Explain why the hill stations were a distinctive feature of colonial urban development.

Almost all the hill-stations in India were developed by the British. The hill stations were an important aspect of the colonial urban development. They were set-up and developed to fulfil the needs of the British army. Shimla was founded during the course of Gurkha War (1815-16). Similarly the British developed Mount Abu during the Anglo-Maratha War of 1818. They snatched Darjeeling from the rulers of Sikkim in 1835.

Distinctive features of hill stations:
The hill-stations were very important for the British as they fulfilled the following objectives:

(i) They were strategic places for the stay of troops.

(ii) They facilitated defence and guard of the frontiers.

(iii) They were the best places to launch campaign against enemy rulers.

(iv) The temperate and cool climate of the hill-stations was suitable for the British who associated hot weather with epidemics.

(v) The hill-stations served as cantonments for the army in the hills. They also protected the army from diseases like cholera and malaria.

(vi) The hill stations were developed as sanitoriums. These were the places where soldiers could be sent for rest, recreation and recovery from diseases.

(vii) They were frequently visited by British rulers like the Viceroys. Most of the British officials moved to hill stations during the summer season. In 1864, John Lawrence, the then Viceroy of India, officially moved its council to Shimla. The official residence of the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian army was also in Shimla.

(viii) The hill-stations, provided many opportunities for recreation. They served as picnic-spots, tea-parties, race and visits to the theatre.

(ix) The hill-stations were important for the economy of the British. They had tea and coffee plantations in the nearby areas. So they had a large number of immigrant labour.