1. Introduction to the State

Uttarakhand was established on 9 November 2000 after being separated from Uttar Pradesh. It became the 27th state of India. Earlier, the state was known as Uttaranchal, and in 2007 its name was changed to Uttarakhand.

• Founded: 9 November 2000
• Former Name: Uttaranchal (renamed Uttarakhand in 2007)
• Winter Capital: Dehradun
• Summer Capital: Gairsain
• Area: 53,483 sq km
• Population (2011 Census): About 1 crore
• Official Language: Hindi
• Major Regional Languages: Garhwali, Kumaoni, Jaunsari
• Nicknames: Devbhoomi (Land of Gods), Yoga Capital (especially for Rishikesh)

2. Geographical Location and Natural Features

Uttarakhand is mainly situated in the Himalayan region. Its location and natural environment make it extremely important for India’s climate, rivers, biodiversity and strategic security.

2.1 Location and Boundaries

Uttarakhand is located in the middle of the Himalayas and shares its borders with:

• North: Tibet
• East: Nepal
• South: Uttar Pradesh
• West: Himachal Pradesh

2.2 Major Rivers

The state is very important for India’s Himalayan glaciers, which are a major source of the country’s water supply. Many holy and life-giving rivers originate here:

• Ganga
• Yamuna
• Bhagirathi
• Alaknanda
• Saryu
• Mandakini

2.3 Lakes and Glaciers

• Major Lakes: Nainital Lake, Bhimtal and other high-altitude lakes
• Major Glaciers: Gangotri and Yamunotri glaciers

2.4 Natural Resources

Uttarakhand is gifted with the beautiful Himalayan mountain ranges, rivers, lakes and rich forest wealth. These natural resources support biodiversity, tourism, agriculture and hydropower.

2.5 National Parks and Biosphere Reserves

• Jim Corbett National Park
• Nanda Devi National Park (part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Valley of Flowers National Park

3. Administrative Structure

Uttarakhand has a well-defined administrative system despite its challenging hilly terrain.

3.1 Divisions and Districts

• Divisions:
  • Garhwal Division
  • Kumaon Division
• Total Districts: 13

3.2 Major Districts

• Dehradun
• Nainital
• Chamoli
• Tehri Garhwal
• Haridwar

3.3 Capitals

• Winter Capital: Dehradun
• Summer Capital: Gairsain

4. Culture, Tradition and Festivals

The culture of Uttarakhand is simple, vibrant and deeply connected to nature and faith. The state is a unique amalgamation of natural beauty, cultural diversity and religious significance.

4.1 Languages

• Garhwali
• Kumaoni
• Jaunsari
• Hindi (official language)

4.2 Folk Arts and Dances

Traditional folk dances and music are an important part of the state’s culture:

• Major Folk Dances: Jhora/Jhoda, Chanchari, Chaunphala
• Folk Music: Hymns and songs dedicated to Mother Nanda, Goddess Durga and other deities, along with traditional regional songs.

4.3 Traditional Musical Instruments

Folk music uses traditional instruments such as:

• Dhol
• Damau (Damou)
• Flute

4.4 Traditional Costumes

• Men: Dhoti–Kurta and traditional caps
• Women: Ghaghra and Chunri, along with regional jewellery

4.5 Festivals and Fairs

• Kumaoni Holi
• Nanda Devi Fair
• Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra
• Ganga Dussehra

5. Religious Significance – Devbhoomi

Uttarakhand is called Devbhoomi because many holy places and pilgrimage sites are located here. The spiritual environment of the state attracts devotees and seekers from all over the world.

5.1 Char Dham Yatra

The famous Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand includes:

• Badrinath
• Kedarnath
• Gangotri
• Yamunotri

5.2 Other Holy Places

• Haridwar: Famous for the holy Ganga Aarti and as a major pilgrimage centre.
• Rishikesh: Known as a centre of yoga and spirituality; often called the Yoga Capital.

6. Tourism and Adventure Activities

Tourism is one of the most important sectors of Uttarakhand. Religious tourism, nature tourism and adventure tourism together make it a popular destination for all types of travellers.

