Prehistoric and Ancient Uttarakhand | Uttarakhand State PSC (UKPSC): Preparation - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) PDF Download

 Page 1


Prehistoric
 
and
 
Ancient
 
Uttarakhand
The History of Uttarakhand is as rich as that of India. Only a brief account of
history is possible due to paucity of space and nature of the book.
The History of the state can be divided in to four parts
1. Prehistoric period
2. Ancient period
3. Medival period
4. Modern uttarakhand
Pre–Historic period
Earlier it was believd that due to its mountainous terrain and harsh climate
this region was a barren and unhabited land, but research by historians and
anthropologists has now resulted in a rich collection of resources that proves
that history of uttarakhand dates back to stone age.Lower Paleolithic
implements and evidences have been found at Kalsi along Yamuna river
bank, at Srinagar along Alaknanda river and at Khutani Gadhera in Nainital
district and along Eastern Ramganga river in Almora district. Srinagar along
Alaknanda is also the place where evidences of middle Paleolithic age have
been discovered. As of now no evidence of Upper Paleolithic has been found
in the state. M.P.Joshi has discovered quartizite instruments near Jaskot
belonging to Epipaliolithic period.Other evidences of Stone age found in
Uttarakhand include cup-marks, burials, schist etc. cup-marks near Dwarahat
at Pandukholi, Someshwar, near Chandreshwar temple in Almora have been
studied. Several such evidences have now been discovered at Khekhan,
Jaskot, Devidhura, Gopeshwar and along western Nayar river. Cup marks
found at Bagwalipokhar, Dwarahat belong to niolithic age and according to
M.P.Joshi they are similar to those found at Burzhom in Kashmir.
Evidences of early man are found in various parts of the state on cave
paintings and stone carvings. These have been mainly found in the districts of
Almora and Chamoli. Painted rock shelters at Lakhu Uddyar (means cave)
along Suyal river in Almora is one such example. Various natural colours in
white, saffron, black etc have been used. Social life like group dance, hunting
of wild animal depicted in these paintings. Similar rock shelters have been
Page 2


Prehistoric
 
and
 
Ancient
 
Uttarakhand
The History of Uttarakhand is as rich as that of India. Only a brief account of
history is possible due to paucity of space and nature of the book.
The History of the state can be divided in to four parts
1. Prehistoric period
2. Ancient period
3. Medival period
4. Modern uttarakhand
Pre–Historic period
Earlier it was believd that due to its mountainous terrain and harsh climate
this region was a barren and unhabited land, but research by historians and
anthropologists has now resulted in a rich collection of resources that proves
that history of uttarakhand dates back to stone age.Lower Paleolithic
implements and evidences have been found at Kalsi along Yamuna river
bank, at Srinagar along Alaknanda river and at Khutani Gadhera in Nainital
district and along Eastern Ramganga river in Almora district. Srinagar along
Alaknanda is also the place where evidences of middle Paleolithic age have
been discovered. As of now no evidence of Upper Paleolithic has been found
in the state. M.P.Joshi has discovered quartizite instruments near Jaskot
belonging to Epipaliolithic period.Other evidences of Stone age found in
Uttarakhand include cup-marks, burials, schist etc. cup-marks near Dwarahat
at Pandukholi, Someshwar, near Chandreshwar temple in Almora have been
studied. Several such evidences have now been discovered at Khekhan,
Jaskot, Devidhura, Gopeshwar and along western Nayar river. Cup marks
found at Bagwalipokhar, Dwarahat belong to niolithic age and according to
M.P.Joshi they are similar to those found at Burzhom in Kashmir.
Evidences of early man are found in various parts of the state on cave
paintings and stone carvings. These have been mainly found in the districts of
Almora and Chamoli. Painted rock shelters at Lakhu Uddyar (means cave)
along Suyal river in Almora is one such example. Various natural colours in
white, saffron, black etc have been used. Social life like group dance, hunting
of wild animal depicted in these paintings. Similar rock shelters have been
found at Fadkanauli, Falsima, Lwethap, Petsthal, Kalamati and Malla Penali
in Almora district.
In Garhwal rock shelters of this age has been found at Gwarkha Uddyar
along Alaknanda valley and Kimni village along Pindar river valley in
Chamoli district. In Garhwal burials of this age have been found at
Malari.Like Burzhome, these structures were supposed to be the dwelling
place of humans.
Painted Rock Shelters of Uttarakhand (belonging to stone age)
Lakhuduyar- 20km from Almora along Almora-Jageshwar Road, on the
banks of Suyal river. Human and group of people in varios expressions,
animals and various geometrical expressions have been painted with black,
red, yellow colours.
Fadkanauli- Along Almora-Pithoragarh route in Almora district, three
painted rock shelters have been discovered here.
Falsima- North of Almora city, the paintings have become black because
probably later man lit fire in these caves.
Gwarkhyaudyar- In Dungri village of Chamoli district, paintings of red
and saffron colours have been drawn on the background of yellow rock. In
reality no cave exists here. Figurines of human and animal have been drawn.
Man has been depicted in trident shape.
Kimni Rock Shelter- Along Karnprayag-Gwaldam road, in Kimni village
of Chamoli district.
Other cave paintings include Lwethap, Petshal, Malla Penali in Almora
district.
Megalithic Cupmarks (Okhal) of Suregwal Muniyachaura
Suregwal Muniyachaura is a village situated along Jalali-Masi road in
dwarahat block of Almora district. Archaeologists have found cupmarks
of Megalithic stone age dating back to 3000-4000 BCE. Similar cup
marks have been found nearby Joyu village. These are one of the oldest
findings of Uttarakhand and has become a special cultural feature of
Okhali Pali Pachhau region. Local people believe that these cupmarks
have been constructed by Pandavas. During pre-historic times these
features were used for religious rituals like Yajnas and for extracting oil
and grains.
Page 3


