Frederick Wilson, popularly known as “Pahari Wilson,” is a legendary figure in the history of Uttarakhand’s Harsil region. A British army deserter turned entrepreneur, Wilson transformed the landscape and economy of Harsil through his activities in the timber trade, hunting, and apple cultivation. His remarkable life, from military service in the British East India Company to becoming a quasi-royal figure in the Himalayan foothills, remains a fascinating blend of adventure, ambition, and controversy.
Background and Desertion from the British Army
Frederick Wilson was born on January 21, 1817, in Wakefield, Yorkshire, England. He joined the British East India Company’s army in 1836 and participated in the First Anglo-Afghan War (1838-1839). The war was brutal, and Wilson witnessed firsthand the challenges and hardships faced by British troops in the rugged terrain of Afghanistan.
However, Wilson’s military career ended abruptly when he deserted the army. The reasons for his desertion remain unclear, though some historians speculate that he was either disillusioned by the war or tempted by the opportunities that lay beyond military service in the remote hills of India.
Following his desertion, Wilson travelled through northern India, eventually arriving in the Bhagirathi Valley in present-day Uttarakhand. Seeking refuge in Harsil Valley, he found himself in a land of untapped resources and opportunities.
Settlement in Mukhwa Village
After escaping British authorities, Wilson settled in Mukhwa, a village near Harsil. This picturesque hamlet, nestled along the banks of the Bhagirathi River, became his home for the rest of his life. The region was then under the control of the Raja of Tehri, but due to its remoteness, the local rulers had little influence over its day-to-day affairs.
In Mukhwa, Wilson gradually integrated into the local community, learning their language and customs. His knowledge of trade and business allowed him to gain influence among the villagers, eventually earning him the title of “Raja Wilson.”
Exploitation of Natural Resources: Hunting and Timber Trade
Wilson became a prolific hunter, specializing in musk deer hunting. Musk, a valuable commodity in the perfume and pharmaceutical industries, was in high demand among European traders. Wilson established a profitable business selling musk pods, and he reportedly exported over 1,500 skins of monal pheasants (Himalayan birds with colourful plumage) annually for nearly three decades.
One of Wilson’s most lucrative ventures was the timber trade. The forests of Harsil were abundant in deodar (Himalayan cedar) trees, which were highly sought after for railway construction in India. In 1859, Wilson obtained exclusive logging rights from the Raja of Tehri, allowing him to cut and sell timber. He set up sawmills along the Bhagirathi River and used the river’s current to transport logs downstream.
Wilson’s timber trade boomed, and he soon accumulated immense wealth. He built a lavish residence, known as Wilson Cottage, in Harsil, complete with British-style furniture and modern amenities unheard of in the region at the time.
Introduction of Apple Cultivation in Harsil
While Wilson’s deforestation activities had long-term ecological consequences, his most enduring and positive contribution to the region was the introduction of apple cultivation. Around 1865, Wilson imported apple saplings from England and planted them in Harsil’s fertile valleys. Wilson played a pivotal role in transforming the economy of the Harsil Valley by introducing apple cultivation. Recognizing the region’s favourable climate, he cultivated apples and also introduced other fruits, which flourished and significantly improved the economic prospects of the local community. This initiative not only provided a sustainable source of income for the residents but also stimulated trade and commerce in the region, leaving a lasting positive impact on the prosperity of the Harsil Valley.
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The variety he introduced became known as “Wilson Apples,” and over time, the region emerged as a major apple-growing area. The apple orchards that Wilson planted continue to support thousands of local families today. Alongside apples, he also introduced Rajma (kidney beans), which became another major agricultural product of the area.
Properties made by Fredrick Wilson
Frederick “Pahari” Wilson, a British army deserter who settled in the Harsil region of Uttarakhand in the 19th century, left behind several properties, the most notable being the Wilson Cottage in Harsil. This cottage, which once stood as a testament to Wilson’s influence in the area, unfortunately burned down in 1997. Today, the site of the original Wilson Cottage remains a point of interest for visitors to Harsil, though only remnants of the structure exist. The area is often included in local tours that highlight the historical significance of Wilson’s presence in the region.
In addition to the cottage, Wilson was instrumental in introducing apple cultivation to the Harsil area. The apple orchards he established continue to thrive, contributing significantly to the local economy. The variety he introduced, known as “Wilson Apples,” remains in cultivation and is a testament to his lasting agricultural impact.
While the physical structures associated with Wilson have largely succumbed to time and natural events, his legacy persists through the agricultural practices he introduced and the historical narratives that continue to attract visitors to the Harsil region.
Marriage and Family Life
Wilson’s personal life was just as unconventional as his professional ventures. He married Gulabi, a local woman from Mukhwa, who was the sister of Mungetu Chand. However, when Gulabi failed to bear children, he took her niece, Raimata, as his second wife. With this marriage, Wilson had three sons namely Nathaniel (Nathu), Charles, and Henry. Their lives, marked by both privilege and turmoil, offer a glimpse into the challenges of legacy and adaptation in a rapidly changing world. Nathaniel, known locally as Nathu, inherited his father’s estate and influence in the Harsil region. However, his tenure was marred by controversy. Historical accounts suggest that Nathu exhibited aggressive behaviour, including forcibly taking local women to his estate and resorting to violence against those who opposed him. Such actions led to significant unrest among the local populace. The mounting tensions culminated in a local uprising, resulting in Nathu’s removal from power.
His other son Charles Wilson’s life is less documented compared to his brothers. He is known to have been associated with the Charleville Hotel in Mussoorie, which was named after him. This establishment later became part of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration. The third son, Henry, often referred to as Indri shared a similar fate with his brother Nathu. Following the uprising against their actions, both Henry and Nathu were removed from their positions of influence.
Legacy and the Wilson Lineage
The Wilson family’s legacy in the Harsil region is complex. While Frederick Wilson introduced apple cultivation and other economic activities that benefited the area, the subsequent generation struggled to maintain this legacy. Reports suggest that Frederick’s sons squandered their inheritance, leading to the decline of the family’s prominence. The last known descendant of the Wilson family, who had joined the Indian Air Force, tragically died in an air crash after World War II, marking the end of the Wilson lineage in the region.
In summary, while Frederick Wilson left an indelible mark on the Harsil region, his descendants faced challenges that led to the eventual decline of the family’s influence and legacy.
