Dehradun | Uttarakhand State PSC (UKPSC): Preparation - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) PDF Download

 Page 1


Dehradun
Dehradun is one of the oldest cities of India and is also the temporary Capital
of Utarakhand. Also known as the ‘Adobe of Drona’, Dehradun has always
been an important center for Garhwal ruler. The headquarters of many
National Institutes and Organizations like ONGC, Survey Of India, Forest
Research Institute, Indian Institute of Petroleum etc are located in the city.
Some of the premier educational and Training Institutes like Indian Miltary
Academy, RIMC(Rashtriya Indian Military College), Indira Gandhi National
Forest Academy(IGNFA), Lal Bahadur Shahstri National Academy of
Administration (LBSNAA )etc are also there in Dehradun district. It is a
favoured tourist destination as it attracts tourists, pilgrims and enthusiasts
from various walks of life to its serene environs. Add to this the abundance of
special Basmati rice, tea and leechi gardens which contribute in turning the
city into a paradise. Dehra appears to be a corruption of dera signifying a
temporary abode or camp. During the reign of Aurangzeb, Ram Rai, Guru of
the Udasi Sikhs on being ordered by the Mughal king to retire to the
wilderness of the Dun, had pitched his tents here in what is now the Khurbura
locality of the town and has also built a temple near Dhanawala. Around
these two sites, grew up the town popularly known as Dehra. The term dun or
doon means the low lands at the foot of a mountain range, and as the bulk of
the district lies in such a terrain, it justified the dun part of the name.
Another derivation of the term dun is stated to be from Dronashram,
hermitage of Guru Dronacharya of Mahabharata fame, who sojourned for a
season in the village of Devara, situated near to Dehra to perform his
devotions at a lonely spot.
District Boundaries and other Details
The district is situated in the north-west corner of the state.It is bounded on
the north and to some distance in the north-west by the district of Uttarkashi,
in the east by the district Tehri Garhwal and Pauri-Garhwal.In the south by
the district of Saharanpur(Uttar Pradesh) at its southern tip touching the
boundary of district Haridwar. Its western boundary adjoins the
Sirmur(Nahan) district of Himachal Pradesh with the rivers Tons and
Page 2


Dehradun
Dehradun is one of the oldest cities of India and is also the temporary Capital
of Utarakhand. Also known as the ‘Adobe of Drona’, Dehradun has always
been an important center for Garhwal ruler. The headquarters of many
National Institutes and Organizations like ONGC, Survey Of India, Forest
Research Institute, Indian Institute of Petroleum etc are located in the city.
Some of the premier educational and Training Institutes like Indian Miltary
Academy, RIMC(Rashtriya Indian Military College), Indira Gandhi National
Forest Academy(IGNFA), Lal Bahadur Shahstri National Academy of
Administration (LBSNAA )etc are also there in Dehradun district. It is a
favoured tourist destination as it attracts tourists, pilgrims and enthusiasts
from various walks of life to its serene environs. Add to this the abundance of
special Basmati rice, tea and leechi gardens which contribute in turning the
city into a paradise. Dehra appears to be a corruption of dera signifying a
temporary abode or camp. During the reign of Aurangzeb, Ram Rai, Guru of
the Udasi Sikhs on being ordered by the Mughal king to retire to the
wilderness of the Dun, had pitched his tents here in what is now the Khurbura
locality of the town and has also built a temple near Dhanawala. Around
these two sites, grew up the town popularly known as Dehra. The term dun or
doon means the low lands at the foot of a mountain range, and as the bulk of
the district lies in such a terrain, it justified the dun part of the name.
Another derivation of the term dun is stated to be from Dronashram,
hermitage of Guru Dronacharya of Mahabharata fame, who sojourned for a
season in the village of Devara, situated near to Dehra to perform his
devotions at a lonely spot.
District Boundaries and other Details
The district is situated in the north-west corner of the state.It is bounded on
the north and to some distance in the north-west by the district of Uttarkashi,
in the east by the district Tehri Garhwal and Pauri-Garhwal.In the south by
the district of Saharanpur(Uttar Pradesh) at its southern tip touching the
boundary of district Haridwar. Its western boundary adjoins the
Sirmur(Nahan) district of Himachal Pradesh with the rivers Tons and
Yamuna separating the two.
