Initially, what was the purpose of setting up of the hill stations dur

Initially, what was the purpose of setting up of the hill stations during the colonial period in India?

To serve as winter capitals for the British
To serve the needs of the British army
To source timber from forests
To set up sanatoria
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2021
The correct answer is D) To set up sanatoria.
– During the colonial period, British officials and soldiers in India faced health challenges due to the tropical climate and diseases prevalent in the plains.
– Hill stations, with their cooler climates, were initially developed as sanatoria and health resorts where personnel could recuperate and escape the unhealthy conditions of the plains during the summer months.
– While they later evolved to serve various administrative, military, and recreational purposes, the primary *initial* purpose was related to health and well-being (sanatoria).
– Option A is incorrect; hill stations typically served as summer capitals (e.g., Simla for the Government of India), not winter capitals.
– Option B, serving the needs of the British army, is too broad, though sanatoria for military personnel were a significant part of this. Option D is more specific to the initial health-related purpose.
– Option C, sourcing timber, was an economic activity but not the primary reason for establishing hill stations themselves.