Rothney Castle

Known locally as Sheeshe Wali Kothi, this heritage mansion on Jakhu Hill is where Allan Octavian Hume, founder of the Indian National Congress, lived from 1881 onwards. It was here that Hume assembled the world's largest collection of Asiatic bird specimens and conceived the idea of forming a political body to represent Indian interests. The castle was originally built in 1838 by Colonel Rothney and passed through several owners before Hume transformed it into Shimla's most magnificent private residence. It stands within the city's Heritage Zone.