About the Book: The book Himachal General Knowledge Xpress has been written keeping in mind the aspirants of HP State Civil Services (HPAS) and other state-level competitive examinations conducted by HPPSC and HPSSB as the target reader. The book provides a mini-encyclopaedic overview of the state of Himachal Pradesh and is an earnest attempt to provide the competing youth a comprehensive study material containing concise authentic information about the varied facets including history, geography, economy, culture and politics of Himachal Pradesh. The information has been well-researched and supplemented with data, figures and maps. The authors have used their personal successful experience in competitive examinations and the scientific analysis of examination pattern for preparing an authentic and updated book on Himachal Pradesh General Knowledge. The Authors: Dr. Nalin Kumar Ramaul: Presently working in a Government College in Himachal, was selected in the Civil Services Examination 2002 conducted by UPSC and ranked 161 but did not join. Qualified Civil Services Examination (Written Prelim & Main) thrice. Awarded UGC Junior Research Fellowship. Published research papers in reputed journals of Springer and Sage, published five books, completed four research projects, organised three national seminars and three training programmes. Mrs. Pinki Ramaul: Free-lance journalist writing articles in The Tribune, The Times of India, Divya Himachal, and Himachal This Week. Published research papers in reputed journals of Springer and Sage, and published five books. Her blog is: http: //ramaul.blogspot.com/ Dr. Vivek Negi: Presently working in a Government College in Himachal. Expertise in studies in Vivekananda. Published two books. Eighteen years of teaching and research experience. Chapters: The book is well-structured with content presented in a lucid manner and arranged in appropriate chapters. The chapter on History of Himachal Pradesh has explored the history varying from early history of hill states to British rule and the popular uprisings and social reform movement. The contemporary post-Independence administrative and constitutional history is also elaborated. The chapter on Geography of Himachal Pradesh provides insight into the unique geographical features, lakes, glaciers, rivers, forest, wildlife etc. of Himachal Pradesh including various government programmes on environment. The chapter on Economy of Himachal Pradesh enumerates the economic situation of the hill state beginning with economic history of the state. The demographic features are given in simple easy to comprehend style. The structural features of the economy and sector-wise analysis is presented in a concise manner. The excellent socio-economic achievements of the state have been highlighted and explained. The abundant hydropower potential of the state is emphasised. The situation of the state finances is also revealed and updated. Thus, the book adequately and appropriately covers the economy part. Here it is pertinent to mention that one of the authors Dr. Nalin Kumar Ramaul had qualified Indian Economic Services (Written) Examination 1998 and is teaching Economics subject in Government College. Since the state of Himachal Pradesh emerged from the integration of several princely hill states, the history of each district is unique and therefore each district has been devoted a separate chapter. The Shimla town, the famous summer capital of the British India Government, has been given ample space with a separate chapter, keeping in view its vast political and historical importance, not only for the state but for the entire nation. The chapter on Art and Culture covers diverse topics including Pahari music and dance, paintings, architecture, sculptures, fairs and festivals, books, castes and communities. The last chapter covers miscellaneous information about the state including current events and eminent personalities of Himachal.