Lies between 29 degrees 58' and 31 degrees 2' 30? north latitudes and 77
degrees 34' 45? and 78 degrees 18' 30? east longitudes.Total area of the
district is 3088 sq kms.Altitude is 640 mts.(2100 ft) above sea level.
History- According to Skanda Purana, Dun formed part of the region
called Kedar Khand. It was included in the kingdom of Ashoka by the end of
the 3
rd
 century B.C. For centuries the region formed part of the Garhwal
kingdom with some interruption from Rohillas. For about two decades till
1815 it was under the occupation of the Gorkhas. In April 1815 Gorkhas
were ousted from Garhwal region and Garhwal was annexed by the British.
In that year the area now comprising tehsil Dehra Dun was added to district
Saharanpur. In 1825, however, it was transferred to the Kumaon Division. In
1828, Dehra Dun and Jaunsar Bawar were placed under the charge of a
separate Deputy Commissioner and in 1829, the Dehradun district was
transferred from the Kumaon Division to the Meerut Division. In 1842, Dun
was attached to Saharanpur district and placed under an officer subordinate to
the Collector of the district but since 1871 it is being administered as separate
district. In 1968 the district was taken out from Meerut division and included
in the Garhwal Division.
Languages and Religion- Main languages spoken in the district are Hindi,
Sindhi, Punjabi, Garhwali and Urdu.
Topography- Dehradun can be divided into two distinct tracts i.e. the
montane tract and the sub-montane tract. The montane tract covers whole
Chakrata tehsil of the district and consists entirely of a succession of
mountains and gorges and comprises Jaunsar Bawar. The mountains are very
rough with steep slopes. The most important features of the tract is the ridge
which separates the drainage are of Tons on the west from that of Yamuna on
the east. Below the montane tract follows the sub-montane tract, which is the
famous Dun valley bounded by Shivalik hills in the south and outer scarp of
the Himalayas in the north.
Forests- Dehradun is distinguished from most other districts in the state by
the existence of very large forests chiefly stocked with sal. Forest products
play an important role in the economy of the district. Besides, supplying fuel,
fodder, bamboos and medicinal herbs, they also yield a variety of products
like honey, lac, gum, resin, catechu, wax, horns and hides. The forests
account for 1477 sq.kms of area, giving a percentage of 43.70 of the total
Page 3


Dehradun
Dehradun is one of the oldest cities of India and is also the temporary Capital
of Utarakhand. Also known as the ‘Adobe of Drona’, Dehradun has always
been an important center for Garhwal ruler. The headquarters of many
National Institutes and Organizations like ONGC, Survey Of India, Forest
Research Institute, Indian Institute of Petroleum etc are located in the city.
Some of the premier educational and Training Institutes like Indian Miltary
Academy, RIMC(Rashtriya Indian Military College), Indira Gandhi National
Forest Academy(IGNFA), Lal Bahadur Shahstri National Academy of
Administration (LBSNAA )etc are also there in Dehradun district. It is a
favoured tourist destination as it attracts tourists, pilgrims and enthusiasts
from various walks of life to its serene environs. Add to this the abundance of
special Basmati rice, tea and leechi gardens which contribute in turning the
city into a paradise. Dehra appears to be a corruption of dera signifying a
temporary abode or camp. During the reign of Aurangzeb, Ram Rai, Guru of
the Udasi Sikhs on being ordered by the Mughal king to retire to the
wilderness of the Dun, had pitched his tents here in what is now the Khurbura
locality of the town and has also built a temple near Dhanawala. Around
these two sites, grew up the town popularly known as Dehra. The term dun or
doon means the low lands at the foot of a mountain range, and as the bulk of
the district lies in such a terrain, it justified the dun part of the name.
Another derivation of the term dun is stated to be from Dronashram,
hermitage of Guru Dronacharya of Mahabharata fame, who sojourned for a
season in the village of Devara, situated near to Dehra to perform his
devotions at a lonely spot.
