the Ridge, Shimla

Scandal point is where the Mall road joins Ridge road on the west side. The name arose from the commotion caused by the supposed elopement of a British lady with the Maharaja of Patiala during the British Raj.^[2] The most prominent feature of the point today is a statue of the Indian freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai (no relation to the scandal). Next to Scandal Point is the General Post Office, Shimla.

Gaiety Theater

Gaiety Theater, located on the Mall, was opened on the 30th of May, 1887. Many popular film personalities have performed on its stage.
Today, the Gaiety is primarily known for its social club. Schools in Shimla use this theater for performing arts.^[3] The theater has been renovated with the original structure untouched to keep its heritage preserved while making it more attractive.^[4]

Kali Bari Temple

The temple was built in the year 1845. It is dedicated to the goddess Kali. It is believed that an ancient temple of Shamla i.e. the goddess Kali existed near Jakhoo. In the temple a wooden image is worshiped locally.^[5]

Town Hall

The recently renovated Municipal Corporation building of Shimla adds to the surrounding architecture, reminiscent of the pre-independence era. The building is preserved in its original form. The large steps and the entrance to this building are a common site for pictures depicting the Mall at Shimla. More than 5 crore Rs were spent in renovating this colonial architectural marvel.

References

1. ^ "Shimla, Mall Road quick infoshot @ surfindia.com". Surf India. http://www.surfindia.com/travel/himachal-pradesh/the-mall.html. Retrieved 2007-05-29. 
2. ^ Bradnock, Robert W. (2000). Indian Himalaya Handbook: The Travel Guide. Footprint Travel Guides. pp. 150–159. ISBN 1900949792. 
3. ^ "Shimla Heritage". Shimla Official web site. http://hpshimla.nic.in/sml_heritage.htm. Retrieved 2007-05-29. 
4. ^ "Gaiety Theater gets facelift". The Tribune, Chandigarh, India. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030909/himachal.htm#10. Retrieved 2003-09-09. 
5. ^ "The Mall". himtimes. http://www.himtimes.com/HP_Images/shimla_info/The_Mall.htm. Retrieved 2007-05-31.