Champawat: Kali Kumaon | Uttarakhand State PSC (UKPSC): Preparation - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) PDF Download

 Page 1


Champawat:
 
Kali
 
Kumaon
Champawat district was formerly a part of almora district. In 1972, the part
came under Pithoragarh district. In 1997 September 15, champawat was
declared an individual, independent district.
Champawat is valued in uttarakhand as the place of origin of culture and
religion in Kumaun region. The land is considered to be the home of Nag and
Kinnar. The region was ruled by Khash kings in past. Historical pillars,
monuments, manuscripts, archeological collections and folklores of the
region are the evidences to its historical importance. The manuscripts make it
clear that Katyur dynasty ruled the region in the past. District administrative
head quarter is champawat. Champawat district population is 259648 approx.
It is 12
th
 largest district in the state by population.
The region is bounded by Nepal region on east, Udham Singh Nagar
district on south, Nainital district on west and Almora district on northwest.
The district was once ruled by the dynasty of Chand Rulers. They built lots of
temples and ancient monuments in their ancient capital. So these monuments
are the greatest attractions for the tourist peoples now days. Baleshwar,
Devidhura, Pancheshwar, Poornagiri temple are few such architectural
building which built by the Chand dynasty. The region has wide density of
dark forests, which is a habitat center of millions of wild animals. Jim
corbett’s book, “man eaters of kumaon” is merely related to the wild life that
he sawed and experienced in Champawat.
History- The district gets its name from princess Champawati, the daughter
of King Arjun Deo who ruled the region in historic time and had capital in
Champawat.The folklores describe the significant presence of the region
during Mahabharata period. Barahi temple of Devidhura, Sapteshwar temple
of Sipti, Hidimba-Ghatotkach temple and Tarkeshwar temple of Champawat
town are believed to date back to Mahabharata era.
The region is traditionally associated with gods and demons and as the
place of penance for rishis. The area covered by the district lies in the part of
Central Himalayas, which is designated as the Manas-Khand of the Skand
Purana as one of the five divisions of the Himalayan region. The region has
also been known in different times by the names of Kiratamandala,
Page 2


Champawat:
 
