INTRODUCTION:

The history of Uttarakhand, a state in northern India, is rich and varied, with its roots tracing back to ancient times.

Ancient Period:

• Uttarakhand has a rich mythological heritage deeply intertwined with Hinduism.
• People believe that many events from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata occurred in this land.
• The region features numerous temples and sacred sites, such as the Char Dham (Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath), which Hindus consider highly significant. According to Hindu mythology, gods and goddesses reside in Uttarakhand, and several sages and saints are believed to have performed penance there.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOURCES OF HISTORY OF UTTARAKHAND

Rock Shelters of the Vindhya Range:

• Located in the foothills of the Vindhya Range, these rock shelters are known for their prehistoric cave paintings, some of which date back to the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods.
• The paintings depict scenes of hunting, dancing, and daily life of ancient human societies, providing glimpses into their culture, social organization, and artistic expression.
• Important sites include the Bhimbetka rock shelters, which have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the rock shelters in Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand.

Ashokan Rock Edicts:

• Emperor Ashoka, one of the most prominent rulers of ancient India, left inscriptions known as the Ashokan Rock Edicts at various locations across the Indian subcontinent, including Uttarakhand.
• One of the major Ashokan rock edicts, known as the Khalsi inscription, is located near Khalsi in the Jaunsar-Bawar region of Uttarakhand. It is written in Brahmi script and Prakrit language.
• The edicts contain moral and ethical teachings of Emperor Ashoka and provide insights into the administrative and religious policies of the Mauryan Empire.

Ancient Temples and Monuments:

• Uttarakhand is home to numerous ancient temples and monuments that serve as archaeological sources for understanding the region’s religious and architectural history.
• Examples include the Jageshwar group of temples in Almora district, which dates back to the 8th-12th centuries and represents the Nagara style of temple architecture.
• The temples at Baijnath, Bageshwar, and Gangolihat also have historical significance and provide insights into the religious practices and socio-cultural life of ancient Uttarakhand.

Historical Forts and Palaces:

• The region contains several forts and palaces that have archaeological importance, reflecting the military and political history of Uttarakhand.
• Examples include the Chandpur Fort in Haridwar district, which dates back to the medieval period and was associated with the Chand dynasty of Kumaon.
• The Naggar Fort in Almora district, believed to have been built by the Chand rulers, is another notable archaeological site that showcases the architectural and defensive prowess of ancient rulers.

Excavated Sites:

• Archaeological excavations conducted in Uttarakhand have unearthed artifacts, pottery, coins, and other remains that shed light on the region’s ancient settlements and trade networks.
• Excavated sites like Chandraketugarh in Udham Singh Nagar district and the ancient site of Kedarnath have provided valuable archaeological data, helping researchers understand the cultural and economic exchanges in ancient Uttarakhand.
  

Medieval Period:

• Uttarakhand saw the influence of various external powers during the medieval period, including the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire. However, the mountainous terrain made it challenging for them to establish firm control.
• The Garhwal Kingdom emerged as a prominent power in the western part of Uttarakhand, with its capital at Srinagar. The Kumaon Kingdom, with its capital at Almora, flourished in the eastern part.
• The Gorkhas from Nepal launched several invasions into Uttarakhand during the 18th century, leading to conflicts and instability in the region.

GORKHA INVASION:

The Gorkha invasion of Uttarakhand refers to a series of military campaigns launched by the Gorkha Kingdom of Nepal into the hilly regions of present-day Uttarakhand during the 18th century. Here’s a closer look at this historical event:

Background:

• The Gorkha Kingdom, under the leadership of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, sought to expand its territory beyond the borders of present-day Nepal during the late 18th century.
• The hilly regions of what is now Uttarakhand were strategically significant due to their proximity to the Gorkha Kingdom and their valuable resources, including fertile land and trade routes.

Invasion Campaigns:

• The Gorkhas launched multiple military campaigns into the hilly regions of western Nepal, which included parts of present-day Uttarakhand, particularly the Garhwal and Kumaon regions.
• The Gorkha forces, known for their military prowess and disciplined tactics, swiftly captured several hill forts and strategic locations in the region.
• The invasion campaigns were marked by fierce battles between the Gorkha forces and the local rulers, including the Garhwali and Kumaoni Rajas.

Occupation and Rule:

• By the end of the 18th century, the Gorkhas had established control over significant portions of Garhwal and Kumaon, including key towns such as Almora and Srinagar.
• The Gorkha rulers imposed their authority over the conquered territories, instituting administrative, military, and revenue systems similar to those in Nepal.
• The local population faced socio-economic changes under Gorkha rule, including taxation policies and the imposition of Nepali administrative practices.

