Council Chamber: India's first Parliament House echoes legacy of freedom movement
Shimla, May 30 (UNI) Tucked away in the hills of Shimla, the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly building — known as the Council Chamber — stands as a silent witness to India's journey from colonial rule to democracy.
Constructed between 1920 and 1925 during the British Raj, this grand structure originally served as the Central Legislative Assembly— the first Parliament House of India.
Built at a cost of ₹10 lakh, the Council Chamber was not just a building but a political landmark of its time. It was here that Vithalbhai Patel, elder brother of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, made history in 1925 by becoming the first Indian President of the Assembly, defeating British candidate Frederick White by just two votes. His election marked a defining moment in India's legislative autonomy under British rule.
The Assembly's Speaker's chair, crafted from fine teak, was a diplomatic gift from the Burmese government to the British — a relic that still occupies a place of pride in the House.
The chamber also served as the venue for key developments that shaped India's democratic fabric, including the historic passing of the proposal to grant women the right to vote.
Even the Quit India Movement, one of the most powerful calls for independence, found its early voice in this very hall — imbuing the site with revolutionary resonance.
Today, the chamber continues to evolve with time. Modern legislative tools like zero hour and online committee participation have been introduced, marrying tradition with technology.
The historic chamber received renewed attention today when the Government Assurances Committee of the Haryana Legislative Assembly, led by Chairman Bharat Bhushan Batra, paid a courtesy visit and toured the site, appreciating both its heritage and upkeep.
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