PRENEETA SHARMA
The former summer capital of British India, Shimla, is well known for its breathtaking scenery and important historical sites. The Annandale Ground, a tranquil yet historically significant site in the center of the Himalayan ranges, is one of these. The site, which was once the heart of British leisure activities, is now used for everything from cultural events to military training. Let’s examine Annandale Ground’s extensive history, development, and current significance in Shimla.
The history of Annandale Ground begins in the early 1830s. The ground was conceived during British control and is located west of Shimla, in a broad and attractive valley close to Kaithu. At 6,117 feet above sea level and including 121 bighas, it is located 4 kilometers from Shimla’s city center. Under the leadership of Lord William Beresford, Lord Dufferin’s Military Secretary, British officers altered the previously rough terrain. Indian Maharajas generously gave ₹80,000 to construct the ground, which now has a cricket pavilion and a polo field.
There is a romantic origin for the name “Annandale.” Early Shimla explorer Capt. Charles Pratt Kennedy named the valley after his boyhood sweetheart, Anna. He immortalized her in this peaceful place by combining her name with the word “dale,” which means valley. The attractiveness of its historical roots is reflected in the early lithographs of Shimla from the 1840s, which still use this spelling.
In the British Era, Annandale
Annandale Ground developed into a center for entertainment and leisure during British administration. For colonial celebrations, it was the preferred venue for everything from polo matches to gymnasiums, dog shows, and fancy fairs. The location was home to:
Polo competitions: yearly events until they move to Calcutta.
The first fancy fair, which drew sizable numbers, took place in 1839.
Sports and Races: Athletic events, horse races, and cricket matches were frequently held.
Cultural Events: The community came together for celebrations, flower exhibits, and birthdays.
Committees that were paid for by club and organization rentals oversaw maintenance. The land was maintained thanks to these leases, making it a distinguished location for a range of events.