Kali
 
Kumaon
Champawat district was formerly a part of almora district. In 1972, the part
came under Pithoragarh district. In 1997 September 15, champawat was
declared an individual, independent district.
Champawat is valued in uttarakhand as the place of origin of culture and
religion in Kumaun region. The land is considered to be the home of Nag and
Kinnar. The region was ruled by Khash kings in past. Historical pillars,
monuments, manuscripts, archeological collections and folklores of the
region are the evidences to its historical importance. The manuscripts make it
clear that Katyur dynasty ruled the region in the past. District administrative
head quarter is champawat. Champawat district population is 259648 approx.
It is 12
th
 largest district in the state by population.
The region is bounded by Nepal region on east, Udham Singh Nagar
district on south, Nainital district on west and Almora district on northwest.
The district was once ruled by the dynasty of Chand Rulers. They built lots of
temples and ancient monuments in their ancient capital. So these monuments
are the greatest attractions for the tourist peoples now days. Baleshwar,
Devidhura, Pancheshwar, Poornagiri temple are few such architectural
building which built by the Chand dynasty. The region has wide density of
dark forests, which is a habitat center of millions of wild animals. Jim
corbett’s book, “man eaters of kumaon” is merely related to the wild life that
he sawed and experienced in Champawat.
History- The district gets its name from princess Champawati, the daughter
of King Arjun Deo who ruled the region in historic time and had capital in
Champawat.The folklores describe the significant presence of the region
during Mahabharata period. Barahi temple of Devidhura, Sapteshwar temple
of Sipti, Hidimba-Ghatotkach temple and Tarkeshwar temple of Champawat
town are believed to date back to Mahabharata era.
The region is traditionally associated with gods and demons and as the
place of penance for rishis. The area covered by the district lies in the part of
Central Himalayas, which is designated as the Manas-Khand of the Skand
Purana as one of the five divisions of the Himalayan region. The region has
also been known in different times by the names of Kiratamandala,
Khasadesha, Kalindavishaya, Kurmachala and Kurmavana. Many legends are
associated with different places, mountains, rivers, forests and other sites in
the district. In order to save the earth, Vishnu in his second incarnation
assumed the form of the Kurma (Tortoise) and remained standing for three
years at a particular spot in the district. The specific rock on which the God
stood came to be known as Kurmashila, the entire hill as the Kurmachala and
the surrounding forest as Kurmavana. It is from these terms that the name
Kumaon is supposed to have been derived.
For a long time the name, in the form of Kali Kumaon, that is Kumaon on
the river Kali remained confined to the small tract round about the hill, now
roughly covered by the Champawat district, but during the medieval period,
when the power of the Chand raja of Champawat expanded rapidly the name
Kumaon gradually came to denote the entire region extending from the snow
ranges in the north to the tarai in the south. After the Mahabharata war the
district seems to have remained for some time under the sway of kings of
Hastinapur, the actual rulers were the local chiefs of whom the Kulindas were
probably strong. Subsequently the Nagas appeared to have held dominion of
the district It appears that for centuries a number of local petty chiefs mostly
Khasas or Kulindas continued to rule over the different parts of the district.
During the 4
th
 to 5
th
 century B.C. the area was ruled by Nanda kings of
Magadh. The earliest coins discovered in the district bear the name of rulers –
Kunindas. During the last quarter of the 1
st
 century A.D. the Kushan empire
extended over the western and central Himalayas but about 2
nd
 quarter of the
3
rd
 century the empire of the Kushans crumbled down. Chinese pilgrim Hiuen
Tsang visited the present area of the district during the summer of 636 A.D.
After the decline of Katyuris, Chand Rajputs were destined to reunite the
whole of Kumaon under one rule. At this juncture a Chandravanshi Rajput
prince named Som Chand constructed his fort naming Rajbunga and later
named as Champawat. The year 953 A.D. has been suggested as the most
probable date for the beginning of his reign in the district and he is said to
have ruled for about twenty years i.e. till 974 A.D. Later on entire territory
was divided into a number of small pattis and each of them being under a
semi-independent ruler. The most important of the new dynasties which saw
their rise during the period of the decline of the Katyuris and at their expense
was that of Chand Rajputs who were destined later to reunite the whole of
Kumaon under one rule. According to tradition, Brahmdeva, the Katyuri raja
Page 3


Champawat:
 
