Step 1: Understanding the question.
During British colonial rule in India, a summer capital was established to escape the heat of the plains. Shimla became the official summer capital of British India, serving as the center of administration during the hot months.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Murree: Murree was indeed an important hill station for the British but was not declared the summer capital.
(B) Darjeeling: Darjeeling was another popular hill station but did not serve as the summer capital.
(C) Shimla: Correct — Shimla was officially declared the summer capital of British India.
(D) Pune: Pune was not the summer capital, though it was an important location for the British.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) Shimla, which was the summer capital of British India.