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This stands in the quieter part
of the city called Chhota Shimla, or Shimla Minor, and is the
residence of the Governor of HP.A perfect English country house, the
building was formerly known as Barnes Court after Sir Edward Barnes,
commander-in-chief in 1832-33.This large rambling building with
half-timbered gables has a Moorish ballroom and decorations by
Kipling’s father, John Lockwood Kipling. Lord Napier of Magdala, Sir
Colin Campbell and Sir Hugh Rose all lived there.
Barnes Court was also the site of the historic Shimla Peace Accord
(1972) between Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (of Pakistan) and
the Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. By this agreement both
countries agreed to solve all disputes bilaterally (3rd July). Raj
Bhawan merits a visit, though one needs special permission from the
Governor’s Secretariat.
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