Kali
 
Kumaon
Champawat district was formerly a part of almora district. In 1972, the part
came under Pithoragarh district. In 1997 September 15, champawat was
declared an individual, independent district.
Champawat is valued in uttarakhand as the place of origin of culture and
religion in Kumaun region. The land is considered to be the home of Nag and
Kinnar. The region was ruled by Khash kings in past. Historical pillars,
monuments, manuscripts, archeological collections and folklores of the
region are the evidences to its historical importance. The manuscripts make it
clear that Katyur dynasty ruled the region in the past. District administrative
head quarter is champawat. Champawat district population is 259648 approx.
It is 12
th
 largest district in the state by population.
The region is bounded by Nepal region on east, Udham Singh Nagar
district on south, Nainital district on west and Almora district on northwest.
The district was once ruled by the dynasty of Chand Rulers. They built lots of
temples and ancient monuments in their ancient capital. So these monuments
are the greatest attractions for the tourist peoples now days. Baleshwar,
Devidhura, Pancheshwar, Poornagiri temple are few such architectural
building which built by the Chand dynasty. The region has wide density of
dark forests, which is a habitat center of millions of wild animals. Jim
corbett’s book, “man eaters of kumaon” is merely related to the wild life that
he sawed and experienced in Champawat.
History- The district gets its name from princess Champawati, the daughter
of King Arjun Deo who ruled the region in historic time and had capital in
Champawat.The folklores describe the significant presence of the region
during Mahabharata period. Barahi temple of Devidhura, Sapteshwar temple
of Sipti, Hidimba-Ghatotkach temple and Tarkeshwar temple of Champawat
town are believed to date back to Mahabharata era.
The region is traditionally associated with gods and demons and as the
place of penance for rishis. The area covered by the district lies in the part of
Central Himalayas, which is designated as the Manas-Khand of the Skand
Purana as one of the five divisions of the Himalayan region. The region has
also been known in different times by the names of Kiratamandala,
Khasadesha, Kalindavishaya, Kurmachala and Kurmavana. Many legends are
associated with different places, mountains, rivers, forests and other sites in
the district. In order to save the earth, Vishnu in his second incarnation
assumed the form of the Kurma (Tortoise) and remained standing for three
years at a particular spot in the district. The specific rock on which the God
stood came to be known as Kurmashila, the entire hill as the Kurmachala and
the surrounding forest as Kurmavana. It is from these terms that the name
Kumaon is supposed to have been derived.
For a long time the name, in the form of Kali Kumaon, that is Kumaon on
the river Kali remained confined to the small tract round about the hill, now
roughly covered by the Champawat district, but during the medieval period,
when the power of the Chand raja of Champawat expanded rapidly the name
Kumaon gradually came to denote the entire region extending from the snow
ranges in the north to the tarai in the south. After the Mahabharata war the
district seems to have remained for some time under the sway of kings of
Hastinapur, the actual rulers were the local chiefs of whom the Kulindas were
probably strong. Subsequently the Nagas appeared to have held dominion of
the district It appears that for centuries a number of local petty chiefs mostly
Khasas or Kulindas continued to rule over the different parts of the district.
During the 4
th
 to 5
th
 century B.C. the area was ruled by Nanda kings of
Magadh. The earliest coins discovered in the district bear the name of rulers –
Kunindas. During the last quarter of the 1
st
 century A.D. the Kushan empire
extended over the western and central Himalayas but about 2
nd
 quarter of the
3
rd
 century the empire of the Kushans crumbled down. Chinese pilgrim Hiuen
Tsang visited the present area of the district during the summer of 636 A.D.
After the decline of Katyuris, Chand Rajputs were destined to reunite the
whole of Kumaon under one rule. At this juncture a Chandravanshi Rajput
prince named Som Chand constructed his fort naming Rajbunga and later
named as Champawat. The year 953 A.D. has been suggested as the most
probable date for the beginning of his reign in the district and he is said to
have ruled for about twenty years i.e. till 974 A.D. Later on entire territory
was divided into a number of small pattis and each of them being under a
semi-independent ruler. The most important of the new dynasties which saw
their rise during the period of the decline of the Katyuris and at their expense
was that of Chand Rajputs who were destined later to reunite the whole of
Kumaon under one rule. According to tradition, Brahmdeva, the Katyuri raja
(Hindu ruler) of Kali Kumaon, was a weak ruler. He was troubled by the
insubordination of the Rawat of Domkot and also found himself unable to
suppress the formidable factions among his own people. He was succeeded
by Som Chand, a Chandravanshi Rajput, who married the daughter of the
raja. Som Chand built his fort here on 15 acres of land. This fort was named
Rajbunga and later Champawat. Som Chand was succeeded by his son, Atma
Chand who continued the work of consolidating the power and influence of
the small kingdom and, it is said the rulers of all the neighbouring petty states
paid court to him at Champawat. His son Puran Chand spent much of his time
in hunting, and the latter’s son and successor Indra Chand is credited with
importing silk worms into Kali Kumaon, probably from Nepal and thus
introducing the manufacture of silk in these parts. They followed Sansar
Chand, Sudha Chand, Hammira or Hari Chand and Bina Chand one after the
others up to the years 1725 and Debi Chand was the last raja. In 1726 he was
assassinated by an agent of his own wily minister in his pleasure house.
Thereafter, the two Gaira Bists assumed full control of administration and
were free to enjoy the power they had so criminally acquired. The entire
Kumaun region was ceded to British on December 2, 1815. About the
beginning of 20
th
 Century the inhabitants of the district began to become
gradually conscious of their civic rights and they took part in the annual
sessions of the Indian National Congress and on August 15, 1947, the area
was declared independent of British domination along with rest of the
country.
Geography- Champawat district, geographically divided into terai, shivalik
and high mountain ranges is widely appreciated as the origin of culture and
religion in uttarakhand state. Varied in geography, champawat situates
between 200-2000 meters above sea level experiencing different types of
climate and weather in different heights. The beautiful region housing ancient
temples and preserving original culture as part of life, champawat maintains
its flavor in language, culture and tradition.
Sub Division- Lohaghat, Pati, Shri Poornagiri, Champawat. Tehsil- Pati,
Shri Poornagiri, Champawat, Lohaghat, Barakot.
Block- Barakot, Champawat, Pati, Lohaghat.
IMPORTANT PLACES
Champawat- Champawat is situated 1615 meters. above sea level.
Page 4


