Why Do Almost All Indian Hill Stations Have A Mall Road? Know The Historic Significance

While visiting the mountains in India, you may have often heard of the world-famous 'Mall Road' and wondered why mountains have a common road that is the most famous road built by the British during the Colonial Rule, as per the mountain geography. A Mall Road in all regions is a straight walkway lined with multiple shops, shopping areas, eateries, and a place for an evening stroll, with the liveliest environment. Have you ever wondered why it is common in all? Read below to know the history behind this concept.

Why Do Mountains Have A Mall Road?

Lined with cosy cafes, handicraft shops, local food stalls and so much more, we always see a Mall Road in almost every hill station of India, but why do these distinct mountain towns, scattered across different mountain ranges, have the urban blueprint?

To understand why Mall Road was built, we have to go back to the 19th century during the British Raj. As the British soldiers faced issues during the scorching heat, tropical diseases and malaria in the northern regions, they sought refuge in the cooler, temperate climates of the Himalayas and the Western Ghats.

These high-altitude retreats were converted into sanatoriums and summer capitals, most notably Shimla, which was officially known as the Summer Capital of British India in 1864.

During such times, British urban planners thought of rebuilding the areas as per the English High Street plan or the grand promenades of British seaside resort towns like Brighton and Blackpool to create the comfort of a home away from home.

Why did the name 'Mall' originate?

The term ‘Mall’ originally refers to a modern shopping centre. It is derived from the 18th-century British concept of ‘Pall Mall’ or a broad, tree-lined avenue specifically designed for social strolling, horse-riding or horse-drawn carriages. 

The same concept was brought by the British to India, and Mall Road was constructed along the most stable crest or the ridge of the mountain. It provided a flat, wide stretch of terrain in an otherwise steep, rugged landscape where British elites could take evening promenades, see or be seen and socialise from a higher altitude. 

Social segregation with ‘Lower Mall’ and ‘Upper Mall’

During colonial rule, the Mall Roads were tied to the racial and social hierarchy. In towns like Shimla, Manali, Nainital and others, the urban layout was divided into two categories of Upper Mall and the Lower Mall. 

1. Upper Mall: Reserved for the high-class British Officers, European residents, and royalty. Native Indians, except royalty, high-ranking officials or uniformed servants, were restricted from walking during the peak hours.

2. Lower Mall: Located further down the slope, this area was home to local Indian bazaars, worker accommodations, shops or stables.

A strict ban was imposed on the Upper Mall road to not disturb the pristine view, beauty and peace of the residents. Heavy commercial vehicles and bullock carts were strictly not allowed.

Landmarks You Still See On Mall Roads

British Mall Roads were built around similar institutional needs; almost every Mall Road across India features a similar set of historical architectural landmarks such as:

1. The Town Hall and Post Office: Grand Victorian or Gothich building that handled civic administration and communication during the British colonial era. 

2. Gothic Churches: Structures like Christ Church in Shimla and St. John in the wilderness of Dharamshala were situated in the central vantage points on the main ridge. 

3. Bandstand: An open-air pavilion where military brass bands played evening music for promenading crowds.

4. Heritage Hotels and Clubs: Exclusive social clubs (like the Shimla Gymkhana or Nainital Boat Club) where British society gathered for dinners, dances, and theater.

Following the Indpependence of India in 1947, Mall Roads across India transformedfrom exclusive colonial hubs to vibrant, democratic public attractions for public and tourists to come and experience the lively handcraft, local food, modern cafes, and so much more. 

(Image credit: Instagram)

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