District Boundaries and other Details
The district is situated in the north-west corner of the state.It is bounded on
the north and to some distance in the north-west by the district of Uttarkashi,
in the east by the district Tehri Garhwal and Pauri-Garhwal.In the south by
the district of Saharanpur(Uttar Pradesh) at its southern tip touching the
boundary of district Haridwar. Its western boundary adjoins the
Sirmur(Nahan) district of Himachal Pradesh with the rivers Tons and
Yamuna separating the two.
Lies between 29 degrees 58' and 31 degrees 2' 30? north latitudes and 77
degrees 34' 45? and 78 degrees 18' 30? east longitudes.Total area of the
district is 3088 sq kms.Altitude is 640 mts.(2100 ft) above sea level.
History- According to Skanda Purana, Dun formed part of the region
called Kedar Khand. It was included in the kingdom of Ashoka by the end of
the 3
rd
 century B.C. For centuries the region formed part of the Garhwal
kingdom with some interruption from Rohillas. For about two decades till
1815 it was under the occupation of the Gorkhas. In April 1815 Gorkhas
were ousted from Garhwal region and Garhwal was annexed by the British.
In that year the area now comprising tehsil Dehra Dun was added to district
Saharanpur. In 1825, however, it was transferred to the Kumaon Division. In
1828, Dehra Dun and Jaunsar Bawar were placed under the charge of a
separate Deputy Commissioner and in 1829, the Dehradun district was
transferred from the Kumaon Division to the Meerut Division. In 1842, Dun
was attached to Saharanpur district and placed under an officer subordinate to
the Collector of the district but since 1871 it is being administered as separate
district. In 1968 the district was taken out from Meerut division and included
in the Garhwal Division.
Languages and Religion- Main languages spoken in the district are Hindi,
Sindhi, Punjabi, Garhwali and Urdu.
Topography- Dehradun can be divided into two distinct tracts i.e. the
montane tract and the sub-montane tract. The montane tract covers whole
Chakrata tehsil of the district and consists entirely of a succession of
mountains and gorges and comprises Jaunsar Bawar. The mountains are very
rough with steep slopes. The most important features of the tract is the ridge
which separates the drainage are of Tons on the west from that of Yamuna on
the east. Below the montane tract follows the sub-montane tract, which is the
famous Dun valley bounded by Shivalik hills in the south and outer scarp of
the Himalayas in the north.
Forests- Dehradun is distinguished from most other districts in the state by
the existence of very large forests chiefly stocked with sal. Forest products
play an important role in the economy of the district. Besides, supplying fuel,
fodder, bamboos and medicinal herbs, they also yield a variety of products
like honey, lac, gum, resin, catechu, wax, horns and hides. The forests
account for 1477 sq.kms of area, giving a percentage of 43.70 of the total
area of the district. Owing to the variation in altitudes and other aspects, the
flora of the district vary from tropical to alpine species. Different types of
forests and varying species of shrubs, climbing plants and grasses, depending
upon the aspect, altitude and soil condition are found in the district.
Sal forest and coniferous forests are predominant in the western part of
tehsil Dehradun. Chir is the only coniferous species in the old reserved
forests of Dehradun. Besides other associates of chir, a few deodar trees are
also seen in the district. Wide ranges of sal forest occur the district. Sal is the
main timber species and is generally pure towards the Siwalik ridges. A
mixture of species are found in the lower parts. In the eastern part of tehsil
Dehradun, the flora may be divided into a number of Botanical divisions:
Moist Siwalik Sal Forests: These forests are found in the Motichur and
Thano forest ranges. Low quality of sal is found in these forests. The main
associates of sal are bakli and sain. Moist Bhabar Doon Sal Forests: These
forests are found in a large areas in Thano and Barkot forest ranges. Sal is
pure in the overwood and its typical associates are sain and dhauri. the
underwood growth includes karaunda and chameli. West Gangetic Moist
Deciduous Forests: These are found in the Kansro, Barkot, Motichur and
Thano forest ranges. These are closed forests from medium to good height.
The main associates of sal are safed siris, jhingan, bohera and dhauri. Dry
Siwalik Sal Forests: These forests are found on the higher slopes of
Siwaliks. In Chakrata tehsil they occur near the junction of the Tons and the
Yamuna rivers in the neighborhood of Kalsi. Sal is the predominant species
mixed with other associates viz. bakli, sain, haldu, jhingan etc. Besides the
above many other types of forests occur in small belts in the plain of the
district.