Champawat:
 
Kali
 
Kumaon
Champawat district was formerly a part of almora district. In 1972, the part
came under Pithoragarh district. In 1997 September 15, champawat was
declared an individual, independent district.
Champawat is valued in uttarakhand as the place of origin of culture and
religion in Kumaun region. The land is considered to be the home of Nag and
Kinnar. The region was ruled by Khash kings in past. Historical pillars,
monuments, manuscripts, archeological collections and folklores of the
region are the evidences to its historical importance. The manuscripts make it
clear that Katyur dynasty ruled the region in the past. District administrative
head quarter is champawat. Champawat district population is 259648 approx.
It is 12
th
 largest district in the state by population.
The region is bounded by Nepal region on east, Udham Singh Nagar
district on south, Nainital district on west and Almora district on northwest.
The district was once ruled by the dynasty of Chand Rulers. They built lots of
temples and ancient monuments in their ancient capital. So these monuments
are the greatest attractions for the tourist peoples now days. Baleshwar,
Devidhura, Pancheshwar, Poornagiri temple are few such architectural
building which built by the Chand dynasty. The region has wide density of
dark forests, which is a habitat center of millions of wild animals. Jim
corbett’s book, “man eaters of kumaon” is merely related to the wild life that
he sawed and experienced in Champawat.
History- The district gets its name from princess Champawati, the daughter
of King Arjun Deo who ruled the region in historic time and had capital in
Champawat.The folklores describe the significant presence of the region
during Mahabharata period. Barahi temple of Devidhura, Sapteshwar temple
of Sipti, Hidimba-Ghatotkach temple and Tarkeshwar temple of Champawat
town are believed to date back to Mahabharata era.
The region is traditionally associated with gods and demons and as the
place of penance for rishis. The area covered by the district lies in the part of
Central Himalayas, which is designated as the Manas-Khand of the Skand
Purana as one of the five divisions of the Himalayan region. The region has
also been known in different times by the names of Kiratamandala,
Khasadesha, Kalindavishaya, Kurmachala and Kurmavana. Many legends are
associated with different places, mountains, rivers, forests and other sites in
the district. In order to save the earth, Vishnu in his second incarnation
assumed the form of the Kurma (Tortoise) and remained standing for three
years at a particular spot in the district. The specific rock on which the God
stood came to be known as Kurmashila, the entire hill as the Kurmachala and
the surrounding forest as Kurmavana. It is from these terms that the name
Kumaon is supposed to have been derived.
For a long time the name, in the form of Kali Kumaon, that is Kumaon on
the river Kali remained confined to the small tract round about the hill, now
roughly covered by the Champawat district, but during the medieval period,
when the power of the Chand raja of Champawat expanded rapidly the name
Kumaon gradually came to denote the entire region extending from the snow
ranges in the north to the tarai in the south. After the Mahabharata war the
district seems to have remained for some time under the sway of kings of
Hastinapur, the actual rulers were the local chiefs of whom the Kulindas were
probably strong. Subsequently the Nagas appeared to have held dominion of
the district It appears that for centuries a number of local petty chiefs mostly
Khasas or Kulindas continued to rule over the different parts of the district.
During the 4
th
 to 5
th
 century B.C. the area was ruled by Nanda kings of
Magadh. The earliest coins discovered in the district bear the name of rulers –
Kunindas. During the last quarter of the 1
st
 century A.D. the Kushan empire
extended over the western and central Himalayas but about 2
nd
 quarter of the
3
rd
 century the empire of the Kushans crumbled down. Chinese pilgrim Hiuen
Tsang visited the present area of the district during the summer of 636 A.D.
After the decline of Katyuris, Chand Rajputs were destined to reunite the
whole of Kumaon under one rule. At this juncture a Chandravanshi Rajput
prince named Som Chand constructed his fort naming Rajbunga and later
named as Champawat. The year 953 A.D. has been suggested as the most
probable date for the beginning of his reign in the district and he is said to
have ruled for about twenty years i.e. till 974 A.D. Later on entire territory
was divided into a number of small pattis and each of them being under a
semi-independent ruler. The most important of the new dynasties which saw
their rise during the period of the decline of the Katyuris and at their expense
