Himachal Pradesh boasts a history stretching back to prehistoric tribal settlements like the Dasas, Kiratas, and Kinnars, and later flourished as a region of small republics known as Janapadas, which eventually came under the influence of empires like the Mauryas and Guptas. For centuries, the region was fragmented into numerous independent princely hill states ruled by local chieftains, often of Rajput descent, which largely retained their autonomy until the British paramountcy, with Shimla serving as the British summer capital. Culturally, Himachal is profoundly significant as “Dev Bhumi” (Land of Gods), a concept central to the lives of its largely Hindu population, evident in the thousands of ancient stone and distinctive wood temples dedicated to local deities, where village life and festivals often revolve around the temple traditions and a form of faith that blends Hinduism with elements of pre-Vedic beliefs. The state is also a mosaic of diverse communities like the nomadic Gaddis and Gujjars and the Buddhist-influenced populace of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, all contributing to a rich heritage expressed through vibrant folk dances, distinctive handlooms like the Kullu shawls and Himachali caps, and a resilient Pahari architectural style designed to withstand the harsh mountain climate.