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

 Page 1


Medieval
 
Uttarakhand
Katyuri Dynasty (Early 7
th
 to Late 11
th
 Century AD)
After Kartikeypur, Katyuris rose into prominrnce in Kumaun region. As per
records 6 branches were ruling over different parts of the state. Copper
Inscriptions of Pandukeshwar, Kartikeypur, Bageshwar, Baijnath-Gananath,
Kulsari, Kumauni folk songs, tales and Jagar are main source of their history.
Katyuris were decendents of Kartikeypur. Taking advantage of political
instability in north India after the death of Harsha, descendents of Kunindas
established Kartikeypur dynesty and in Kumaun mainly in Katyur Ghati
(Baijnath), the Katyuri dynesty. Basantadev (633AD to 645AD) is considered
to be the founder of Katyuri dynasty. Local folklores also call him Vasudev.
Although Historians are divided on this.Their capital was present day
Joshimath. Various copper inscriptions have been discovered showimg that
Lalitdev (832AD to 854AD) was the greatest ruler of the dynasty. Their
empire extended from Satluj in west to plains in the south. Entire present day
Rohilkhand was a part of their empire. Katyuris had great respect for art,
culture, and literature. They gave patronage to educated and learned people.
1. Vasu Dev (700–849 CE)
2. Basantana Dev (850-870 CE)
3. Kharpar Dev (870-880 CE)
4. Abhiraj Dev (880-890 CE)
5. Tribhuvanraj Dev (890-900 CE)
6. Nimbarta Dev (900-915 CE)
7. Istanga (915-930 CE)
8. Lalitasura Dev (930-955 CE)
9. Bhu Dev (955-970 CE)
10. Salonaditya (970-985 CE)
11. Ichchhata Dev (985–1000 CE)
12. Deshat Dev (1000–1015 CE)
13. Padmata Dev (1015-1045 CE)
14. Subhiksharaja Dev (1045-1060 CE)- he founded the city of Subikshpur in
Katyur Ghati near Baijnath.
15. Dham Dev
Page 2


Medieval
 
Uttarakhand
Katyuri Dynasty (Early 7
th
 to Late 11
th
 Century AD)
After Kartikeypur, Katyuris rose into prominrnce in Kumaun region. As per
records 6 branches were ruling over different parts of the state. Copper
Inscriptions of Pandukeshwar, Kartikeypur, Bageshwar, Baijnath-Gananath,
Kulsari, Kumauni folk songs, tales and Jagar are main source of their history.
Katyuris were decendents of Kartikeypur. Taking advantage of political
instability in north India after the death of Harsha, descendents of Kunindas
established Kartikeypur dynesty and in Kumaun mainly in Katyur Ghati
(Baijnath), the Katyuri dynesty. Basantadev (633AD to 645AD) is considered
to be the founder of Katyuri dynasty. Local folklores also call him Vasudev.
Although Historians are divided on this.Their capital was present day
Joshimath. Various copper inscriptions have been discovered showimg that
Lalitdev (832AD to 854AD) was the greatest ruler of the dynasty. Their
empire extended from Satluj in west to plains in the south. Entire present day
Rohilkhand was a part of their empire. Katyuris had great respect for art,
culture, and literature. They gave patronage to educated and learned people.
1. Vasu Dev (700–849 CE)
2. Basantana Dev (850-870 CE)
3. Kharpar Dev (870-880 CE)
4. Abhiraj Dev (880-890 CE)
5. Tribhuvanraj Dev (890-900 CE)
6. Nimbarta Dev (900-915 CE)
7. Istanga (915-930 CE)
8. Lalitasura Dev (930-955 CE)
9. Bhu Dev (955-970 CE)
10. Salonaditya (970-985 CE)
11. Ichchhata Dev (985–1000 CE)
12. Deshat Dev (1000–1015 CE)
13. Padmata Dev (1015-1045 CE)
14. Subhiksharaja Dev (1045-1060 CE)- he founded the city of Subikshpur in
Katyur Ghati near Baijnath.