was that of Chand Rajputs who were destined later to reunite the whole of
Kumaon under one rule. According to tradition, Brahmdeva, the Katyuri raja
(Hindu ruler) of Kali Kumaon, was a weak ruler. He was troubled by the
insubordination of the Rawat of Domkot and also found himself unable to
suppress the formidable factions among his own people. He was succeeded
by Som Chand, a Chandravanshi Rajput, who married the daughter of the
raja. Som Chand built his fort here on 15 acres of land. This fort was named
Rajbunga and later Champawat. Som Chand was succeeded by his son, Atma
Chand who continued the work of consolidating the power and influence of
the small kingdom and, it is said the rulers of all the neighbouring petty states
paid court to him at Champawat. His son Puran Chand spent much of his time
in hunting, and the latter’s son and successor Indra Chand is credited with
importing silk worms into Kali Kumaon, probably from Nepal and thus
introducing the manufacture of silk in these parts. They followed Sansar
Chand, Sudha Chand, Hammira or Hari Chand and Bina Chand one after the
others up to the years 1725 and Debi Chand was the last raja. In 1726 he was
assassinated by an agent of his own wily minister in his pleasure house.
Thereafter, the two Gaira Bists assumed full control of administration and
were free to enjoy the power they had so criminally acquired. The entire
Kumaun region was ceded to British on December 2, 1815. About the
beginning of 20
th
 Century the inhabitants of the district began to become
gradually conscious of their civic rights and they took part in the annual
sessions of the Indian National Congress and on August 15, 1947, the area
was declared independent of British domination along with rest of the
country.
Geography- Champawat district, geographically divided into terai, shivalik
and high mountain ranges is widely appreciated as the origin of culture and
religion in uttarakhand state. Varied in geography, champawat situates
between 200-2000 meters above sea level experiencing different types of
climate and weather in different heights. The beautiful region housing ancient
temples and preserving original culture as part of life, champawat maintains
its flavor in language, culture and tradition.
Sub Division- Lohaghat, Pati, Shri Poornagiri, Champawat. Tehsil- Pati,
Shri Poornagiri, Champawat, Lohaghat, Barakot.
Block- Barakot, Champawat, Pati, Lohaghat.
IMPORTANT PLACES
Champawat- Champawat is situated 1615 meters. above sea level.
Champawat, once the capital of the rulers of the Chand dynasty, is famous for
its natural beauty and well known temples. The ancient fort, now houses
headquarters of the Tehsil office. A historical spot, Champawat has many
well known temples of high artistic value. The Baleshwar temple is the noted
attraction of Champawat. The Nagnath temple at Champawat is also an
excellent example of ancient architecture of Kumaon. ‘Ek Hathiya Ka Naula’
is said to have been constructed in just one night by the one handed artisan.
The story of Gollu Devta is also associated with Gorilla Chaur of
Champawat. It was in Champawat that Lord Vishnu is said to have appeared
as ‘Kurma avatar’ (incarnation as tortoise). This hill is also known as Mt.
Kandev. There is a small fort at Champawat. Jim Corbett had come to this
region in the first decade of the twentieth century in order to hunt for man
eating tigers.The very first story of his first book (Man Eaters of Kumaon) is
related to Champawat.
Devidhura- This area is commonly known as Varahi Temple, where
Bagwal is practiced on the day of Raksha Bandhan. The famous Writer Jim
Corbett’s Book ‘Temple Tiger’ as associated with devidhura temples. It is
one of the locations chosen for 13 District 13 Destination by the State
Government.
Nagnath Temple –Worship place for Lord Shiva, one of the finest
example Of Kumaon Architecture
Ek Hathiya Naula –It is example to showcase the master craft, which is
formed by one artisan..
Baleshwar Temple –Worshipping God of Baleshwar Temple is Lord
Shiva. It is one of the famous works of Chand Rulers in terms Of the work
craft and its size. However there is no Exact idea For archeologists when this
was built, but it is guessed to be between 10–12 Century A.D.
Kranteshwar Mahadev – Located in the eastern Champawat, It is also
called Kurmapad Or Kandev.
Lohaghat – Located along river, Lohawatri and Tanakpur-Dharchula
border road in an intermont basin. The name is said to recall a bloody fight in
the neighbourhood. Originally, the place had been the cantonment for the 3
rd
Gurkhas, but was soon abandoned with the disappearance of outpost on the
Nepal border in the east. It was earlier a centre of small European population.
It has a local hydle power station. The morphology and land use clearly
reveal a typical pattern of a small service centre. It is a street-town with more
Page 5


