Peoples Moments: History of Uttarakhand

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Dhandak The elite strata having traditional basis of power and influence does not give opportunity in the circulation of power elite, nor it paves way for emergence of the new elites. In the feudal setup, masses did not have counter elite to challenge the ruling class. Yet there had been some sort of socially legitimate device which provided to the common masses an opportunity to raise their voice of protest and express discontentment against the ruling authority. By way of organising ‘dhandak’, the masses would seek solution of their grievances. ‘Dhandak’ as a form of mass-protest prelude that the subjects had the right to approach the raja for redresselof grievances raised against the officials, jagirdars or thokdars. Thus ‘dhandak’ as a device used to set right the differences and conflicts of interest occurring between the state and the subjects. It was also a means to regain those popular rights and customary privileges which at time were usurped by the state.

In protest, the villagers would create unruly situation – disobey the laws of the state, let their cattle roam freely in the corn fields and go to the ruler in bunches to complain against the injustice, violation of rights or accesses committed by jagirdars and thokadars or state officials. This was the practice prevalent in the princely state of Tehri known as ‘dhandak’. This form of mass movement did play its role in the interest of peasantry.

Movements in Saldana and Rawin

The reaction of the people against injustice perpetuated by the feudals was witnessed for the first time in 1835, when in Saklana jagir the villagers raised their voice. Under Regulation 10 of 1817, the Saklana jagirdar enjoyed police powers, in all matters relating to jagir he was answerable to the British (Commissioner of Kumaun, who was political agent of the East India Company in Tehri). The jagirdar of Saklana started collecting excessive revenue. The revenue fixed by the British was Rs. 730 per annum, but the practice of realising unauthorised revenue reached the sum of Rs. 1300 in 1835. Besides this unpaid labour from the villagers of Saklana, forced them to come out of their hilly region with clock and cudgel, and enter the court of Major Young at Dehradun. They stated in their petition that illicit collection of taxes by the jagirdar had increased beyond their means .

On the recommendation of Major Young on February 7, 1838, the Board of Directors of the East India Company decided to put the jagir under direct control of the ruler of Tehri for all purposes. Henceforth, no complaint regarding the jagir was to be entertained by the Political Agent and the villagers were directed to first approach the raja of Tehri for resolution of their grievances.

Govind Singh Bist, the ‘founder’ (Chief) of Rawain, following the example set by Saklana jagirdar, also started to abuse his authority by collecting heavy taxes from the villagers. His cruelty surpassed even the Saklanies. In the case of non-payment he would sell cattle, Women and children of the defaulter to obtain the expected revenue. The villagers, as a means to express their bitter feelings organised ‘dhandak’.

Peasantry Movement

The reign of Bhawani Shah (1859-71) was marked by the peasant awakening in the state.

The pioneers of the awakening were Badri Singh Aswal and Shiv Singh Rautela. In seeking relief from increased revenue ‘dhandaks’ occurred when a violent uprising was initiated by Balvadra Bistand Nand Ram (9). In consequence of this uprising the raja was compelled to give relief from Taxation. Aswal, the leader of the movement, later on was falsely implicated in a case and arrested. The court of raja sentenced him for six months imprisonment with a fine of one thousand. Aswal, against his arrest, appealed in the Court of Henry Ramsey (political agent) where he was found innocent. However, before he could be set free, he breathed his last (1868)

Unrest in Saklana ‘ During the rule of Kirti Shah (1887-1913), the people of Saklana jagir again expressed their resentment against the jagirdar. This time besides excessive revenue and forced labour, the jagirdar on his own imposed restrictions on the use of forests, which deprived villagers of their traditional rights. While opposing these practices, Roop Singh Kandari, who was a ‘sayana’ in a village in Saklana jagir, emerged as the leader of the masses. Roop Singh wanted the jagirdar to follow the British rules in dealing with the villagers instead of age old feudal practices. Raja Kiriti Shah, ultimately had to intervene in the conflict and on getting fIrst hand information the raja informed the Commissioner of Kumaun about the misdeeds of jagirdar. Consequently, the magisterial powers of the jagjrdar were withdrawn from him and, entire forest area was put under the direct control of raja.

Coolie Begar movement

According to the Regulations of Fort William, whenever the British officials toured the hills, it was regarded as the duty of the local people to arrange coolies for their luggage. This was known a Coolie Utar; it was compulsory and the status and the condition of the individual concerned were not kept in view. Not only for the officials but also for their vast entourage of servants and the British tourists, coolies had to be arranged without payment.. Then there was Coolie Burdayash and in this system, free ration had to be provided to the officials on tour, and the people were penalized if they failed to do so. According to Coolie Begar the hill people had to work for the British officials on tour without payment. For public works too, bonded labour was enforced during British times. There was a lot of resentment against these social maladies and ultimately the people succeeded in eradicating them through a mass movement in Bageshwar on 13th January 1921.