15. Dham Dev
16. Bir Dev (Very short period)
Administration- Katyuris established a vast empire which stood on the heels
of well organized administration. Their administration can be studied from
Pandukeshwar copper inscriptions. King used to be addressed by different
names like Maharaj, Raja, Maharajadhiraj, Nripati, Narendra, Kshitij, Ragyi,
Parambhattarak Maharajadhiraj Parmeshwar, Parammaheshwar,
Parambrahamanya, Paramvaishnava, Dharadharendrakrityugdharmavatara,
Kalikalushmatangsudan, Samastaratichakrapramardan etc. which indicates he
being considered as the representative of god. Queen was addressed as Ragyi
Mahadevi while prince and princes as Rajputra and Rajkanya respectively.
To give advice to King a council of ministers was setup which was named
Rajamatya, while the council associated with prince was known as
Kumarmatya. Other important functionaries were
Mahasandhivihrahakshapataladhikrita (Foreign Minister), Akshpataladhikrita
(Home Minister) was also responsible for record keeping.
Mahadanakshapataladhikrtita was responsible for royal donations.
Mahakartatrik (for various administrative works),
Ashtadasprakrityadhishthaniyan (responsible for 18 departments),
Gamagamik (for record keeping of people entering the city and going out of
it), Divir (Supervisor of clerks), Mahapratihara (Main receptionist of kings
court) Sharbhang (Government doctor), Khadigak (head of sword carrying
army), Kishorvadvagomahishyadhikrita (looking after state owned
livestocks), Pratishurak used to fight to win court awards, Dutak (head of
messengers), Prantapal (for border security), Ghattapal (gatekeepers) Narpati
(for river ghats and tax collection), Kottapal (for security of a fort),Vatrmapal
(for roads and pathways), Mahadandanayak (for justice delievery),
Dashaparadhiki (one who collects penalties), Pramatar (for land survey and
measurement), Vishaypati(Head of a district), were few important
functionaries. Raja was the ruler of the state. Great rulers like Lalitsur
adopted titles like Maharajadhiraj. Raja, Rajaputra, Rajamatya etc were other
designations.
King was the supreme leader of the Kingdom. He was the centre of all the
wings including army, executive and justice delivery. Council of Ministers
was appointed to give aid and advice to the King. Ministers heading one or
multiple departments were directly accountable to the King. Being large and
Page 3


Medieval
 
Uttarakhand
Katyuri Dynasty (Early 7
th
 to Late 11
th
 Century AD)
After Kartikeypur, Katyuris rose into prominrnce in Kumaun region. As per
records 6 branches were ruling over different parts of the state. Copper
Inscriptions of Pandukeshwar, Kartikeypur, Bageshwar, Baijnath-Gananath,
Kulsari, Kumauni folk songs, tales and Jagar are main source of their history.
Katyuris were decendents of Kartikeypur. Taking advantage of political
instability in north India after the death of Harsha, descendents of Kunindas
established Kartikeypur dynesty and in Kumaun mainly in Katyur Ghati
(Baijnath), the Katyuri dynesty. Basantadev (633AD to 645AD) is considered
to be the founder of Katyuri dynasty. Local folklores also call him Vasudev.
Although Historians are divided on this.Their capital was present day
Joshimath. Various copper inscriptions have been discovered showimg that
Lalitdev (832AD to 854AD) was the greatest ruler of the dynasty. Their
empire extended from Satluj in west to plains in the south. Entire present day
Rohilkhand was a part of their empire. Katyuris had great respect for art,
culture, and literature. They gave patronage to educated and learned people.