RIVERS: The Siwalik lies at its feet, the outer- scrap of the Himalayas
bound it on the north and the scared Ganga and the Yamuna skirt in on the
east and the west respectively. The Ganga enters the district in the eastern
Dun at Rishikesh and meandering south-west goes to Hardwar via Raiwala
near Rishikesh. The Yamuna enters the district in Jaunsar and flows
southwards for about 32 kms on the south-east border of the district. Besides
Ganga and yamuna, the other rivers that flow in the district are Asan, Suswa,
Tons, Rispana, Bindal and Amalava.
Climate- The Climate of the district is generally temperate. It varies greatly
from tropical to severe cold depending upon the altitude of the area. The
Page 4


Dehradun
Dehradun is one of the oldest cities of India and is also the temporary Capital
of Utarakhand. Also known as the ‘Adobe of Drona’, Dehradun has always
been an important center for Garhwal ruler. The headquarters of many
National Institutes and Organizations like ONGC, Survey Of India, Forest
Research Institute, Indian Institute of Petroleum etc are located in the city.
Some of the premier educational and Training Institutes like Indian Miltary
Academy, RIMC(Rashtriya Indian Military College), Indira Gandhi National
Forest Academy(IGNFA), Lal Bahadur Shahstri National Academy of
Administration (LBSNAA )etc are also there in Dehradun district. It is a
favoured tourist destination as it attracts tourists, pilgrims and enthusiasts
from various walks of life to its serene environs. Add to this the abundance of
special Basmati rice, tea and leechi gardens which contribute in turning the
city into a paradise. Dehra appears to be a corruption of dera signifying a
temporary abode or camp. During the reign of Aurangzeb, Ram Rai, Guru of
the Udasi Sikhs on being ordered by the Mughal king to retire to the
wilderness of the Dun, had pitched his tents here in what is now the Khurbura
locality of the town and has also built a temple near Dhanawala. Around
these two sites, grew up the town popularly known as Dehra. The term dun or
doon means the low lands at the foot of a mountain range, and as the bulk of
the district lies in such a terrain, it justified the dun part of the name.
Another derivation of the term dun is stated to be from Dronashram,
hermitage of Guru Dronacharya of Mahabharata fame, who sojourned for a
season in the village of Devara, situated near to Dehra to perform his
devotions at a lonely spot.
District Boundaries and other Details
The district is situated in the north-west corner of the state.It is bounded on
the north and to some distance in the north-west by the district of Uttarkashi,
in the east by the district Tehri Garhwal and Pauri-Garhwal.In the south by
the district of Saharanpur(Uttar Pradesh) at its southern tip touching the
boundary of district Haridwar. Its western boundary adjoins the
Sirmur(Nahan) district of Himachal Pradesh with the rivers Tons and
Yamuna separating the two.
Lies between 29 degrees 58' and 31 degrees 2' 30? north latitudes and 77
degrees 34' 45? and 78 degrees 18' 30? east longitudes.Total area of the
district is 3088 sq kms.Altitude is 640 mts.(2100 ft) above sea level.
History- According to Skanda Purana, Dun formed part of the region
called Kedar Khand. It was included in the kingdom of Ashoka by the end of
the 3
rd
 century B.C. For centuries the region formed part of the Garhwal
kingdom with some interruption from Rohillas. For about two decades till
1815 it was under the occupation of the Gorkhas. In April 1815 Gorkhas
were ousted from Garhwal region and Garhwal was annexed by the British.
In that year the area now comprising tehsil Dehra Dun was added to district
Saharanpur. In 1825, however, it was transferred to the Kumaon Division. In
1828, Dehra Dun and Jaunsar Bawar were placed under the charge of a
separate Deputy Commissioner and in 1829, the Dehradun district was
transferred from the Kumaon Division to the Meerut Division. In 1842, Dun
was attached to Saharanpur district and placed under an officer subordinate to
the Collector of the district but since 1871 it is being administered as separate
district. In 1968 the district was taken out from Meerut division and included
in the Garhwal Division.
Languages and Religion- Main languages spoken in the district are Hindi,
Sindhi, Punjabi, Garhwali and Urdu.
