Uttarakhand

History

Ancient Period: The region of Uttarakhand has a long history, dating back to the Vedic age when it was part of ancient Indian civilizations. It is mentioned in the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. The region was traditionally known as Kedarkhand (Garhwal) and Manaskhand (Kumaon).
Medieval Period: During medieval times, the region was ruled by several dynasties, including the Katyuris, Chand dynasty in Kumaon, and the Garhwal Kingdom in the western region.
Colonial Era: In the 19th century, the British annexed Kumaon and Garhwal after the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-1816). These regions became part of the United Provinces during British rule.
Post-Independence: Uttarakhand was part of Uttar Pradesh after India gained independence. Due to its distinct cultural identity and demands for separate statehood, it was carved out of Uttar Pradesh on November 9, 2000, becoming the 27th state of India.

Area: Uttarakhand spans 53,483 square kilometers, with a diverse terrain that includes the Himalayas, Shivalik hills, and fertile plains.
Geography: The state is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with some of the highest peaks in India, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Kamet. The Ganges and Yamuna, two of India’s holiest rivers, originate from the glaciers in Uttarakhand.
Valleys and Lakes: Uttarakhand is home to beautiful valleys like the Valley of Flowers, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It also boasts pristine lakes like Nainital, Bhimtal, and Roopkund.
Rivers and Glaciers: Major rivers like the Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, and Mandakini flow through Uttarakhand. The Gangotri and Pindari Glaciers are among the prominent glaciers in the state.

Varied Climate: The climate of Uttarakhand varies due to its diverse topography, ranging from subtropical in the plains to alpine in the higher reaches of the Himalayas.
- Summer (March-June): Temperatures in the plains range between 25°C and 40°C, while in the hilly areas, it ranges from 15°C to 30°C.
- Monsoon (July-September): The state receives moderate to heavy rainfall, especially in the lower and mid-hill regions, which can cause landslides.
- Winter (October-February): Winters are cold, with temperatures dropping to sub-zero in higher altitudes, while plains experience temperatures between 5°C and 15°C.

Haridwar: One of the holiest cities for Hindus, Haridwar is a place where devotees take a dip in the holy Ganges. It is also famous for the Kumbh Mela.
Rishikesh: Known as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” Rishikesh is a spiritual hub with ashrams, temples, and adventure sports like river rafting.
Kedarnath: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Kedarnath is a sacred pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Badrinath: Part of the Char Dham Yatra, Badrinath is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Mussoorie: Known as the “Queen of the Hills,” this hill station is famous for its colonial heritage, scenic views, and cool climate.
Jim Corbett National Park: India’s oldest national park, established in 1936, it is named after the famous hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett and is known for its Bengal tigers.

Kumbh Mela: Held every 12 years in Haridwar, it is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra: A unique pilgrimage festival celebrated in the Kumaon region, it involves a 280 km trek to the Nanda Devi peak.
Phool Dei: A harvest festival celebrated in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, where flowers are offered to deities.
Harela Festival: A Kumaoni festival celebrating the onset of the rainy season and the sowing of seeds.
Ganga Dussehra: Celebrated in Haridwar and Rishikesh, this festival honors the descent of the holy Ganges to Earth.

Biodiversity: Uttarakhand is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Its forests cover about 65% of the state, making it a major contributor to India’s environmental wealth.
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries:
- Valley of Flowers National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its endemic alpine flowers and a variety of rare animals like the snow leopard.
- Jim Corbett National Park: Famous for its tiger population and other wildlife like elephants, leopards, and deer.
- Rajaji National Park: Known for its large population of elephants and leopards, it is located near Dehradun and Haridwar.
Environmental Issues: The state is prone to natural disasters like landslides and floods, with the most devastating being the 2013 Kedarnath flood caused by cloudbursts. Uttarakhand also faces challenges like deforestation and wildlife conservation.

Population: Uttarakhand has a population of around 10.08 million (as per the 2011 Census). The majority of the population is rural, with a strong focus on agriculture.
Tribal Communities: Several indigenous tribes, such as the Jaunsari, Tharu, and Bhotia, live in the state, each with its distinct culture, traditions, and customs.
Languages: The primary languages spoken are Hindi, Garhwali, and Kumaoni. English is also widely spoken in urban areas.
Religion: Hinduism is the dominant religion in Uttarakhand, but there are also significant populations of Sikhs, Muslims, and Buddhists.

Chipko Movement: Uttarakhand is the birthplace of the Chipko Movement, a pioneering environmental conservation effort in the 1970s where women hugged trees to prevent them from being cut down.
Highest Dam in India: The Tehri Dam, located in Uttarakhand, is the highest dam in India and one of the highest in the world. It is an engineering marvel that provides hydroelectricity and water for irrigation.
Living Legends: Uttarakhand has produced several eminent personalities, including Jim Corbett, Bachendri Pal (the first Indian woman to summit Mount Everest), and Major Somnath Sharma (India’s first Param Vir Chakra recipient).
Yoga Hub: Rishikesh is internationally recognized for its contribution to Yoga and spirituality, attracting millions of international visitors each year.