1. Vasu Dev (700–849 CE)
2. Basantana Dev (850-870 CE)
3. Kharpar Dev (870-880 CE)
4. Abhiraj Dev (880-890 CE)
5. Tribhuvanraj Dev (890-900 CE)
6. Nimbarta Dev (900-915 CE)
7. Istanga (915-930 CE)
8. Lalitasura Dev (930-955 CE)
9. Bhu Dev (955-970 CE)
10. Salonaditya (970-985 CE)
11. Ichchhata Dev (985–1000 CE)
12. Deshat Dev (1000–1015 CE)
13. Padmata Dev (1015-1045 CE)
14. Subhiksharaja Dev (1045-1060 CE)- he founded the city of Subikshpur in
Katyur Ghati near Baijnath.
15. Dham Dev
16. Bir Dev (Very short period)
Administration- Katyuris established a vast empire which stood on the heels
of well organized administration. Their administration can be studied from
Pandukeshwar copper inscriptions. King used to be addressed by different
names like Maharaj, Raja, Maharajadhiraj, Nripati, Narendra, Kshitij, Ragyi,
Parambhattarak Maharajadhiraj Parmeshwar, Parammaheshwar,
Parambrahamanya, Paramvaishnava, Dharadharendrakrityugdharmavatara,
Kalikalushmatangsudan, Samastaratichakrapramardan etc. which indicates he
being considered as the representative of god. Queen was addressed as Ragyi
Mahadevi while prince and princes as Rajputra and Rajkanya respectively.
To give advice to King a council of ministers was setup which was named
Rajamatya, while the council associated with prince was known as
Kumarmatya. Other important functionaries were
Mahasandhivihrahakshapataladhikrita (Foreign Minister), Akshpataladhikrita
(Home Minister) was also responsible for record keeping.
Mahadanakshapataladhikrtita was responsible for royal donations.
Mahakartatrik (for various administrative works),
Ashtadasprakrityadhishthaniyan (responsible for 18 departments),
Gamagamik (for record keeping of people entering the city and going out of
it), Divir (Supervisor of clerks), Mahapratihara (Main receptionist of kings
court) Sharbhang (Government doctor), Khadigak (head of sword carrying
army), Kishorvadvagomahishyadhikrita (looking after state owned
livestocks), Pratishurak used to fight to win court awards, Dutak (head of
messengers), Prantapal (for border security), Ghattapal (gatekeepers) Narpati
(for river ghats and tax collection), Kottapal (for security of a fort),Vatrmapal
(for roads and pathways), Mahadandanayak (for justice delievery),
Dashaparadhiki (one who collects penalties), Pramatar (for land survey and
measurement), Vishaypati(Head of a district), were few important
functionaries. Raja was the ruler of the state. Great rulers like Lalitsur
adopted titles like Maharajadhiraj. Raja, Rajaputra, Rajamatya etc were other
designations.
King was the supreme leader of the Kingdom. He was the centre of all the
wings including army, executive and justice delivery. Council of Ministers
was appointed to give aid and advice to the King. Ministers heading one or
multiple departments were directly accountable to the King. Being large and
having less developed transport, the kingdom was divided into various
Thakurais, or Bhuktis which were ruled by feudal lords called Uparik,
Thakkur, Prantpal, Samantas, Mahasamantas etc. there were departments
similar to centre in these Thakuratis. Mahamanushya and Narpati were two
important tiltles given to important persons in the society. State was divided
into provinces called Prant, headed by Governor called Uparika. These units
were further subdivided into districts called Vishay, headed by Vishaypati.
Various Vishayas (districts) under Katyuris were- Kartikeypur (present day
Katyur Ghati in Almora with Baijnath as its centre), Tanganpur (Regions
inhabited by Shaukas-Bhotias along India-Tibet border mainly the present
day Munsyari in Pithoragarh), Antarag, Aishal and Mayapurhat. Below the
Vishaya existed Nagar and Gram headed by Shreshthi and Mahattam
respectively.