6.1 Religious Tourism

• Haridwar and Rishikesh
• Kedarnath and Badrinath
• Gangotri and Yamunotri

6.2 Nature Tourism

• Mussoorie
• Nainital
• Ranikhet
• Chopta
• Auli

6.3 Adventure Tourism

• Mountaineering and trekking in the Himalayas
• River rafting in the Ganga and other rivers
• Skiing in Auli

7. Economy and Industries

The economic situation of Uttarakhand is based on agriculture, horticulture, tourism, hydropower and emerging industries like pharmaceuticals and herbal products.

7.1 Agriculture and Horticulture

• Major Crops: Paddy (rice), wheat, millet, madua (finger millet)
• Fruits: Apples, pears and peaches are widely cultivated in hilly regions.

7.2 Forests and Medicinal Herbs

The forests of Uttarakhand are rich in medicinal plants and herbs. Herbal and Ayurvedic products are produced and exported from this region.

7.3 Major Industries

• Agriculture and horticulture-based industries
• Tourism and hospitality
• Hydropower projects
• Pharmaceutical and herbal product manufacturing
• Handloom and local crafts

8. Education and Research Institutions

Despite its tough terrain, Uttarakhand has several major institutions for education, research and training.

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
• Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology
• The Doon School
• Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology

9. History of the Establishment of Uttarakhand

The formation of Uttarakhand as a separate state on 9 November 2000 is the result of a long struggle and strong socio-political movement by the people of the region.

9.1 Background and Early Demands

Geographical and Administrative Challenges

People living in the Uttarakhand region had been facing geographical and administrative problems of the hilly areas for a long time. The region is mountainous and often inaccessible, which made it difficult for the Uttar Pradesh government to provide basic amenities such as education, health, roads and employment.

Beginning of Political Demands

The demand for a separate hill state began to rise in the 1930s and became more active in the 1950s and 1960s. Those agitating for a separate state argued that the region’s social and economic conditions were distinct and required special attention.

9.2 Chipko Movement and Growing Awareness

The famous Chipko Movement of the 1970s, started for environmental protection, played a major role in strengthening social and political consciousness in the region. This movement made people more aware of their rights and the need for balanced development in the hilly areas.

9.3 Struggle for a Separate State – 1994 Agitation

Centre of the Main Movement

The year 1994 was historic for the Uttarakhand movement. The repression of pro-state agitators in the Muzaffarnagar incident (in Uttar Pradesh) further strengthened the demand for a separate state. Despite government pressure, the movement intensified, and public support increased.

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Social and Political Pressure

Regional parties, organisations and state leaders began to put strong pressure on the Central Government and the Uttar Pradesh government. People of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions united, giving the movement new energy.

9.4 Formation of Uttarakhand State (2000)

Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 2000

In August 2000, the Central Government introduced the Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Bill. This bill proposed creating a new state by separating the hilly areas of Uttar Pradesh. The bill was passed in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Creation and Renaming of the State

On 9 November 2000, a new state named Uttaranchal was officially formed by combining the Garhwal and Kumaon regions of Uttar Pradesh. Later, on 1 January 2007, the state was renamed Uttarakhand.

9.5 Reasons Behind the Formation of the State

• Geographical Conditions: Difficult hilly terrain made administration and development work challenging.
• Economic Concerns: Despite having rich natural resources, the region was not getting adequate development and utilisation of its potential.
• Cultural Difference: People of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions have distinct cultural identities and specific regional issues.
• Development Imbalance: The hill region was considered deprived compared to other parts of Uttar Pradesh.

9.6 Post-Establishment Changes and Development

Since its establishment, Uttarakhand has made considerable progress in infrastructure, education, health and tourism. It has been developed and promoted as the Land of Gods and the Capital of Yoga (especially through Rishikesh). The journey from a neglected hill region to a separate state reflects the determination and unity of its people.

10. Conclusion

Uttarakhand is a unique state from religious, cultural and natural points of view. Its Himalayan landscapes, holy rivers, ancient pilgrimage sites, folk traditions and developing economy make it special not only for India but for the whole world.

The story of Uttarakhand’s formation teaches us that when people come together to protect their identity, environment and rights, they can bring about meaningful change. Today, Uttarakhand maintains its unique identity among the hill states of India as a place where beauty, spirituality and progress walk side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Uttarakhand