Champawat:
 
Kali
 
Kumaon
Champawat district was formerly a part of almora district. In 1972, the part
came under Pithoragarh district. In 1997 September 15, champawat was
declared an individual, independent district.
Champawat is valued in uttarakhand as the place of origin of culture and
religion in Kumaun region. The land is considered to be the home of Nag and
Kinnar. The region was ruled by Khash kings in past. Historical pillars,
monuments, manuscripts, archeological collections and folklores of the
region are the evidences to its historical importance. The manuscripts make it
clear that Katyur dynasty ruled the region in the past. District administrative
head quarter is champawat. Champawat district population is 259648 approx.
It is 12
th
 largest district in the state by population.
The region is bounded by Nepal region on east, Udham Singh Nagar
district on south, Nainital district on west and Almora district on northwest.
The district was once ruled by the dynasty of Chand Rulers. They built lots of
temples and ancient monuments in their ancient capital. So these monuments
are the greatest attractions for the tourist peoples now days. Baleshwar,
Devidhura, Pancheshwar, Poornagiri temple are few such architectural
building which built by the Chand dynasty. The region has wide density of
dark forests, which is a habitat center of millions of wild animals. Jim
corbett’s book, “man eaters of kumaon” is merely related to the wild life that
he sawed and experienced in Champawat.
History- The district gets its name from princess Champawati, the daughter
of King Arjun Deo who ruled the region in historic time and had capital in
Champawat.The folklores describe the significant presence of the region
during Mahabharata period. Barahi temple of Devidhura, Sapteshwar temple
of Sipti, Hidimba-Ghatotkach temple and Tarkeshwar temple of Champawat
town are believed to date back to Mahabharata era.
The region is traditionally associated with gods and demons and as the
place of penance for rishis. The area covered by the district lies in the part of
Central Himalayas, which is designated as the Manas-Khand of the Skand
Purana as one of the five divisions of the Himalayan region. The region has
also been known in different times by the names of Kiratamandala,
Khasadesha, Kalindavishaya, Kurmachala and Kurmavana. Many legends are
associated with different places, mountains, rivers, forests and other sites in
the district. In order to save the earth, Vishnu in his second incarnation
assumed the form of the Kurma (Tortoise) and remained standing for three
years at a particular spot in the district. The specific rock on which the God
stood came to be known as Kurmashila, the entire hill as the Kurmachala and
the surrounding forest as Kurmavana. It is from these terms that the name
Kumaon is supposed to have been derived.
For a long time the name, in the form of Kali Kumaon, that is Kumaon on
the river Kali remained confined to the small tract round about the hill, now
roughly covered by the Champawat district, but during the medieval period,
when the power of the Chand raja of Champawat expanded rapidly the name
Kumaon gradually came to denote the entire region extending from the snow
ranges in the north to the tarai in the south. After the Mahabharata war the
district seems to have remained for some time under the sway of kings of
Hastinapur, the actual rulers were the local chiefs of whom the Kulindas were
probably strong. Subsequently the Nagas appeared to have held dominion of
the district It appears that for centuries a number of local petty chiefs mostly
Khasas or Kulindas continued to rule over the different parts of the district.
During the 4
th
 to 5
th
 century B.C. the area was ruled by Nanda kings of
Magadh. The earliest coins discovered in the district bear the name of rulers –
Kunindas. During the last quarter of the 1
st
 century A.D. the Kushan empire
extended over the western and central Himalayas but about 2
nd
 quarter of the
3
rd
 century the empire of the Kushans crumbled down. Chinese pilgrim Hiuen
