Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand
Name	Uttarakhand
Coordinates	30, 20, N, 78...
Established date	9 November 2000
Capital	Dehradun (Winter), Gairsain (Summer)
Largest city	Dehradun
Official languages	Hindi, Sanskrit
Additional languages	Garhwali, Kumaoni
Governor	Lt. Governor (as per current practice)
Chief minister	Incumbent
Legislature	Unicameral (70 seats)
High court	Uttarakhand High Court
Area total km2	53483
Population total	10,086,292
Population density km2	189
Timezone	IST (UTC+05:30)

Uttarakhand. Nestled in the Himalayan region of northern India, it is a state renowned for its profound spiritual significance and breathtaking natural landscapes. Carved out from the northern districts of Uttar Pradesh on 9 November 2000, it is often called the "Land of the Gods" due to its many revered Hindu temples and pilgrimage centers. The state's economy is driven by tourism, hydropower, and agriculture, while its cultural tapestry is woven from the distinct traditions of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions.

History

The region's history is deeply intertwined with ancient Hindu scriptures and the rise of powerful dynasties. It formed part of the ancient Kedarkhand and Manaskhand realms mentioned in texts like the Skanda Purana. Medieval power was consolidated under the Katyuri kings of Kumaon and the Panwar rulers of Garhwal, who established capitals at Baijnath and Srinagar respectively. The area came under British control after the Anglo-Nepalese War and the subsequent Treaty of Sugauli, becoming part of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh. The post-independence movement for statehood, galvanized by events like the 1994 Uttar Pradesh hill state movement, culminated in its formation as the 27th state of the Republic of India.

Geography

The state features dramatic topographical variation, from the towering Great Himalayas containing peaks like Nanda Devi and Kamet to the fertile Terai plains in the south. Major river systems originate here, including the sacred Ganga at Gangotri and the Yamuna at Yamunotri, which are part of the revered Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. Significant protected areas include the Nanda Devi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of Flowers National Park, and the Jim Corbett National Park, India's oldest national park. The region is seismically active, as tragically demonstrated by the 1999 Uttarkashi earthquake and the 2013 North India floods.

Government and politics

The state operates under a Parliamentary system as defined by the Constitution of India. Dehradun serves as the winter capital, while Gairsain is designated the summer capital. The Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly convenes in Dehradun, and the state's judiciary is headed by the Uttarakhand High Court in Nainital. Politically, it has seen alternating governance between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Congress, with key political figures including Nityanand Swami and Narayan Datt Tiwari. The Uttarakhand Police maintain law and order across the challenging terrain.

Economy

The economy is primarily reliant on tourism, attracting visitors to destinations like Mussoorie, Nainital, and the Char Dham. Hydropower generation from projects on rivers like the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda is a major energy contributor. Agriculture focuses on fruits like apples and lychee, alongside the cultivation of basmati rice and medicinal herbs. Industrial growth is centered in areas like Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, hosting units of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and the Indian Oil Corporation. The Forest Research Institute in Dehradun underscores the importance of forestry.

Demographics

According to the 2011 Census of India, the state has a population of over ten million, with a high sex ratio and a literacy rate above the national average. The majority of people reside in rural areas, with Dehradun and Haridwar being the most populous urban centers. Hinduism is the predominant religion, with significant communities including Rajputs, Brahmins, and tribal groups like the Bhotiyas and Jaunsaris. The official languages are Hindi and Sanskrit, while regional dialects like Garhwali and Kumaoni are widely spoken.

Culture

The culture is a vibrant synthesis of Garhwali and Kumaoni traditions, expressed through folk music like Jagar and dances such as the Choliya dance. Major festivals include Makar Sankranti, known locally as Ghughuti, and the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, a celebrated pilgrimage. The state's cuisine features staples like Kafuli and Bhatt ki Churkani, and it is a prominent center for the practice of yoga, notably in Rishikesh. Traditional crafts include wood carving from Ranikhet and Aipan floor art, contributing to a rich, living heritage.

Category:States and union territories of India Category:Himalayan states