Dola Palki Movement

Doms struggled to improve their status. Artisan Doms who could improve their economic condition claimed a higher status among Doms. They joined the Arya Samaj and became Arya, adoptedjaneo and got purified. Lala Lajpat Rai in 1913 visited Almora and in Sunkiyan village gave Janeo and dvij status to 600 untouchables. A temple was opened for untouchables in Almora. There was a Dola-palki movement by the Doms. During the marriage of Doms the bridegrooms and brides were not allowed by the higher castes to use dola and palki (palki was used to carry the bridegroom and dola the bride. Both dola and palki were carried by 2 to 4 persons on their shoulders) and were instead to walk on foot. When Doms asserted their right to use dola-palki there was often violence. The Arya Samaj played an important role in the movement. Doms also asserted that they should be called Shilpkar. Tamtas (copper smiths) who became rich took to priestly function amongst shilpkars. 45 The Kumaun Shilpkar Sabha and the Garhwal Shilpkar Sabha spearheaded the movement for status mobility.

The University Movement

In the decade preceding the year 1971, the demand for a University in the region was discussed so much in the local press that it was not difficult to build up a movement around this issue. During the summer of 1971 the youth of Srinagar took initiative in this direction and formed an organisation, named Uttarakhand Viswa Vidyalaya Sangharsha Samiti (UVYSS), which was wholly confined to the issue of the University.

The entire movement which began in 1971 and came to an end in 1972, is in a way a story of UKVSS, the ups and downs of the struggle and finally the establishment of the University. On its formation the immediate task before the UKVSS was to convince the State Government that the University should be located at Srinagar. The younger Leadership that prevailed over the elder generation believed that the ordinary channels through which the demand had been pressed before were not very satisfactory. To them the right approach would be direct confrontation with the authorities and nothing else.

The movement began with relay hunger strike at Birla Government College Srinagar and gradually widened the scope and methodology coyering almost entire Garhwal region. Swami Manmathan, who emerged as the central figure in this movement took the movement right upto village level by seeking cooperation and participation of Block Pramukhs and other village elites. Indefinite fast, ‘gherao’ and ‘bandh’ were frequently organised at various towns and routes of pilgrimage from Rishikesh to Badrinath and Kedamath were used to sent the message of movement outside Uttarakhand through leaflets distributed and circulated to outsiders – tourists and pilgrims. The opening of Garhwal University ultimately was announced by Mrs. Indira Gandhi on October 9, 1973, at Srinagar. And on December 1,1973, a gazette extraordinary announced the decision of the U.P. Government to setup the two universities – one at Nainital and the other at Srinagar (Garhwal).

Chipko Movement

The Chipko movement took birth on March 27, 1973 in Gopeswar in Chamoli district of Garhwal division, when one Satvodaya worker, Chandi Prasad Bhatt organised the people to oppose commercialisation of forests. People of the region were deprived to use ash tree for agricultural implements. These trees were sold by U .P. Government to Simon Company of Allahabad to make sporting goods. The people reasserted their rights over the forest products. The movement was initiated for the first time in the forest of Rampur Fata. The method of Chipko was simple – villagers would hug the tree when the lumberjacks of forest contractors were approaching to fell them down. The event of Rampur Fata was followed by Chipko in the forest of Reni in Chamoli district. This event was marked by the leadership of Gaura Devi – a village women who led the women folk to save the trees. The initial objective of this unique movement was to save the hill forest from exploitation by the outsiders, and the organisation for achieving this objective then came to be known as ‘Uttarakhand’ Sangharsh Vahini (UKSV)’.

In 1977, within the movement a division appeared when protagonist of Chipko movement, Sunder Lal Bahuguna started proposing total ban in felling. His contention was that deforestation had caused ecological problem, thus dependency of locals on forests for their needs and total ban on felling due to ecological reasons; these two contradictory objectives came on the surface. In 1977, the issue of denudation came under wide discussion and it covered various shades of opinions. The issue was debated and publicized in the local and national press extensively. Thereafter Sunder Lal Bahuguna took the lead of the movement and it became a movement for ECOLOGY. The government of U.P. resorted to force in leasing out forests to contractors for commercial purpose. In Hewal Ghati and Salhet forest areas in December 1977, Chipko was introduced.

The U.P. Government had to send PAC to assist contractors and forest officials. The elected representatives however were in tune with government policy. The elite section forming part of non-governing elite – a section of Sarvodaya and CPI leaders supported the Chipko. The movement succeeded in placing ecology at the centre stage while forming forest policy. Its impact on DECISION MAKING at national level cannot be undermined, though it began with ‘local needs’ to be preferred over commercial use of forests.