Tsang visited the present area of the district during the summer of 636 A.D.
After the decline of Katyuris, Chand Rajputs were destined to reunite the
whole of Kumaon under one rule. At this juncture a Chandravanshi Rajput
prince named Som Chand constructed his fort naming Rajbunga and later
named as Champawat. The year 953 A.D. has been suggested as the most
probable date for the beginning of his reign in the district and he is said to
have ruled for about twenty years i.e. till 974 A.D. Later on entire territory
was divided into a number of small pattis and each of them being under a
semi-independent ruler. The most important of the new dynasties which saw
their rise during the period of the decline of the Katyuris and at their expense
was that of Chand Rajputs who were destined later to reunite the whole of
Kumaon under one rule. According to tradition, Brahmdeva, the Katyuri raja
(Hindu ruler) of Kali Kumaon, was a weak ruler. He was troubled by the
insubordination of the Rawat of Domkot and also found himself unable to
suppress the formidable factions among his own people. He was succeeded
by Som Chand, a Chandravanshi Rajput, who married the daughter of the
raja. Som Chand built his fort here on 15 acres of land. This fort was named
Rajbunga and later Champawat. Som Chand was succeeded by his son, Atma
Chand who continued the work of consolidating the power and influence of
the small kingdom and, it is said the rulers of all the neighbouring petty states
paid court to him at Champawat. His son Puran Chand spent much of his time
in hunting, and the latter’s son and successor Indra Chand is credited with
importing silk worms into Kali Kumaon, probably from Nepal and thus
introducing the manufacture of silk in these parts. They followed Sansar
Chand, Sudha Chand, Hammira or Hari Chand and Bina Chand one after the
others up to the years 1725 and Debi Chand was the last raja. In 1726 he was
assassinated by an agent of his own wily minister in his pleasure house.
Thereafter, the two Gaira Bists assumed full control of administration and
were free to enjoy the power they had so criminally acquired. The entire
Kumaun region was ceded to British on December 2, 1815. About the
beginning of 20
th
 Century the inhabitants of the district began to become
gradually conscious of their civic rights and they took part in the annual
sessions of the Indian National Congress and on August 15, 1947, the area
was declared independent of British domination along with rest of the
country.
Geography- Champawat district, geographically divided into terai, shivalik
and high mountain ranges is widely appreciated as the origin of culture and
religion in uttarakhand state. Varied in geography, champawat situates
between 200-2000 meters above sea level experiencing different types of
climate and weather in different heights. The beautiful region housing ancient
temples and preserving original culture as part of life, champawat maintains
its flavor in language, culture and tradition.
Sub Division- Lohaghat, Pati, Shri Poornagiri, Champawat. Tehsil- Pati,
Shri Poornagiri, Champawat, Lohaghat, Barakot.
Block- Barakot, Champawat, Pati, Lohaghat.
IMPORTANT PLACES
Champawat- Champawat is situated 1615 meters. above sea level.
Champawat, once the capital of the rulers of the Chand dynasty, is famous for
its natural beauty and well known temples. The ancient fort, now houses
headquarters of the Tehsil office. A historical spot, Champawat has many
well known temples of high artistic value. The Baleshwar temple is the noted
attraction of Champawat. The Nagnath temple at Champawat is also an
excellent example of ancient architecture of Kumaon. ‘Ek Hathiya Ka Naula’
is said to have been constructed in just one night by the one handed artisan.
The story of Gollu Devta is also associated with Gorilla Chaur of
Champawat. It was in Champawat that Lord Vishnu is said to have appeared
as ‘Kurma avatar’ (incarnation as tortoise). This hill is also known as Mt.
Kandev. There is a small fort at Champawat. Jim Corbett had come to this