Topography- Dehradun can be divided into two distinct tracts i.e. the
montane tract and the sub-montane tract. The montane tract covers whole
Chakrata tehsil of the district and consists entirely of a succession of
mountains and gorges and comprises Jaunsar Bawar. The mountains are very
rough with steep slopes. The most important features of the tract is the ridge
which separates the drainage are of Tons on the west from that of Yamuna on
the east. Below the montane tract follows the sub-montane tract, which is the
famous Dun valley bounded by Shivalik hills in the south and outer scarp of
the Himalayas in the north.
Forests- Dehradun is distinguished from most other districts in the state by
the existence of very large forests chiefly stocked with sal. Forest products
play an important role in the economy of the district. Besides, supplying fuel,
fodder, bamboos and medicinal herbs, they also yield a variety of products
like honey, lac, gum, resin, catechu, wax, horns and hides. The forests
account for 1477 sq.kms of area, giving a percentage of 43.70 of the total
area of the district. Owing to the variation in altitudes and other aspects, the
flora of the district vary from tropical to alpine species. Different types of
forests and varying species of shrubs, climbing plants and grasses, depending
upon the aspect, altitude and soil condition are found in the district.
Sal forest and coniferous forests are predominant in the western part of
tehsil Dehradun. Chir is the only coniferous species in the old reserved
forests of Dehradun. Besides other associates of chir, a few deodar trees are
also seen in the district. Wide ranges of sal forest occur the district. Sal is the
main timber species and is generally pure towards the Siwalik ridges. A
mixture of species are found in the lower parts. In the eastern part of tehsil
Dehradun, the flora may be divided into a number of Botanical divisions:
Moist Siwalik Sal Forests: These forests are found in the Motichur and
Thano forest ranges. Low quality of sal is found in these forests. The main
associates of sal are bakli and sain. Moist Bhabar Doon Sal Forests: These
forests are found in a large areas in Thano and Barkot forest ranges. Sal is
pure in the overwood and its typical associates are sain and dhauri. the
underwood growth includes karaunda and chameli. West Gangetic Moist
Deciduous Forests: These are found in the Kansro, Barkot, Motichur and
Thano forest ranges. These are closed forests from medium to good height.
The main associates of sal are safed siris, jhingan, bohera and dhauri. Dry
Siwalik Sal Forests: These forests are found on the higher slopes of
Siwaliks. In Chakrata tehsil they occur near the junction of the Tons and the
Yamuna rivers in the neighborhood of Kalsi. Sal is the predominant species
mixed with other associates viz. bakli, sain, haldu, jhingan etc. Besides the
above many other types of forests occur in small belts in the plain of the
district.
RIVERS: The Siwalik lies at its feet, the outer- scrap of the Himalayas
bound it on the north and the scared Ganga and the Yamuna skirt in on the
east and the west respectively. The Ganga enters the district in the eastern
Dun at Rishikesh and meandering south-west goes to Hardwar via Raiwala
near Rishikesh. The Yamuna enters the district in Jaunsar and flows
southwards for about 32 kms on the south-east border of the district. Besides
Ganga and yamuna, the other rivers that flow in the district are Asan, Suswa,
Tons, Rispana, Bindal and Amalava.
Climate- The Climate of the district is generally temperate. It varies greatly
from tropical to severe cold depending upon the altitude of the area. The
district being hilly, temperature variations due to difference in elevation are
considerable. In the hilly regions, the summer is pleasant, but in the Doon,
the heat is often intense, although not to such degree as in the plains of the
adjoining district. The temperature drops below freezing point not only at
high altitude but even at places like Dehradun during the winters, when the
higher peaks are also under snow. The area receives an average annual
rainfall of 2073.3 mm. Most of the annual rainfall in the district is received
during the months from June to September, July and August being rainiest.
Fair & Festivals- There are many fairs and festivals which adds colours
and flavours to the culture of the state.
Jhanda Fair-Jhanda Fair is held every year at the historic Guru Ram Rai
Darbar in Dehradun City on the fifth day after Holi in the sacred memory of
the Guru. The fair begins with putting up a new Jhanda (Flag) on the staff
located in the compound of the historic complex. Besides local people, a
large number of devotees turn up from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, U.P. and
Himachal Pradesh etc.
