Raj Bhawan
This stands in the quieter part of the
city called Chhota Shimla, or Shimla Minor, and is the residence of
the Governor of HP.
A perfect English country house, the building was formerly known as
Barnes Court after Sir Edward Barnes, commander-in-chief in 1832-33.
This large rambling building with half-timbered gables has a Moorish
ballroom and decorations by Kipling’s father, John Lockwood
Kipling. Lord Napier of Magdala, Sir Colin Campbell and Sir Hugh Rose
all lived there.
Barnes Court was also the site of the historic Shimla Peace Accord
(1972) between Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (of Pakistan) and
the Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. By this agreement both
countries agreed to solve all disputes bilaterally (3rd
July). Raj Bhawan merits a visit, though one needs special permission
from the Governor’s Secretariat.
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