region in the first decade of the twentieth century in order to hunt for man
eating tigers.The very first story of his first book (Man Eaters of Kumaon) is
related to Champawat.
Devidhura- This area is commonly known as Varahi Temple, where
Bagwal is practiced on the day of Raksha Bandhan. The famous Writer Jim
Corbett’s Book ‘Temple Tiger’ as associated with devidhura temples. It is
one of the locations chosen for 13 District 13 Destination by the State
Government.
Nagnath Temple –Worship place for Lord Shiva, one of the finest
example Of Kumaon Architecture
Ek Hathiya Naula –It is example to showcase the master craft, which is
formed by one artisan..
Baleshwar Temple –Worshipping God of Baleshwar Temple is Lord
Shiva. It is one of the famous works of Chand Rulers in terms Of the work
craft and its size. However there is no Exact idea For archeologists when this
was built, but it is guessed to be between 10–12 Century A.D.
Kranteshwar Mahadev – Located in the eastern Champawat, It is also
called Kurmapad Or Kandev.
Lohaghat – Located along river, Lohawatri and Tanakpur-Dharchula
border road in an intermont basin. The name is said to recall a bloody fight in
the neighbourhood. Originally, the place had been the cantonment for the 3
rd
Gurkhas, but was soon abandoned with the disappearance of outpost on the
Nepal border in the east. It was earlier a centre of small European population.
It has a local hydle power station. The morphology and land use clearly
reveal a typical pattern of a small service centre. It is a street-town with more
than 90% of the settlements strung along both the sides of the main bazar
extending north-south. At an elevation of 1706 m. it is a centre of historical
and mythological importance. In 1841, so overcome was Pilgrim (Barron) by
its beauty, that he had surprised why the Government of India was not
developing it as its summer capital. In summer season Lohaghat is full of
Burans flowers.
Purnagiri Temple –The festival season in Purnagiri Temple starts in the
month of March-April Navratri Season. The temple area is surrounded by
The river Kali, its islands, township of Tanakpur and various migrants
villages. At a height of 3000 mts. above sea level, Purnagiri temple is visited
throughout the year by devotees from all parts of the country, particularly
during Chaitra Navratri in the month of March – April. From Purnagiri, also
known as Punyagiri, the river Kali descends into the plains and is known as
Sharda. The south– western part of ‘Punya Parvat’ can be seen from this
place. Another ascent ends at the TRC of Tanki. The region of temporary
shops and residential huts start from this place upto Tunyas. From the highest
point (the temple) of Purnagiri hill the pilgrim can see the expanse of Kali, its
islands, the township of Tanakpur and a few Nepali villages. The old Buram
Deo Mandi is very close to Purnagiri.
Abbot Mount-One among he best Himalayan peaks this place was
discovered by Britisher John Abbott (whose descendants now live in Jhansi)
in the pre-independence era and he decided to name the hill after himself. He
built 13 cottages here and some of these still survive. The place has clear
view of peaks like Trishul, Nanda Kot, Nanda Ghunti and the Nanda Devi
spanning in an arc in front of you across a valley. There is a church built in
1942, locked now, where prayers are supposedly still held once or twice a
year. Worlds second highest cricket pitch after Chail in Himachal
Pradesh at 7,000 feet is located here.
Vanasur-Ka-Kila – Approximately 17 Km away from Champawat,
located Vanasur-Ka-Kila Fort which is built in the Medieval Times. The
assassination of great emperor Banasur (Vanasur) took place here.
Pancheshwar –Located 40 kilometer from Champawat it is confluence of
two rivers Kali and Saryu, near Nepal border, famous for Shiva Temple. Here
Chaumu is worshipped as shield of animals, thus famous for the temple of
Chaumu. Its fair and a dip at the confluence is considered to be very sacred.
The Jaat (jamaan) of Chaumu comes down from villages Sail, 5 km. above