Tapkeshwar Mela-Tapkeshwar is a legendary place located on the eastern
bank of the river Tons. Lord Shiva is the reigning deity of the ancient temple
located here in a cave. In the Skandapurana, the place has been referred to as
Deveshwara. It is believed that during Dwaparyuga, this place was abode of
Guru Dronacharya who lived here with his family. Since then, the cave is
known as Drona Gufa. One of the famous heroes of Mahabharata and son of
Guru Drona, Ashwathama, was born here. When Ashwathama was very
young, the poor father could not find any milk for him. The Guru was too
poor to afford a cow. It was a matter of worry to the great master. One day,
when young Ashwathama was crying for milk, the helpless Guru advised him
to pray and worship Lord Shiva, who would bless him with milk.
Ashwathama did so. Pleased with the young boy’s tough penance, Lord Shiva
blessed him and said that milk would be made available here. Ashwathama
found milk falling on the Shivalinga, drop by drop. Ashwathama had prayed
to the Lord by the name of Tapkeshwar and hence the place was known by
the same name. A big fair takes place here on the Shivratri day. Thousands of
devotees congregate at this place on the day to offer prayers.
Laxman Sidhha Fair-Lakshman Siddha is one of the four Siddhpeeths
around Dehradun. It has immense religious importance. A local religious fair
held every Sunday, but last Sunday of April has a special significance, when
Page 5


Dehradun
Dehradun is one of the oldest cities of India and is also the temporary Capital
of Utarakhand. Also known as the ‘Adobe of Drona’, Dehradun has always
been an important center for Garhwal ruler. The headquarters of many
National Institutes and Organizations like ONGC, Survey Of India, Forest
Research Institute, Indian Institute of Petroleum etc are located in the city.
Some of the premier educational and Training Institutes like Indian Miltary
Academy, RIMC(Rashtriya Indian Military College), Indira Gandhi National
Forest Academy(IGNFA), Lal Bahadur Shahstri National Academy of
Administration (LBSNAA )etc are also there in Dehradun district. It is a
favoured tourist destination as it attracts tourists, pilgrims and enthusiasts
from various walks of life to its serene environs. Add to this the abundance of
special Basmati rice, tea and leechi gardens which contribute in turning the
city into a paradise. Dehra appears to be a corruption of dera signifying a
temporary abode or camp. During the reign of Aurangzeb, Ram Rai, Guru of
the Udasi Sikhs on being ordered by the Mughal king to retire to the
wilderness of the Dun, had pitched his tents here in what is now the Khurbura
locality of the town and has also built a temple near Dhanawala. Around
these two sites, grew up the town popularly known as Dehra. The term dun or
doon means the low lands at the foot of a mountain range, and as the bulk of
the district lies in such a terrain, it justified the dun part of the name.
Another derivation of the term dun is stated to be from Dronashram,
hermitage of Guru Dronacharya of Mahabharata fame, who sojourned for a
season in the village of Devara, situated near to Dehra to perform his
devotions at a lonely spot.
District Boundaries and other Details
The district is situated in the north-west corner of the state.It is bounded on
the north and to some distance in the north-west by the district of Uttarkashi,
in the east by the district Tehri Garhwal and Pauri-Garhwal.In the south by
the district of Saharanpur(Uttar Pradesh) at its southern tip touching the
boundary of district Haridwar. Its western boundary adjoins the
Sirmur(Nahan) district of Himachal Pradesh with the rivers Tons and
Yamuna separating the two.
Lies between 29 degrees 58' and 31 degrees 2' 30? north latitudes and 77
degrees 34' 45? and 78 degrees 18' 30? east longitudes.Total area of the
district is 3088 sq kms.Altitude is 640 mts.(2100 ft) above sea level.
History- According to Skanda Purana, Dun formed part of the region
called Kedar Khand. It was included in the kingdom of Ashoka by the end of
the 3
rd
 century B.C. For centuries the region formed part of the Garhwal
kingdom with some interruption from Rohillas. For about two decades till
1815 it was under the occupation of the Gorkhas. In April 1815 Gorkhas
were ousted from Garhwal region and Garhwal was annexed by the British.