Resistance and British Intervention:

• The Gorkha expansion into Uttarakhand faced resistance from local rulers, chiefs, and the general populace who were opposed to foreign rule.
• The Garhwali and Kumaoni rulers, along with their allies, organized resistance movements against the Gorkhas, engaging in guerrilla warfare and defensive strategies.
• The Gorkha expansionist ambitions and their control over the strategic territories in the Himalayan foothills alarmed the British East India Company, which had established its presence in the plains of northern India.

Anglo-Gorkha War (1814-1816):

• The British East India Company launched military campaigns against the Gorkha Kingdom in 1814, marking the beginning of the Anglo-Gorkha War.
• The war, fought primarily in the hilly regions of present-day Uttarakhand and Nepal, resulted in a series of battles and skirmishes between the British and Gorkha forces.
• The British forces, with superior firepower and reinforcements, gradually gained the upper hand and forced the Gorkhas to sign the Sugauli Treaty in 1815, which ceded significant territories, including parts of Uttarakhand, to British control.

Aftermath:

• The Anglo-Gorkha War marked the end of Gorkha rule in Uttarakhand, and the region came under British control as part of the British Raj.
• The territories of Garhwal and Kumaon were integrated into the British administrative system, and efforts were made to restore stability and governance in the region.
• The impact of Gorkha invasion and subsequent British rule left lasting socio-cultural, economic, and political influences on the people and landscapes of Uttarakhand.

British Period:

• Uttarakhand came under British control during the early 19th century. The British established administrative control over the region, which was initially part of the Bengal Presidency and later became part of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh.
• The British influence led to the introduction of modern administrative systems, infrastructure development, and changes in land revenue policies.
• The region also became a center for missionary activities and educational reforms during the British colonial period.

Post-Independence:

• After India gained independence in 1947, Uttarakhand remained part of Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state. However, the demand for a separate state gained momentum due to cultural, geographical, and economic reasons.
• The movement for the creation of a separate state intensified during the latter half of the 20th century, with prominent leaders like Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant and Pt. Chandra Singh Garhwali advocating for it.
• Finally, Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh and established as a separate state on November 9, 2000, fulfilling the long-standing aspirations of the people of the region.

POST INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENTS:

Post-independence movements in Uttarakhand primarily revolved around the demand for a separate statehood, as the region was part of the larger state of Uttar Pradesh. The movement gained momentum due to various socio-economic and political factors. Here’s an overview of the post-independence movements in Uttarakhand:

Background:

• After India gained independence in 1947, Uttarakhand (then known as Uttaranchal) remained a part of Uttar Pradesh, which was one of the largest and most populous states in India.
• Despite its rich cultural heritage and significant contributions to India’s economy, the region of Uttarakhand faced neglect in terms of development, infrastructure, and political representation.

Early Initiatives:

• The demand for a separate state of Uttarakhand emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, with early initiatives led by social activists, intellectuals, and political leaders.
• Organizations such as the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD), formed in 1979, played a crucial role in articulating the aspirations of the people of Uttarakhand and mobilizing support for statehood.

Agitations and Movements:

• The demand for Uttarakhand statehood gained momentum through various agitations, protests, and movements organized by different political and social groups.
• One of the significant movements was the Uttarakhand Movement, also known as the Uttarakhand Andolan, which saw widespread participation and activism during the 1980s and 1990s.

Political Mobilization:

• Political parties such as the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Indian National Congress (INC) actively supported the statehood movement and incorporated it into their political agendas.
• Leaders like Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant, Pt. Chandra Singh Garhwali, and Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna played pivotal roles in advocating for Uttarakhand statehood at the national level.

Government Committees and Reports:

• The demand for Uttarakhand statehood received attention from various government committees and commissions, which studied the socio-economic and administrative feasibility of creating a separate state.
• The demand gained further legitimacy with the submission of reports such as the Fazal Ali Commission Report (1966) and the Dhebar Commission Report (1988), which recommended the formation of Uttarakhand as a separate state.

Statehood Achievement:

• The persistent efforts and sacrifices of the people of Uttarakhand eventually led to the fulfillment of their long-standing demand for statehood.
• The Uttar Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2000, bifurcated Uttar Pradesh and established Uttarakhand as the 27th state of India on November 9, 2000.

Post-Statehood Challenges:

• While the creation of Uttarakhand as a separate state marked a significant milestone, it also brought forth new challenges related to governance, development, infrastructure, and socio-economic disparities.
• The state government has been working towards addressing these challenges through various developmental initiatives, policies, and programs aimed at promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development in Uttarakhand.

Recent Developments:

• Since its formation, Uttarakhand has made significant progress in various sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and education.
• However, rapid urbanization and developmental activities have also led to environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and natural disasters such as landslides and flash floods.
• Organizations are balancing development with environmental conservation by implementing initiatives such as afforestation, sustainable tourism practices, and disaster preparedness measures.