Army- Katyuri rulers maintained a large army. Infantry was called
‘Gautmik’. Head of the cavalry was ‘Ashwabaladhikrit’ and one who led
elephants was called ‘Hashtibaladhikrit’. Head of all the branches of army
was called ‘Hastyasavashtra Baladhikrit’. During war King used to lead the
army.
For safety, security and public order they also setup elaborate system of
policing.
Revenue system and Land Management- Agriculture was the main
source of revenue for the state. Mineral and forests were other sources of
revenue. ‘Prabhatar’ ‘Kshetrapal’ and ‘Upcharik’ were main land revenue
officials. According to Pandukeshwar inscription Mana, Nalika Vap, Khari
Vap, Drona Vap and Hastak (Mutthi) were units of land measurement for
revenue assessment. Minerels and forests were state properties.
Katyuri rulers established an elaborate system of taxation. ‘Bhogpati’,
‘Sholkik’ were main tax officers. Land given for the maintenance of temples
was tax free. ‘Dronnap’ ‘kalyanap’ and ‘kharinap’ were units to measure
revenue.
Evidences of currency have not been found for this period, leading to the
conclusion that trasactions were held in Kind or some kind of barter system
called Jajmani system was practiced. The period was of prosperity which
allowed kings to make sufficient donations. Trade with Tibet was also an
important source of income.
The land management system of Katyuris was more extensive and
Page 4


Medieval
 
Uttarakhand
Katyuri Dynasty (Early 7
th
 to Late 11
th
 Century AD)
After Kartikeypur, Katyuris rose into prominrnce in Kumaun region. As per
records 6 branches were ruling over different parts of the state. Copper
Inscriptions of Pandukeshwar, Kartikeypur, Bageshwar, Baijnath-Gananath,
Kulsari, Kumauni folk songs, tales and Jagar are main source of their history.
Katyuris were decendents of Kartikeypur. Taking advantage of political
instability in north India after the death of Harsha, descendents of Kunindas
established Kartikeypur dynesty and in Kumaun mainly in Katyur Ghati
(Baijnath), the Katyuri dynesty. Basantadev (633AD to 645AD) is considered
to be the founder of Katyuri dynasty. Local folklores also call him Vasudev.
Although Historians are divided on this.Their capital was present day
Joshimath. Various copper inscriptions have been discovered showimg that
Lalitdev (832AD to 854AD) was the greatest ruler of the dynasty. Their
empire extended from Satluj in west to plains in the south. Entire present day
Rohilkhand was a part of their empire. Katyuris had great respect for art,
culture, and literature. They gave patronage to educated and learned people.
1. Vasu Dev (700–849 CE)
2. Basantana Dev (850-870 CE)
3. Kharpar Dev (870-880 CE)
4. Abhiraj Dev (880-890 CE)
5. Tribhuvanraj Dev (890-900 CE)
6. Nimbarta Dev (900-915 CE)
7. Istanga (915-930 CE)
8. Lalitasura Dev (930-955 CE)
9. Bhu Dev (955-970 CE)
10. Salonaditya (970-985 CE)
11. Ichchhata Dev (985–1000 CE)
12. Deshat Dev (1000–1015 CE)
13. Padmata Dev (1015-1045 CE)
14. Subhiksharaja Dev (1045-1060 CE)- he founded the city of Subikshpur in
Katyur Ghati near Baijnath.
15. Dham Dev
16. Bir Dev (Very short period)
Administration- Katyuris established a vast empire which stood on the heels
of well organized administration. Their administration can be studied from
Pandukeshwar copper inscriptions. King used to be addressed by different
names like Maharaj, Raja, Maharajadhiraj, Nripati, Narendra, Kshitij, Ragyi,
Parambhattarak Maharajadhiraj Parmeshwar, Parammaheshwar,
Parambrahamanya, Paramvaishnava, Dharadharendrakrityugdharmavatara,
Kalikalushmatangsudan, Samastaratichakrapramardan etc. which indicates he
being considered as the representative of god. Queen was addressed as Ragyi
Mahadevi while prince and princes as Rajputra and Rajkanya respectively.