In that year the area now comprising tehsil Dehra Dun was added to district
Saharanpur. In 1825, however, it was transferred to the Kumaon Division. In
1828, Dehra Dun and Jaunsar Bawar were placed under the charge of a
separate Deputy Commissioner and in 1829, the Dehradun district was
transferred from the Kumaon Division to the Meerut Division. In 1842, Dun
was attached to Saharanpur district and placed under an officer subordinate to
the Collector of the district but since 1871 it is being administered as separate
district. In 1968 the district was taken out from Meerut division and included
in the Garhwal Division.
Languages and Religion- Main languages spoken in the district are Hindi,
Sindhi, Punjabi, Garhwali and Urdu.
Topography- Dehradun can be divided into two distinct tracts i.e. the
montane tract and the sub-montane tract. The montane tract covers whole
Chakrata tehsil of the district and consists entirely of a succession of
mountains and gorges and comprises Jaunsar Bawar. The mountains are very
rough with steep slopes. The most important features of the tract is the ridge
which separates the drainage are of Tons on the west from that of Yamuna on
the east. Below the montane tract follows the sub-montane tract, which is the
famous Dun valley bounded by Shivalik hills in the south and outer scarp of
the Himalayas in the north.
Forests- Dehradun is distinguished from most other districts in the state by
the existence of very large forests chiefly stocked with sal. Forest products
play an important role in the economy of the district. Besides, supplying fuel,
fodder, bamboos and medicinal herbs, they also yield a variety of products
like honey, lac, gum, resin, catechu, wax, horns and hides. The forests
account for 1477 sq.kms of area, giving a percentage of 43.70 of the total
area of the district. Owing to the variation in altitudes and other aspects, the
flora of the district vary from tropical to alpine species. Different types of
forests and varying species of shrubs, climbing plants and grasses, depending
upon the aspect, altitude and soil condition are found in the district.
Sal forest and coniferous forests are predominant in the western part of
tehsil Dehradun. Chir is the only coniferous species in the old reserved
forests of Dehradun. Besides other associates of chir, a few deodar trees are
also seen in the district. Wide ranges of sal forest occur the district. Sal is the
main timber species and is generally pure towards the Siwalik ridges. A
mixture of species are found in the lower parts. In the eastern part of tehsil
Dehradun, the flora may be divided into a number of Botanical divisions:
Moist Siwalik Sal Forests: These forests are found in the Motichur and
Thano forest ranges. Low quality of sal is found in these forests. The main
associates of sal are bakli and sain. Moist Bhabar Doon Sal Forests: These
forests are found in a large areas in Thano and Barkot forest ranges. Sal is
pure in the overwood and its typical associates are sain and dhauri. the
underwood growth includes karaunda and chameli. West Gangetic Moist
Deciduous Forests: These are found in the Kansro, Barkot, Motichur and
Thano forest ranges. These are closed forests from medium to good height.
The main associates of sal are safed siris, jhingan, bohera and dhauri. Dry
Siwalik Sal Forests: These forests are found on the higher slopes of
Siwaliks. In Chakrata tehsil they occur near the junction of the Tons and the
Yamuna rivers in the neighborhood of Kalsi. Sal is the predominant species
mixed with other associates viz. bakli, sain, haldu, jhingan etc. Besides the
above many other types of forests occur in small belts in the plain of the
district.
RIVERS: The Siwalik lies at its feet, the outer- scrap of the Himalayas
bound it on the north and the scared Ganga and the Yamuna skirt in on the
east and the west respectively. The Ganga enters the district in the eastern
Dun at Rishikesh and meandering south-west goes to Hardwar via Raiwala
near Rishikesh. The Yamuna enters the district in Jaunsar and flows
southwards for about 32 kms on the south-east border of the district. Besides
Ganga and yamuna, the other rivers that flow in the district are Asan, Suswa,
Tons, Rispana, Bindal and Amalava.
Climate- The Climate of the district is generally temperate. It varies greatly
from tropical to severe cold depending upon the altitude of the area. The
district being hilly, temperature variations due to difference in elevation are
considerable. In the hilly regions, the summer is pleasant, but in the Doon,
the heat is often intense, although not to such degree as in the plains of the
adjoining district. The temperature drops below freezing point not only at
high altitude but even at places like Dehradun during the winters, when the
higher peaks are also under snow. The area receives an average annual
rainfall of 2073.3 mm. Most of the annual rainfall in the district is received
during the months from June to September, July and August being rainiest.
