Dagshai

Dagshai is one of the oldest cantonment towns in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, near Parwanoo.  It is situated on top of a 5689 feet high hill. The town was founded by the East India Company in 1847 after they managed to acquire five villages from Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh. These five villages were Badhtiala, Chunawad, Dabbi, Jawag and Dagshai.

According to a local legend, the name Dagshai comes from Daag-e-Shahi. During the earlier times a Daag-e-Shahi royal mark was put on the forehead of the criminals and they were sent away to the then Dagshai village. The cantonment houses a number of buildings from the British era, including a Graveyard from that time overlooking the valley. The town has beautiful picnic spots for tourists. It is perfect for a day’s trip away from the city cacophonies, in the lap of nature.