To give advice to King a council of ministers was setup which was named
Rajamatya, while the council associated with prince was known as
Kumarmatya. Other important functionaries were
Mahasandhivihrahakshapataladhikrita (Foreign Minister), Akshpataladhikrita
(Home Minister) was also responsible for record keeping.
Mahadanakshapataladhikrtita was responsible for royal donations.
Mahakartatrik (for various administrative works),
Ashtadasprakrityadhishthaniyan (responsible for 18 departments),
Gamagamik (for record keeping of people entering the city and going out of
it), Divir (Supervisor of clerks), Mahapratihara (Main receptionist of kings
court) Sharbhang (Government doctor), Khadigak (head of sword carrying
army), Kishorvadvagomahishyadhikrita (looking after state owned
livestocks), Pratishurak used to fight to win court awards, Dutak (head of
messengers), Prantapal (for border security), Ghattapal (gatekeepers) Narpati
(for river ghats and tax collection), Kottapal (for security of a fort),Vatrmapal
(for roads and pathways), Mahadandanayak (for justice delievery),
Dashaparadhiki (one who collects penalties), Pramatar (for land survey and
measurement), Vishaypati(Head of a district), were few important
functionaries. Raja was the ruler of the state. Great rulers like Lalitsur
adopted titles like Maharajadhiraj. Raja, Rajaputra, Rajamatya etc were other
designations.
King was the supreme leader of the Kingdom. He was the centre of all the
wings including army, executive and justice delivery. Council of Ministers
was appointed to give aid and advice to the King. Ministers heading one or
multiple departments were directly accountable to the King. Being large and
having less developed transport, the kingdom was divided into various
Thakurais, or Bhuktis which were ruled by feudal lords called Uparik,
Thakkur, Prantpal, Samantas, Mahasamantas etc. there were departments
similar to centre in these Thakuratis. Mahamanushya and Narpati were two
important tiltles given to important persons in the society. State was divided
into provinces called Prant, headed by Governor called Uparika. These units
were further subdivided into districts called Vishay, headed by Vishaypati.
Various Vishayas (districts) under Katyuris were- Kartikeypur (present day
Katyur Ghati in Almora with Baijnath as its centre), Tanganpur (Regions
inhabited by Shaukas-Bhotias along India-Tibet border mainly the present
day Munsyari in Pithoragarh), Antarag, Aishal and Mayapurhat. Below the
Vishaya existed Nagar and Gram headed by Shreshthi and Mahattam
respectively.
Army- Katyuri rulers maintained a large army. Infantry was called
‘Gautmik’. Head of the cavalry was ‘Ashwabaladhikrit’ and one who led
elephants was called ‘Hashtibaladhikrit’. Head of all the branches of army
was called ‘Hastyasavashtra Baladhikrit’. During war King used to lead the
army.
For safety, security and public order they also setup elaborate system of
policing.
Revenue system and Land Management- Agriculture was the main
source of revenue for the state. Mineral and forests were other sources of
revenue. ‘Prabhatar’ ‘Kshetrapal’ and ‘Upcharik’ were main land revenue
officials. According to Pandukeshwar inscription Mana, Nalika Vap, Khari
Vap, Drona Vap and Hastak (Mutthi) were units of land measurement for
revenue assessment. Minerels and forests were state properties.
Katyuri rulers established an elaborate system of taxation. ‘Bhogpati’,
‘Sholkik’ were main tax officers. Land given for the maintenance of temples
was tax free. ‘Dronnap’ ‘kalyanap’ and ‘kharinap’ were units to measure
revenue.
Evidences of currency have not been found for this period, leading to the
conclusion that trasactions were held in Kind or some kind of barter system
called Jajmani system was practiced. The period was of prosperity which
allowed kings to make sufficient donations. Trade with Tibet was also an
important source of income.