Fair & Festivals- There are many fairs and festivals which adds colours
and flavours to the culture of the state.
Jhanda Fair-Jhanda Fair is held every year at the historic Guru Ram Rai
Darbar in Dehradun City on the fifth day after Holi in the sacred memory of
the Guru. The fair begins with putting up a new Jhanda (Flag) on the staff
located in the compound of the historic complex. Besides local people, a
large number of devotees turn up from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, U.P. and
Himachal Pradesh etc.
Tapkeshwar Mela-Tapkeshwar is a legendary place located on the eastern
bank of the river Tons. Lord Shiva is the reigning deity of the ancient temple
located here in a cave. In the Skandapurana, the place has been referred to as
Deveshwara. It is believed that during Dwaparyuga, this place was abode of
Guru Dronacharya who lived here with his family. Since then, the cave is
known as Drona Gufa. One of the famous heroes of Mahabharata and son of
Guru Drona, Ashwathama, was born here. When Ashwathama was very
young, the poor father could not find any milk for him. The Guru was too
poor to afford a cow. It was a matter of worry to the great master. One day,
when young Ashwathama was crying for milk, the helpless Guru advised him
to pray and worship Lord Shiva, who would bless him with milk.
Ashwathama did so. Pleased with the young boy’s tough penance, Lord Shiva
blessed him and said that milk would be made available here. Ashwathama
found milk falling on the Shivalinga, drop by drop. Ashwathama had prayed
to the Lord by the name of Tapkeshwar and hence the place was known by
the same name. A big fair takes place here on the Shivratri day. Thousands of
devotees congregate at this place on the day to offer prayers.
Laxman Sidhha Fair-Lakshman Siddha is one of the four Siddhpeeths
around Dehradun. It has immense religious importance. A local religious fair
held every Sunday, but last Sunday of April has a special significance, when
people turn up in very large number and seen offering obeisance to the
Samadhi here. It is about 10 kms away on Dehradun-Rishikesh road and can
be easily approached by city bus or tempo. It is located about a km off the
road inside jungle.
Bissu Fair-This fair is held at the Jhanda ground in Bissu fair cantonment
area of Chakrata block It is about 3 kms from Chakrata. The fair reflects
cultural heritage and tradition of Jaunsari tribe. A large number of people turn
up in this fair from nearby Tehri, Uttarkashi and Saharanpur districts. The fair
marks harvesting season in the area and reflects the happiness of the local
people.
Mahasu Devta’s Fair-Mahasu Devta’s fair is held at Hanol which is about
120 kms on the Chakrata Tyuni road. Fair takes place in August every year,
when Mahasu Devta(deity) is taken out in a procession. Musical prayers
continue for three days and nights. The havan samagri (offering material) is
arranged by the Government of India. This is a local fair of Jaunsari tribe.
Thousands of participants throng the place on the occasion from the adjacent
Tehri, Uttarkashi and Saharanpur district.
Jagda Festival- Celebrated in Jaunsar Bawar region; large prayers are
organized at Hanol and Thaina Mahsu Devta temples along with all the
temples of villages, where people dance on local folks, in the month of
Bhadrapad (usually fallining in AUGUST-SEPTEMBER).
Saheed Veer Kesri Chandra Fair-This fair is held at Ramtal in Nagau
gram sabha of Chakrata tehsil in Dehradun district. Ramtal is a beautiful
natural tank of about 30 mts long and 30 mts wide, located on a hill and is
connected with a 700 mts long motorable road. The tank is surrounded by a
green ground which is the venue of the fair. Every year during navratras, in
the month of April a big fair is held here. A temple and a memorial dedicated
to the freedom fighter Veer Kesri Chandra is located at this site.
Important places In the District
Dehradun-Dehradun city lies on the low interfluve of the Bindal and the
Rispana. In 1676 the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb conferred a few villages in
the valley upon the dissenting sikh leader Shri Guru Ram rai who came from
the Punjab and setteled here. The city grew round the old Gurudwara in small
low houses along narrow winding lines. Mild climate, well-drained site and
dust free atmosphere attracted the retired government officers to settle here.