Prehistoric
 
and
 
Ancient
 
Uttarakhand
The History of Uttarakhand is as rich as that of India. Only a brief account of
history is possible due to paucity of space and nature of the book.
The History of the state can be divided in to four parts
1. Prehistoric period
2. Ancient period
3. Medival period
4. Modern uttarakhand
Pre–Historic period
Earlier it was believd that due to its mountainous terrain and harsh climate
this region was a barren and unhabited land, but research by historians and
anthropologists has now resulted in a rich collection of resources that proves
that history of uttarakhand dates back to stone age.Lower Paleolithic
implements and evidences have been found at Kalsi along Yamuna river
bank, at Srinagar along Alaknanda river and at Khutani Gadhera in Nainital
district and along Eastern Ramganga river in Almora district. Srinagar along
Alaknanda is also the place where evidences of middle Paleolithic age have
been discovered. As of now no evidence of Upper Paleolithic has been found
in the state. M.P.Joshi has discovered quartizite instruments near Jaskot
belonging to Epipaliolithic period.Other evidences of Stone age found in
Uttarakhand include cup-marks, burials, schist etc. cup-marks near Dwarahat
at Pandukholi, Someshwar, near Chandreshwar temple in Almora have been
studied. Several such evidences have now been discovered at Khekhan,
Jaskot, Devidhura, Gopeshwar and along western Nayar river. Cup marks
found at Bagwalipokhar, Dwarahat belong to niolithic age and according to
M.P.Joshi they are similar to those found at Burzhom in Kashmir.
Evidences of early man are found in various parts of the state on cave
paintings and stone carvings. These have been mainly found in the districts of
Almora and Chamoli. Painted rock shelters at Lakhu Uddyar (means cave)
along Suyal river in Almora is one such example. Various natural colours in
white, saffron, black etc have been used. Social life like group dance, hunting
of wild animal depicted in these paintings. Similar rock shelters have been
found at Fadkanauli, Falsima, Lwethap, Petsthal, Kalamati and Malla Penali
in Almora district.
In Garhwal rock shelters of this age has been found at Gwarkha Uddyar
along Alaknanda valley and Kimni village along Pindar river valley in
Chamoli district. In Garhwal burials of this age have been found at
Malari.Like Burzhome, these structures were supposed to be the dwelling
place of humans.
Painted Rock Shelters of Uttarakhand (belonging to stone age)
Lakhuduyar- 20km from Almora along Almora-Jageshwar Road, on the
banks of Suyal river. Human and group of people in varios expressions,
animals and various geometrical expressions have been painted with black,
red, yellow colours.
Fadkanauli- Along Almora-Pithoragarh route in Almora district, three
painted rock shelters have been discovered here.
Falsima- North of Almora city, the paintings have become black because
probably later man lit fire in these caves.
Gwarkhyaudyar- In Dungri village of Chamoli district, paintings of red
and saffron colours have been drawn on the background of yellow rock. In
reality no cave exists here. Figurines of human and animal have been drawn.
Man has been depicted in trident shape.
Kimni Rock Shelter- Along Karnprayag-Gwaldam road, in Kimni village
of Chamoli district.
Other cave paintings include Lwethap, Petshal, Malla Penali in Almora
district.
Megalithic Cupmarks (Okhal) of Suregwal Muniyachaura
Suregwal Muniyachaura is a village situated along Jalali-Masi road in
dwarahat block of Almora district. Archaeologists have found cupmarks
of Megalithic stone age dating back to 3000-4000 BCE. Similar cup
marks have been found nearby Joyu village. These are one of the oldest
findings of Uttarakhand and has become a special cultural feature of
Okhali Pali Pachhau region. Local people believe that these cupmarks
have been constructed by Pandavas. During pre-historic times these
features were used for religious rituals like Yajnas and for extracting oil
and grains.
 