The land management system of Katyuris was more extensive and
advenced as compared to earstwhile Pauravas-Varman rulers. Land was
classified on the basis of its location, use and productivity like Pallika
(Village land), vritti (land for personal use livelihood), Karmant (mines),
Sharan (where house is constructed). An officer called Kshetrapal was
appointed to manage agriculture land of the court.
Units of Land Measurement
Hastak (Mutthi)- Area on which one Hastak or one Mutthi grains can be
sown. Britishers quantified it to 15 square yards.
Nalika Vap- Nali is a wooden utensil, still found in hilly areas of the
state.Its volume varied ranging from 1kg to 2.5kg in different regions of
their empire. Thus one nail is equivalent to the land area over which this
much of grains can be shown. Britishers quantified it to 240 sq.yard.
Dron Map- Unit of land measurement mentioned in Pandukeshwar as
well as Taleshwar inscription. Not much is known about it.
Khari Map- Under use since Paurav-Varman period, this is mentioned in
Panduleshwar inscriptions.
 
Society- most of the people were followers of Hinduism. In south along
Bhabar, Buddhism and Jainism also co-existed. All sections of society were
free to profess their religion and thoughts.
In course of time, the main branch of Katyuris became weak and
disintegrated. Many families of Katyuris like Rajwars of Askot and Mallas of
Doti ruled over different areas. Uttarakhand once again became a land ruled
by many small chieftains. Ashokchall the ruler of western Nepal invaded it in
1191 AD and captured major parts of the territory. Later Nepali commander
Krachaldev brought Kumaun under his possession.
After Katyuris; stability was brought in the region by two different
dynasties which ruled over it for long time. These were Panwars or Parmars
of Garhwal and Chands of Kumaun.
Chand Dynasty of Kumaun (700 AD to 1790 AD)
Page 5


Medieval
 
Uttarakhand
Katyuri Dynasty (Early 7
th
 to Late 11
th
 Century AD)
After Kartikeypur, Katyuris rose into prominrnce in Kumaun region. As per
records 6 branches were ruling over different parts of the state. Copper
Inscriptions of Pandukeshwar, Kartikeypur, Bageshwar, Baijnath-Gananath,
Kulsari, Kumauni folk songs, tales and Jagar are main source of their history.
Katyuris were decendents of Kartikeypur. Taking advantage of political
instability in north India after the death of Harsha, descendents of Kunindas
established Kartikeypur dynesty and in Kumaun mainly in Katyur Ghati
(Baijnath), the Katyuri dynesty. Basantadev (633AD to 645AD) is considered
to be the founder of Katyuri dynasty. Local folklores also call him Vasudev.
Although Historians are divided on this.Their capital was present day
Joshimath. Various copper inscriptions have been discovered showimg that
Lalitdev (832AD to 854AD) was the greatest ruler of the dynasty. Their
empire extended from Satluj in west to plains in the south. Entire present day
Rohilkhand was a part of their empire. Katyuris had great respect for art,
culture, and literature. They gave patronage to educated and learned people.
1. Vasu Dev (700–849 CE)
2. Basantana Dev (850-870 CE)
3. Kharpar Dev (870-880 CE)
4. Abhiraj Dev (880-890 CE)
5. Tribhuvanraj Dev (890-900 CE)
6. Nimbarta Dev (900-915 CE)
7. Istanga (915-930 CE)
8. Lalitasura Dev (930-955 CE)
9. Bhu Dev (955-970 CE)
10. Salonaditya (970-985 CE)
11. Ichchhata Dev (985–1000 CE)
12. Deshat Dev (1000–1015 CE)
13. Padmata Dev (1015-1045 CE)
14. Subhiksharaja Dev (1045-1060 CE)- he founded the city of Subikshpur in
Katyur Ghati near Baijnath.
