Updated on February 19th, 2025
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). In around 1841, in circumstances that are still not very clear, he deserted from the Army in Mussoorie. He was a young man around 24 years age. As per some sources, he killed a fellow soldier in a duel and that caused him to flee.
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 favorable 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.
The ‘Vance Delicious’ apple, introduced to the Harsil valley by Wilson, has become a vital source of income for thousands of families in eight Ganga valley villages: Sukhi, Purali, Jaspur, Harsil, Jhala, Bagoril, Dharali, and Mukhwa. These villages collectively produce approximately 8,000 to 10,000 metric tonnes of apples annually. What’s remarkable is that this variety, even those from trees planted over 160 years ago, can be stored at room temperature for nearly six months—a unique trait that sets it apart from other apples. The State Horticulture Department is now exploring tissue culture to propagate these heritage trees, ensuring the legacy of the ‘Vance Delicious’ apple continues to thrive in the region.
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, a once grand double-storeyed mansion in Harsil. This cottage, which once stood as a testament to Wilson’s influence in the area, unfortunately burned down in 1997. The fire destroyed everything, including the artefacts and photographs displayed in the bungalow. Today, the original Wilson Cottage site remains a point of interest for visitors to Harsil. A rest house is built there and the name of the rest house is Wilson Rest House. The area is often included in local tours that highlight the historical significance of Wilson’s presence in the region.
Frederick in later days moved in to live with the English gentry in Mussoorie, living also at Astley Hall in Dehra Dun, and investing in a hotel named after Charles as Charleville which is now part of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, where recruits for the civil services receive their initial training.
Marriage and Family Life
Wilson’s personal life was just as unconventional as his professional ventures. He married Raimata, a local woman from Mukhwa, However, she failed to bear children, so he took her niece, Gulabi, 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 suffered from 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.
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. Pahadi Wilson, having amassed significant wealth and achieved considerable social standing, decided to relocate from Harsil to Mussoorie. This move allowed him to integrate into the British gentry and enjoy life among his peers. His wealth enabled him to become one of the largest landowners in the mountainous region.
He cultivated friendships with prominent individuals such as A.O. Hume, a key figure in the early Indian National Congress, and the renowned author Rudyard Kipling. It’s believed that Wilson’s life and exploits may have served as partial inspiration for Kipling’s famous novella, “The Man Who Would Be King.” He eventually passed away there in 1883. Adding to his sorrow, he witnessed the deaths of two of his three sons. The fate of his remaining son is less clear; he lived a quiet life, fading from public view. The last known member of Wilson’s lineage was an officer in the Indian Air Force, possibly a grandson of the surviving son. Sadly, this officer died in an air crash in 1953, effectively bringing the Pahadi Wilson family line to an end.
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.