History
A Brief History
of Chail
Among the top hill stations in Solan, Chail is the only one not founded by the Britishers. But by a Maharaja…
Patiala connection
Chail used to be part of the erstwhile Keonthal state. After Britishers defeated the Gorkhas in the Anglo-Gorkha war and took control of the hills, they sold part of the Keonthal and Baghat states to Patiala for Rs 2,80,000 on October 20, 1815.
But it was not until 1890s that Patiala state converted Chail into its summer retreat.
According to the Punjab States Gazetteers, 1904, (Phulkian States), Chail palace was built as a villa in 1891-92 on a hill called Rajgarh. At that time, Patiala state was ruled by Maharaja Rajinder Singh.
The Patiala state also got built Residency House on Padhewa hill and some other structures including Pine Cottage, Billiard Room, Garden Cottage, Glen View Cottage, Oak Cottage and Siddh Cottage.
A guest house was also built for European and other visitors.
The state also built a ground at an altitude of 2444 meters, the highest cricket ground in the world. It also serves as a polo ground. The Maharajas of Patiala used to play friendly cricket matches here. However, no competitive matches take place here.
The population, according to 1901 census was only 20, but during the summer months it rose to about 1000.
According to the Punjab States Gazetteers, 1904, (Phulkian States), prior to 1889 there were no houses on these three hills except a temple of Shivaji.
“The villa of the Maharaja is lighted by electricity,” it adds.
The Patiala state took care of all the civic amenities in Chail including water and roads. The superintendence of the station and the sanitary arrangements came under the Medical Adviser to the Maharaja.
Sadhupul
The Patiala state spent Rs 1 lakh annually to maintain the roads in the hills including the Kandhaghat to Chail road.
According to the Punjab States Gazetteers, 1904, (Phulkian States), “a bridge on Asni river was built by the Patiala state along with the first cart road to Chail.” The Asni river is today known as Ashwani Khad and the name of the place and bridge is Sadhupul, situated on the way from Kandaghat to Chail.
There was a post office and a sub-treasury in Chail, however, no state school at that time. There was also no police station. The Chail bazaar had 15 to 16 shops.
A large space was cleared for a badminton and two tennis courts. Six years after Himachal came into being, the Chail palace was overtaken by the Himachal government in 1972 and converted into a hotel.
