Himachal Pradesh has been inhabited since ancient times and has seen many waves of human migration. Historically, it was ruled by local kingdoms, some of which were under the control of larger empires. Before India gained independence, the region was part of the Punjab Province under British rule. After independence, it became the Chief Commissioner's Province of Himachal Pradesh and later a Union Territory. In 1966, parts of Punjab's hilly areas were added to Himachal, and in 1971, it was granted full statehood.