15. Dham Dev
16. Bir Dev (Very short period)
Administration- Katyuris established a vast empire which stood on the heels
of well organized administration. Their administration can be studied from
Pandukeshwar copper inscriptions. King used to be addressed by different
names like Maharaj, Raja, Maharajadhiraj, Nripati, Narendra, Kshitij, Ragyi,
Parambhattarak Maharajadhiraj Parmeshwar, Parammaheshwar,
Parambrahamanya, Paramvaishnava, Dharadharendrakrityugdharmavatara,
Kalikalushmatangsudan, Samastaratichakrapramardan etc. which indicates he
being considered as the representative of god. Queen was addressed as Ragyi
Mahadevi while prince and princes as Rajputra and Rajkanya respectively.
To give advice to King a council of ministers was setup which was named
Rajamatya, while the council associated with prince was known as
Kumarmatya. Other important functionaries were
Mahasandhivihrahakshapataladhikrita (Foreign Minister), Akshpataladhikrita
(Home Minister) was also responsible for record keeping.
Mahadanakshapataladhikrtita was responsible for royal donations.
Mahakartatrik (for various administrative works),
Ashtadasprakrityadhishthaniyan (responsible for 18 departments),
Gamagamik (for record keeping of people entering the city and going out of
it), Divir (Supervisor of clerks), Mahapratihara (Main receptionist of kings
court) Sharbhang (Government doctor), Khadigak (head of sword carrying
army), Kishorvadvagomahishyadhikrita (looking after state owned
livestocks), Pratishurak used to fight to win court awards, Dutak (head of
messengers), Prantapal (for border security), Ghattapal (gatekeepers) Narpati
(for river ghats and tax collection), Kottapal (for security of a fort),Vatrmapal
(for roads and pathways), Mahadandanayak (for justice delievery),
Dashaparadhiki (one who collects penalties), Pramatar (for land survey and
measurement), Vishaypati(Head of a district), were few important
functionaries. Raja was the ruler of the state. Great rulers like Lalitsur
adopted titles like Maharajadhiraj. Raja, Rajaputra, Rajamatya etc were other
designations.
King was the supreme leader of the Kingdom. He was the centre of all the
wings including army, executive and justice delivery. Council of Ministers
was appointed to give aid and advice to the King. Ministers heading one or
multiple departments were directly accountable to the King. Being large and
having less developed transport, the kingdom was divided into various
Thakurais, or Bhuktis which were ruled by feudal lords called Uparik,
Thakkur, Prantpal, Samantas, Mahasamantas etc. there were departments
similar to centre in these Thakuratis. Mahamanushya and Narpati were two
important tiltles given to important persons in the society. State was divided
into provinces called Prant, headed by Governor called Uparika. These units
were further subdivided into districts called Vishay, headed by Vishaypati.
Various Vishayas (districts) under Katyuris were- Kartikeypur (present day
Katyur Ghati in Almora with Baijnath as its centre), Tanganpur (Regions
inhabited by Shaukas-Bhotias along India-Tibet border mainly the present
day Munsyari in Pithoragarh), Antarag, Aishal and Mayapurhat. Below the
Vishaya existed Nagar and Gram headed by Shreshthi and Mahattam
respectively.
Army- Katyuri rulers maintained a large army. Infantry was called
‘Gautmik’. Head of the cavalry was ‘Ashwabaladhikrit’ and one who led
elephants was called ‘Hashtibaladhikrit’. Head of all the branches of army
was called ‘Hastyasavashtra Baladhikrit’. During war King used to lead the
army.
For safety, security and public order they also setup elaborate system of
policing.
Revenue system and Land Management- Agriculture was the main
source of revenue for the state. Mineral and forests were other sources of
revenue. ‘Prabhatar’ ‘Kshetrapal’ and ‘Upcharik’ were main land revenue
officials. According to Pandukeshwar inscription Mana, Nalika Vap, Khari
Vap, Drona Vap and Hastak (Mutthi) were units of land measurement for
revenue assessment. Minerels and forests were state properties.
