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?

[amp_mcq option1=”To serve as winter capitals for the British” option2=”To serve the needs of the British army” option3=”To source timber from forests” option4=”To set up sanatoria” correct=”option4″]

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.
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