 
Himalaya house fossil remains of late Miocene, Pliocene as well as
Pleistocene. There are remnants of earliest hominids like the Ramapithecus.
The figures depicted in the paintings of Stone Age are micrographics. They
are usually painted in light red, brick red, crimson, white or blackish green.
The paintings of animals like ox, goat, and fox are frequently found.
Bronze Age
Human figurine of bronze, belonging to Bronze Age has been discovered in
Uttarakhand. These are very similar to those found in Ganga valley during
second century BC thus reflecting a close connection with civilization
developed in Ganga Valley. These bronze figures have been found at Almora,
Bankot and Nainipatal. Bronze implements of this period were used mainly
for two purposes- performing religious rituals and as a tool for hunting.
Vedic and Puranic Age
Description of Garhwal has been found in Vedic texts but they are silent on
Kumaun Region. Reason for this can be found in nearness of Garhwal to the
region where Vedic civilistaion developed. Brahman literature has mentioned
Badrinath. Aitreya Brahman has mentioned ‘Uttar Kuru’ state. According to
Koshitaki Brahman, Badri Ashram is the dwelling place of Vakdevi.
Skand purana has divided Uttarakhand in to two parts- Kedarkhand and
Manaskhand. Kedarkhand is associated with present day Garhwal and
Manaskhand with present day Kumaun region. As per Skand Puran,
Kedarkhand is spread from Gangadwar (Haridwar) to Shwet Parbat
(Himalaya) and from Tamsa (Tons) river in west to Boddhanchal (Nanda
Devi) in east. Badhan (a mountain as well as a region) separates the two
namely Kedarkhand and Manaskhand.
Manaskhand describes eastern part of the state as Kumaon. The term
Kumaon is originated from Kurma avatar of Lord Vishnu, which gave the
name of Kurmanchal to the region. Kedarkhand and Manaskhand both
unitedly have been reffered to as Brahmapur, Khasdesh, and Uttarakhand in
the ancient literature, whereas in Buddhist literature this region has been
mentioned as Himavanta. The Vedic Aryans were well acquainted with Sapta
Page 4


Prehistoric
 
and
 
Ancient
 
Uttarakhand
The History of Uttarakhand is as rich as that of India. Only a brief account of
history is possible due to paucity of space and nature of the book.
The History of the state can be divided in to four parts
1. Prehistoric period
2. Ancient period
3. Medival period
4. Modern uttarakhand
Pre–Historic period
Earlier it was believd that due to its mountainous terrain and harsh climate
this region was a barren and unhabited land, but research by historians and
anthropologists has now resulted in a rich collection of resources that proves
that history of uttarakhand dates back to stone age.Lower Paleolithic
implements and evidences have been found at Kalsi along Yamuna river
bank, at Srinagar along Alaknanda river and at Khutani Gadhera in Nainital
district and along Eastern Ramganga river in Almora district. Srinagar along
Alaknanda is also the place where evidences of middle Paleolithic age have
been discovered. As of now no evidence of Upper Paleolithic has been found
in the state. M.P.Joshi has discovered quartizite instruments near Jaskot
belonging to Epipaliolithic period.Other evidences of Stone age found in
Uttarakhand include cup-marks, burials, schist etc. cup-marks near Dwarahat
at Pandukholi, Someshwar, near Chandreshwar temple in Almora have been
studied. Several such evidences have now been discovered at Khekhan,
Jaskot, Devidhura, Gopeshwar and along western Nayar river. Cup marks
found at Bagwalipokhar, Dwarahat belong to niolithic age and according to
M.P.Joshi they are similar to those found at Burzhom in Kashmir.
Evidences of early man are found in various parts of the state on cave
paintings and stone carvings. These have been mainly found in the districts of
Almora and Chamoli. Painted rock shelters at Lakhu Uddyar (means cave)
along Suyal river in Almora is one such example. Various natural colours in
white, saffron, black etc have been used. Social life like group dance, hunting
of wild animal depicted in these paintings. Similar rock shelters have been
found at Fadkanauli, Falsima, Lwethap, Petsthal, Kalamati and Malla Penali
in Almora district.
In Garhwal rock shelters of this age has been found at Gwarkha Uddyar
along Alaknanda valley and Kimni village along Pindar river valley in
Chamoli district. In Garhwal burials of this age have been found at
Malari.Like Burzhome, these structures were supposed to be the dwelling
place of humans.
Painted Rock Shelters of Uttarakhand (belonging to stone age)
Lakhuduyar- 20km from Almora along Almora-Jageshwar Road, on the
banks of Suyal river. Human and group of people in varios expressions,
animals and various geometrical expressions have been painted with black,
red, yellow colours.
Fadkanauli- Along Almora-Pithoragarh route in Almora district, three
painted rock shelters have been discovered here.
Falsima- North of Almora city, the paintings have become black because
probably later man lit fire in these caves.
Gwarkhyaudyar- In Dungri village of Chamoli district, paintings of red
and saffron colours have been drawn on the background of yellow rock. In
reality no cave exists here. Figurines of human and animal have been drawn.
Man has been depicted in trident shape.
Kimni Rock Shelter- Along Karnprayag-Gwaldam road, in Kimni village
of Chamoli district.
Other cave paintings include Lwethap, Petshal, Malla Penali in Almora
district.
Megalithic Cupmarks (Okhal) of Suregwal Muniyachaura
Suregwal Muniyachaura is a village situated along Jalali-Masi road in
dwarahat block of Almora district. Archaeologists have found cupmarks
of Megalithic stone age dating back to 3000-4000 BCE. Similar cup
marks have been found nearby Joyu village. These are one of the oldest
findings of Uttarakhand and has become a special cultural feature of
Okhali Pali Pachhau region. Local people believe that these cupmarks
have been constructed by Pandavas. During pre-historic times these
features were used for religious rituals like Yajnas and for extracting oil
and grains.
 
 
Himalaya house fossil remains of late Miocene, Pliocene as well as
Pleistocene. There are remnants of earliest hominids like the Ramapithecus.
The figures depicted in the paintings of Stone Age are micrographics. They
are usually painted in light red, brick red, crimson, white or blackish green.
The paintings of animals like ox, goat, and fox are frequently found.
Bronze Age
Human figurine of bronze, belonging to Bronze Age has been discovered in
Uttarakhand. These are very similar to those found in Ganga valley during
second century BC thus reflecting a close connection with civilization
developed in Ganga Valley. These bronze figures have been found at Almora,
Bankot and Nainipatal. Bronze implements of this period were used mainly
for two purposes- performing religious rituals and as a tool for hunting.
Vedic and Puranic Age
Description of Garhwal has been found in Vedic texts but they are silent on
Kumaun Region. Reason for this can be found in nearness of Garhwal to the
region where Vedic civilistaion developed. Brahman literature has mentioned
Badrinath. Aitreya Brahman has mentioned ‘Uttar Kuru’ state. According to
Koshitaki Brahman, Badri Ashram is the dwelling place of Vakdevi.
Skand purana has divided Uttarakhand in to two parts- Kedarkhand and
Manaskhand. Kedarkhand is associated with present day Garhwal and
Manaskhand with present day Kumaun region. As per Skand Puran,
Kedarkhand is spread from Gangadwar (Haridwar) to Shwet Parbat
(Himalaya) and from Tamsa (Tons) river in west to Boddhanchal (Nanda
Devi) in east. Badhan (a mountain as well as a region) separates the two
namely Kedarkhand and Manaskhand.
Manaskhand describes eastern part of the state as Kumaon. The term
Kumaon is originated from Kurma avatar of Lord Vishnu, which gave the
name of Kurmanchal to the region. Kedarkhand and Manaskhand both
unitedly have been reffered to as Brahmapur, Khasdesh, and Uttarakhand in
the ancient literature, whereas in Buddhist literature this region has been
mentioned as Himavanta. The Vedic Aryans were well acquainted with Sapta
Sindhu which was other name of Uttarakhand. According to Vedic literature
there were two universities at Badrikashram and Kanvashram.
Mahabharat Period
The litearature of Mahabharata has a close association withUttarakhand. It is
believed that Ved Vyasa, the proponent of Mahabharata wrote it at Vyas
Gufa located in present day chamoli district. Pandavas spent most of the
period of their 12 years of exile here. Lakhmandal in Dehradun district along
Yamuna valley is supposed to be the place where Duryodhan tried to kill
Pandavas and their mother Kunti. After their victory in Mahabharat, Pandavs
moved toward Garhwal Himalaya and spent rest of their life here. Evidences
of Mahabharata period have also been found near Kashipur in U S Nagar
district.
Along with Khas, Taangan, Kimpurush like tribes, Mahabharata mentiones
three important republics- ‘Nag Kingdom’ under Kauravya with its capital at
Gangadwar (Daughter of Kauravya ‘Ulupi’ was married to Arjuna),
‘Kuninda’ with Subahu as king,extending from Satluj to Alaknanda with
capital at Subahupur(Srinagar). Subahu also faught for Pandavas in battle of
Mahabharata and third republic is ‘Uttar Kuru’ which was part of the Kuru
Republic.It was an independent state but used to pay annual tribute to
Hastinapur. Bhagirath the king responsible for bringing Ganga on earth is
associated with this region. King Dusyant and Shakuntala fell in love with
each other at Kanvashram and Bharat the most renowned king after whom
our country is named was born here. It was referred to as Uttarpanchal by the
compilers of the Upanishad, Uttarkaushal by Valmiki, Uttarkuru by Vedvyas,
Uttarapatti by Panini and Kautilya, Kiratmandal for Kiratas, Khasdesh for
Khasas, Parvatkaran and Giyavali for early historians.
Ancient Period
Many historical sources like inscriptions, copper plates, coins, monuments
etc have been found and studied in Uttarakhand to understand its ancient
history. It was during proto-historical and Harappan period that various tribes
entered the region. Amongst these Kirata, Tangana, Khas, Darad, Kulind,
Yaudeya, and Naga were the prominent ones.
Kuninda Republic
Evidences of Kuninda dynasty exist in form of their bronze and silver coins.
Page 5


Prehistoric
 
and
 
Ancient
 
Uttarakhand
The History of Uttarakhand is as rich as that of India. Only a brief account of
history is possible due to paucity of space and nature of the book.
The History of the state can be divided in to four parts
1. Prehistoric period
2. Ancient period
3. Medival period
4. Modern uttarakhand
Pre–Historic period
Earlier it was believd that due to its mountainous terrain and harsh climate
this region was a barren and unhabited land, but research by historians and
anthropologists has now resulted in a rich collection of resources that proves
that history of uttarakhand dates back to stone age.Lower Paleolithic
implements and evidences have been found at Kalsi along Yamuna river
bank, at Srinagar along Alaknanda river and at Khutani Gadhera in Nainital
district and along Eastern Ramganga river in Almora district. Srinagar along
Alaknanda is also the place where evidences of middle Paleolithic age have
been discovered. As of now no evidence of Upper Paleolithic has been found
in the state. M.P.Joshi has discovered quartizite instruments near Jaskot
belonging to Epipaliolithic period.Other evidences of Stone age found in
Uttarakhand include cup-marks, burials, schist etc. cup-marks near Dwarahat
at Pandukholi, Someshwar, near Chandreshwar temple in Almora have been
studied. Several such evidences have now been discovered at Khekhan,
Jaskot, Devidhura, Gopeshwar and along western Nayar river. Cup marks
found at Bagwalipokhar, Dwarahat belong to niolithic age and according to
M.P.Joshi they are similar to those found at Burzhom in Kashmir.
Evidences of early man are found in various parts of the state on cave
paintings and stone carvings. These have been mainly found in the districts of
Almora and Chamoli. Painted rock shelters at Lakhu Uddyar (means cave)
along Suyal river in Almora is one such example. Various natural colours in
white, saffron, black etc have been used. Social life like group dance, hunting
of wild animal depicted in these paintings. Similar rock shelters have been
found at Fadkanauli, Falsima, Lwethap, Petsthal, Kalamati and Malla Penali
in Almora district.
In Garhwal rock shelters of this age has been found at Gwarkha Uddyar
along Alaknanda valley and Kimni village along Pindar river valley in
Chamoli district. In Garhwal burials of this age have been found at
Malari.Like Burzhome, these structures were supposed to be the dwelling
place of humans.
Painted Rock Shelters of Uttarakhand (belonging to stone age)
Lakhuduyar- 20km from Almora along Almora-Jageshwar Road, on the
banks of Suyal river. Human and group of people in varios expressions,
animals and various geometrical expressions have been painted with black,
red, yellow colours.
Fadkanauli- Along Almora-Pithoragarh route in Almora district, three
painted rock shelters have been discovered here.
Falsima- North of Almora city, the paintings have become black because
probably later man lit fire in these caves.
Gwarkhyaudyar- In Dungri village of Chamoli district, paintings of red
and saffron colours have been drawn on the background of yellow rock. In
reality no cave exists here. Figurines of human and animal have been drawn.
Man has been depicted in trident shape.
Kimni Rock Shelter- Along Karnprayag-Gwaldam road, in Kimni village
of Chamoli district.
Other cave paintings include Lwethap, Petshal, Malla Penali in Almora
district.
Megalithic Cupmarks (Okhal) of Suregwal Muniyachaura
Suregwal Muniyachaura is a village situated along Jalali-Masi road in
dwarahat block of Almora district. Archaeologists have found cupmarks
of Megalithic stone age dating back to 3000-4000 BCE. Similar cup
marks have been found nearby Joyu village. These are one of the oldest
findings of Uttarakhand and has become a special cultural feature of
Okhali Pali Pachhau region. Local people believe that these cupmarks
have been constructed by Pandavas. During pre-historic times these
features were used for religious rituals like Yajnas and for extracting oil
and grains.
 
 
Himalaya house fossil remains of late Miocene, Pliocene as well as
Pleistocene. There are remnants of earliest hominids like the Ramapithecus.
The figures depicted in the paintings of Stone Age are micrographics. They
are usually painted in light red, brick red, crimson, white or blackish green.
The paintings of animals like ox, goat, and fox are frequently found.
Bronze Age
Human figurine of bronze, belonging to Bronze Age has been discovered in
Uttarakhand. These are very similar to those found in Ganga valley during
second century BC thus reflecting a close connection with civilization
developed in Ganga Valley. These bronze figures have been found at Almora,
Bankot and Nainipatal. Bronze implements of this period were used mainly
for two purposes- performing religious rituals and as a tool for hunting.
Vedic and Puranic Age
Description of Garhwal has been found in Vedic texts but they are silent on
Kumaun Region. Reason for this can be found in nearness of Garhwal to the
region where Vedic civilistaion developed. Brahman literature has mentioned
Badrinath. Aitreya Brahman has mentioned ‘Uttar Kuru’ state. According to
Koshitaki Brahman, Badri Ashram is the dwelling place of Vakdevi.
Skand purana has divided Uttarakhand in to two parts- Kedarkhand and
Manaskhand. Kedarkhand is associated with present day Garhwal and
Manaskhand with present day Kumaun region. As per Skand Puran,
Kedarkhand is spread from Gangadwar (Haridwar) to Shwet Parbat
(Himalaya) and from Tamsa (Tons) river in west to Boddhanchal (Nanda
Devi) in east. Badhan (a mountain as well as a region) separates the two
namely Kedarkhand and Manaskhand.
Manaskhand describes eastern part of the state as Kumaon. The term
Kumaon is originated from Kurma avatar of Lord Vishnu, which gave the
name of Kurmanchal to the region. Kedarkhand and Manaskhand both
unitedly have been reffered to as Brahmapur, Khasdesh, and Uttarakhand in
the ancient literature, whereas in Buddhist literature this region has been
mentioned as Himavanta. The Vedic Aryans were well acquainted with Sapta
Sindhu which was other name of Uttarakhand. According to Vedic literature
there were two universities at Badrikashram and Kanvashram.
Mahabharat Period
The litearature of Mahabharata has a close association withUttarakhand. It is
believed that Ved Vyasa, the proponent of Mahabharata wrote it at Vyas
Gufa located in present day chamoli district. Pandavas spent most of the
period of their 12 years of exile here. Lakhmandal in Dehradun district along
Yamuna valley is supposed to be the place where Duryodhan tried to kill
Pandavas and their mother Kunti. After their victory in Mahabharat, Pandavs
moved toward Garhwal Himalaya and spent rest of their life here. Evidences
of Mahabharata period have also been found near Kashipur in U S Nagar
district.
Along with Khas, Taangan, Kimpurush like tribes, Mahabharata mentiones
three important republics- ‘Nag Kingdom’ under Kauravya with its capital at
Gangadwar (Daughter of Kauravya ‘Ulupi’ was married to Arjuna),
‘Kuninda’ with Subahu as king,extending from Satluj to Alaknanda with
capital at Subahupur(Srinagar). Subahu also faught for Pandavas in battle of
Mahabharata and third republic is ‘Uttar Kuru’ which was part of the Kuru
Republic.It was an independent state but used to pay annual tribute to
Hastinapur. Bhagirath the king responsible for bringing Ganga on earth is
associated with this region. King Dusyant and Shakuntala fell in love with
each other at Kanvashram and Bharat the most renowned king after whom
our country is named was born here. It was referred to as Uttarpanchal by the
compilers of the Upanishad, Uttarkaushal by Valmiki, Uttarkuru by Vedvyas,
Uttarapatti by Panini and Kautilya, Kiratmandal for Kiratas, Khasdesh for
Khasas, Parvatkaran and Giyavali for early historians.
Ancient Period
Many historical sources like inscriptions, copper plates, coins, monuments
etc have been found and studied in Uttarakhand to understand its ancient
history. It was during proto-historical and Harappan period that various tribes
entered the region. Amongst these Kirata, Tangana, Khas, Darad, Kulind,
Yaudeya, and Naga were the prominent ones.
Kuninda Republic
Evidences of Kuninda dynasty exist in form of their bronze and silver coins.
Kunindas were the most ancient rulers of this region. Their mention is found
in Sabhaparv, Aranyakparv and Bheeshmparv of Mahabharata. Subahu was
the greatest Kuninda king. Subahupur is identified as present day Srinagar
where Pandavas lived for one night. Around sixth century BC, many
branches of Kunindas lived in this region. Kuninda coins are most important
source of history between 200 BC and 300 BC. These coins are of three
types-
1. Amodhbhuti type- Amodhbhuti is the most important king. They are of
copper and silver and have been written in Brahmi and Kharoshti script.
2. Almora Type- found only in Uttarakhand in Katyur Ghati of Almora
district
3. Chhatreshwar Type- these coins were issued in the name of deity
Chatreshwar or Chhatreshwar.
Kuninda state was divided into six parts namely Tamas, Kulkut, Tangan,
Bharadwaj, Rankkum, and Amey. Kunindas continued to rule even during
Sunga (187 to 75BC) and Kushana (1
st
 to 3
rd
 century AD) period. Kushanas
captured some of the portions of Tarai and Shivalik region. This is confirmed
by the presence of Kushana coins in large number in these regions at
Virbhadra (Rishikesh), Moradhwaj (Kotdwar) and Govisan (Kashipur).
Mauryan Period (324-187BC)
Kalsi rock edict of Ashoka indicates Mauryan impact in this region. This
region fell into northern parts of Ashoka Kingdom. Dehradun district and
Tarai region became part of Mauryan Empire. Kunindas continued to rule
over hilly areas. It was during this period that the Buddhism reached in these
areas for the first time.
Post Kushan Period
Information about following dynasties has been confirmed from their coinage
Yodheya Dynasty- it was a republic clan ruled during 3
rd
 to 4
th
 century AD
over areas covering Kangra, Shimla, Jaunsar -Bawar, Kala Danda(Garhwal)
and Saharanpur.
Mountain Kuninda- remains of former Kunindas ruling over mountainous
areas after Tarai and Bhabar went into the hands of Kushanas and Youdheya
respectively.
Varshaganga Gotriya Dynasty- with Yugshal as capital ruling over Kalsi