Katyuri rulers established an elaborate system of taxation. ‘Bhogpati’,
‘Sholkik’ were main tax officers. Land given for the maintenance of temples
was tax free. ‘Dronnap’ ‘kalyanap’ and ‘kharinap’ were units to measure
revenue.
Evidences of currency have not been found for this period, leading to the
conclusion that trasactions were held in Kind or some kind of barter system
called Jajmani system was practiced. The period was of prosperity which
allowed kings to make sufficient donations. Trade with Tibet was also an
important source of income.
The land management system of Katyuris was more extensive and
advenced as compared to earstwhile Pauravas-Varman rulers. Land was
classified on the basis of its location, use and productivity like Pallika
(Village land), vritti (land for personal use livelihood), Karmant (mines),
Sharan (where house is constructed). An officer called Kshetrapal was
appointed to manage agriculture land of the court.
Units of Land Measurement
Hastak (Mutthi)- Area on which one Hastak or one Mutthi grains can be
sown. Britishers quantified it to 15 square yards.
Nalika Vap- Nali is a wooden utensil, still found in hilly areas of the
state.Its volume varied ranging from 1kg to 2.5kg in different regions of
their empire. Thus one nail is equivalent to the land area over which this
much of grains can be shown. Britishers quantified it to 240 sq.yard.
Dron Map- Unit of land measurement mentioned in Pandukeshwar as
well as Taleshwar inscription. Not much is known about it.
Khari Map- Under use since Paurav-Varman period, this is mentioned in
Panduleshwar inscriptions.
 
Society- most of the people were followers of Hinduism. In south along
Bhabar, Buddhism and Jainism also co-existed. All sections of society were
free to profess their religion and thoughts.
In course of time, the main branch of Katyuris became weak and
disintegrated. Many families of Katyuris like Rajwars of Askot and Mallas of
Doti ruled over different areas. Uttarakhand once again became a land ruled
by many small chieftains. Ashokchall the ruler of western Nepal invaded it in
1191 AD and captured major parts of the territory. Later Nepali commander
Krachaldev brought Kumaun under his possession.
After Katyuris; stability was brought in the region by two different
dynasties which ruled over it for long time. These were Panwars or Parmars
of Garhwal and Chands of Kumaun.
Chand Dynasty of Kumaun (700 AD to 1790 AD)
After the decline of Katyuris, many principalities raised their heads in
Uttarakhand. Over the period of time two of them Panwars in Garhwal and
chands at Champawat in Kumaun consolidated their power. Chands had to
fight long battles with negihbouring states of Garhwal, Doti, Khas, Mankotis,
remaining Katyuris, Malla and Rawats before they could stablise their state.
Somchand was the founder of Chand dynasty. But some historians believe
Thohar Chand was the founder of dynasty. They originally belonged to the
Jhusi near Prayag. Somchand married the only daughter of the last Katyuri
king Brahmadeva in around 685 or 700 AD and ascended the throne after his
death. Somchand setup his capital at Champawat and expanded his empire
from here.
Somchand founded a fort at Rajbunga in Champawat and started ruling
from here. Karkis, Bohras, Taragis, and Chaowdharis were his main advisors.
With their help he defeated local Khas or Rawat rulers and brought powerful
Fartyals and Mehras under him and ruled the state through them. The state
too was divided among these two groups. King himself became a part of
Fartyal group while prince became part of Mehra group, so as to give equal
status to both. Somchand continued to pay taxes to King of Doti. He ruled the
state till 721 successfully. From 721 to 869 seven Chand rulers ruled from
Champwat. In 869 King Veena Chand died without a hier, leading entire Kali
Kumaun in disarray. Khas rulers used this opportunity to get independence
from the Chands and setup their own rule. For next 200 years Kali Kumaun
remained under Khas or Rawat kings, from where they expanded it to Nepal,
Kashmir, Kangra etc.
Badri Datt Pandey, in his book Kumaun Ka Itihaas lists the Chand kings as
following