Separate Hill State

After independence the issue of separate hill state could not get sufficient support as the power elite at the higher level did not favour it. In 1946, Badri Dutt Pandey demanded separate hill state, which was turned down by the then Premier of United Provinces G.B. Pant, as U.P.’s dominance over national politics owing to largest number of M.P.’s from this state would have suffered after division of U.P. This policy of domination over national politics remained a central cord of the Congress party right from Pant to Tewari. General Secretary of CPI P.C. Joshi, time again demanded autonomy for the hill region. Manvendra Shah ex-ruler of Tehfi state in his capacity as M.P., also raised the issue of separate hill state. Counter elite from the region over the years after independence made efforts’ in this direction – submitted memorandum to the P.M., organised conferences, rallies and protested on various occasions to draw the attention of power elite. Dharna and demonstrations at Boat Club by separate hill state protagonists were frequently organised from time to time, yet no central organisation conclusively setup for the purpose, with full strength did emerge. However stray events in this direction not only kept the issue alive, they educated the masses to a large extent . and helped in forming collective psyche of the hill people to strive for separation from U.P.

On 24-25 June 1967 ‘Parvatiya Rajya Parishad’ was formed under the leadership of Oaya Krishna Pandey. This may be taken as a solid organisational step in achieving the objective of separate hill state. Narayan Dutt Sundriyal, Communist leader of CPI took over as Secretary of this organisation. It was in 1968 that the Prime Minister agreed to have a separate Planning Cell for the hills. In 1970, P.C. Joshi formed one organization named ‘Kumaun Rastriya Morcha’ to achieve the objective of separation of hill region. It was in 1971 that ‘Uttarakhand Rajya Parishad’ was reorganised and Pratap Singh Negi (M.P.), Kripal Singh, Sridhar Chamoli and K.S. Negi along with Narayan Dutt Sundriyal became active and subsequently Narendra Singh Bist (M.P.), Indermani Badoni (MLA), Meharban Singh (MLA) and Captain Shurvir Singh joined this organisation. In 1978, Trepan Singh Negi a prominent leader of Tehri joined. the organization. During Janata Party regime on January 13, 1979, under the banner of ‘Uttarakhand Rajya Parishad’ a prominent section of elites including Manvendra Shah, Khushal Mani Ghildiyal, Trepan Singh Negi, Puran Singh Dangwal, Suman Lata Bhadola, Pratap Singh Puspan, Pratap Singh Bist, Baba Mathura Prasad Bamrara, etc. participated in a demonstrated at Boat Club.

Formation of Regional outfit: Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD): On July 24, 25 Dwarika Uniyal a prominent journalist convened ‘Parvatiya Vikas Jan’ Sammelan at Mussoorie. This Sammelan was attended by socially active and reputed persons including Nitya Nand Bhatt Dr. D.D. Pant, Jagadish Kapari, N.K. Uniyal, Lalit Kishore Pandey, Vir Singh Thakur, Hukum Singh Panwar, Diwakar Bhatt, D.P. Uniyal, Vinod Chandola, Vinod Barthwal, and Devendra Sanwal.

It was in Anupam Hotel Mussoorie on 25th July 1979 that Uttarakhand Kranti Dal, the first regional political outfit was formed. Dr. D.D. Pant, a prominent educationist and ex-Vice Chancellor of Kumaun University took over as the first president of the party.

Uttarakhand is a state in India that was formed in 2000 by carving out the Himalayan region from the northern part of the state of Uttar Pradesh. The state is home to a diverse range of cultures and languages, and its history is long and complex.

Prehistory

The earliest evidence of human habitation in Uttarakhand dates back to the Paleolithic period. Stone tools and other artifacts have been found at sites such as Didwana and Bagor, which suggest that people were living in the region as early as 200,000 years ago.

Early history

The first major civilization to emerge in Uttarakhand was the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished from around 2600 to 1900 BCE. The Indus Valley Civilization was a complex urban Society with a sophisticated system of writing, art, and architecture. Its capital city, Harappa, was located in what is now Pakistan, but its influence extended into Uttarakhand.

After the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization, Uttarakhand was ruled by a number of different kingdoms, including the Kushans, the Guptas, and The Palas. The Kushans were a Central Asian empire that ruled over much of northern India from the 1st to the 3rd centuries CE. The Guptas were a powerful Indian empire that ruled from the 4th to the 6th centuries CE. The Palas were a dynasty of Indian kings that ruled from the 8th to the 12th centuries CE.

Medieval period

In the 12th century, Uttarakhand was invaded by the Muslim Turks. The Turks ruled over the region for several centuries, and their rule had a profound impact on the culture and religion of Uttarakhand. The Turks introduced Islam to the region, and many of the local people converted to the new religion.

Mughal period

In the 16th century, Uttarakhand was conquered by the Mughal Empire. The Mughals were a Muslim empire that ruled over much of India from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The Mughals were tolerant of other religions, and they allowed the local people to practice their own faiths. However, they did impose their own taxes and laws on the region.

British period

In the 18th century, the Mughal Empire began to decline. This allowed the British East India Company to gain control of Uttarakhand. The British ruled over the region for nearly 200 years, and their rule had a major impact on the development of Uttarakhand. The British built roads, bridges, and schools in the region, and they also introduced new technologies and industries.

Independence and statehood

In 1947, India gained independence from British rule. Uttarakhand was initially part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, but it was granted statehood in 2000. The formation of Uttarakhand was a major event in the history of the state, and it has led to a number of positive changes, including the development of new Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE and the promotion of tourism.

Recent history

In recent years, Uttarakhand has been affected by a number of natural disasters, including the 2013 Uttarakhand floods. The floods caused widespread damage and loss of life, and they have had a significant impact on the state’s economy and infrastructure. However, the people of Uttarakhand are resilient, and they are working hard to rebuild their lives and their communities.

The history of Uttarakhand is long and complex, and it is a story of many different cultures and civilizations. The state has been shaped by its geography, its people, and its history, and it is a place of great beauty and diversity.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the history of Uttarakhand, along with short answers:

What is the history of Uttarakhand?

Uttarakhand is a state in India that was formed in 2000 by the separation of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions from the state of Uttar Pradesh. The history of Uttarakhand can be traced back to the ancient times, when the region was ruled by various dynasties, including the Pandavas, the Mauryas, and the Guptas. In the 12th century, the region was conquered by the Gurjara-Pratiharas, who ruled it until the 13th century. The region was then ruled by the Chandella dynasty, who were followed by The Chauhans. In the 16th century, the region was conquered by the Mughals, who ruled it until the 18th century. The region was then ruled by the Gorkhas, who were followed by the British. In 1947, Uttarakhand became a part of India.

What are some of the important events in the history of Uttarakhand?

Some of the important events in the history of Uttarakhand include the following:

The Mahabharata war, which was fought in the Kurukshetra region of Uttarakhand.
The rule of the Pandavas in the region.
The rule of the Mauryas in the region.
The rule of the Guptas in the region.
The conquest of the region by the Gurjara-Pratiharas.
The rule of the Chandella dynasty in the region.
The rule of the Chauhans in the region.
The conquest of the region by the Mughals.
The rule of the Gorkhas in the region.
The rule of the British in the region.
The formation of the state of Uttarakhand in 2000.
What are some of the important people in the history of Uttarakhand?

Some of the important people in the history of Uttarakhand include the following:

The Pandavas, who were the heroes of the Mahabharata war.
Ashoka the Great, who was the founder of the Mauryan Empire.
Harshavardhana, who was the ruler of The Gupta Empire.
Prithviraj Chauhan, who was the ruler of the Chauhan dynasty.
Gobind Singh, who was the tenth Guru of the Sikh religion.
Mahatma Gandhi, who was the leader of the Indian independence movement.
Jawaharlal Nehru, who was the first Prime Minister of India.
Indira Gandhi, who was the first and only female Prime Minister of India.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was the 10th Prime Minister of India.
Narendra Modi, who is the 14th and current Prime Minister of India.
What are some of the important places in the history of Uttarakhand?

Some of the important places in the history of Uttarakhand include the following:

The Kurukshetra region, where the Mahabharata war was fought.
The Haridwar city, which is a major Hindu pilgrimage site.
The Rishikesh city, which is a major Yoga/”>Yoga and meditation center.
The Kedarnath temple, which is one of the most important Hindu temples in India.
The Badrinath temple, which is another important Hindu temple in India.
The Gangotri glacier, which is the source of the Ganges River.
The Yamunotri glacier, which is the source of the Yamuna River.
The Nanda Devi National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What is the significance of the history of Uttarakhand?

The history of Uttarakhand is significant because it is the story of the people of the region. It is a story of their struggles, their triumphs, and their resilience. It is a story that is still being written, and it is a story that is worth knowing.

The capital of Uttarakhand is:
(a) Dehradun
(b) Haridwar
(c) Rishikesh
(d) Mussoorie
The highest mountain in Uttarakhand is:
(a) Nanda Devi
(b) Kedarnath
(c) Badrinath
(d) Gangotri
The main language spoken in Uttarakhand is:
(a) Hindi
(b) Garhwali
(c) Kumaoni
(d) Pahari
The main religion practiced in Uttarakhand is:
(a) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism
(b) Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism
(c) Islam
(d) Christianity
The main crops grown in Uttarakhand are:
(a) Rice
(b) Wheat
(c) Maize
(d) