Uttarakhand is a state in northwestern India. It is known for its scenic beauty, religious significance, and diverse cultural heritage. It is also called “the land of the gods” (Devbhumi) because of its many Hindu pilgrimage sites. In this article, we will explore the history and culture of Uttarakhand. We will also see how they have shaped its identity and character.
The Historical Roots of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand has a long and varied history. It dates back to the Vedic period when Indo-Aryan tribes and rishis (sages) lived here. The rishi Vyasa wrote the epic Mahabharata in this region. The Pandavas spent some time here during their exile. Uttarakhand was the ancient name for the central Himalayas in the Puranas. It was considered as Svarga loka (heavenly abode) and the source of the Ganges river.
The Ancient Kingdoms of Uttarakhand
Some of the earliest kingdoms that ruled over Uttarakhand were:
- The Kunindas in the 2nd century BC. They practiced Shaivism and traded salt with Tibet.
- The Katyuris in the 7th-11th centuries AD. They patronized Buddhism and built temples.
- The Chands in the 8th-18th centuries AD. They expanded their territory and promoted Pahari painting.
These kingdoms contributed to the development of art, architecture, literature, and religion in Uttarakhand.
The Foreign Invasions and Colonial Rule in Uttarakhand
However, Uttarakhand also witnessed invasions from other powers. These included the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughals, the Gurkhas of Nepal, and the British colonialists. They left their mark on its politics, economy, and society. The Gurkhas conquered most of Uttarakhand in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. They were defeated by the British in 1816. The British annexed eastern Garhwal and Kumaon to their empire. Western Garhwal remained under a local ruler. The British introduced modern education, administration, infrastructure, and forestry in Uttarakhand.
The Struggle for Statehood and Independence in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand became part of independent India in 1947 as part of Uttar Pradesh state. However, there was a strong demand for a separate statehood from the people of Uttarakhand. They felt neglected and exploited by the central and state governments. After decades of struggle and agitation, Uttarakhand became the 27th state of India on November 9, 2000. In 2007, it changed its name from Uttaranchal to Uttarakhand. This means “northern region” or “northern part” in Sanskrit.
The Cultural Diversity of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is home to a variety of cultures and ethnicities. They coexist peacefully and harmoniously. The state is divided into two regions: Garhwal and Kumaon. Each has its dialect, cuisine, dress, music, dance, festivals, and customs. Garhwalis are known for their bravery, loyalty, simplicity, and devotion. Kumaonis are known for their hospitality, artistry, intelligence, and humour. Besides these two groups, some of the other communities that live in Uttarakhand are Jaunsaris, Bhotiyas, Rajis, Tharus, Tibetans, Punjabis, Bengalis, and Nepalis, among others.
Uttarakhand has a vibrant cultural heritage. It reflects its historical legacy and geographical diversity. Some of the aspects of its culture are:
Religion
Uttarakhand is a major centre of Hinduism. It has many sacred temples, shrines, rivers, lakes, and mountains that attract millions of pilgrims every year. Some of the famous pilgrimage sites are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Hemkund Sahib. In addition, Uttarakhand also has a significant population of Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Christians. They live in harmony with each other.
Language
The official language of Uttarakhand is Hindi. However, there are many regional languages spoken by different communities. The most widely spoken languages are Garhwali and Kumaoni. They belong to the Pahari group of languages. Other languages include Jaunsari, Bhoti, Raji, Tharu, Nepali, Urdu, and Tibetan.
Cuisine
The cuisine of Uttarakhand is influenced by its climate, terrain, and availability of ingredients. It is mostly vegetarian, with an emphasis on lentils, rice, wheat, millet, potatoes, and leafy vegetables. Some of the popular dishes are
- Aloo ke gutke: Spicy fried potatoes
- Kaapa: Spinach curry
- Phaanu: Mixed lentil soup
- Bhang ki chutney: Hemp seed paste
- Gahat ki dal: Horse gram soup
- Baadi: Buckwheat dumplings
- Singori: Milk and coconut dessert wrapped in a leaf
- Bal mithai: Brown fudge with sugar balls
Dress
The traditional dress of Uttarakhand is colourful and elegant. It reflects regional and seasonal variations. The men usually wear a kurta (long shirt), pyjama (loose trousers), and a topi (cap) or a turban. The women wear a ghagra (long skirt), choli (blouse), and a dupatta (scarf) or a pichora (shawl). The women also adorn themselves with jewellery made of gold, silver, or beads. These include necklaces, earrings, nose rings, bangles, and anklets.
Music and dance
The music and dance of Uttarakhand are an expression of its folk traditions, festivals, and celebrations. They are accompanied by instruments such as the dhol (drum), damau (small drum), Turi (trumpet), ransingha (horn), dholki (smaller drum), harmonium, flute, and ektara (one-stringed instrument). Some of the famous forms of music and dance are
- Jagar: A ritualistic song sung to invoke the local deities or ancestors
- Chholiya: A sword dance performed by men during weddings or fairs
- Langvir Nritya: An acrobatic dance performed by men on a bamboo pole
- Barada Nati: A folk dance performed by women in colourful costumes
- Pandav Nritya: A dance drama based on the Mahabharata
- Jhora: A group dance performed in a circle or a line
Conclusion
Uttarakhand is a state that has a rich history and culture. They make it unique and attractive. It is a land of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and cultural diversity. It is a land that has witnessed the glory and the struggle of its people. They have preserved their identity and heritage. It is a land that welcomes visitors with warmth and hospitality. It offers them a glimpse of its ancient and modern facets. In conclusion, Uttarakhand is truly a land of gods and goddesses, mountains and rivers, legends and folklore, art and literature, festivals and fairs, music and dance, food and fun. Uttarakhand is truly a land worth exploring and experiencing.
If you want to plan your trip to Uttarakhand, you can visit the official website of the state tourism department.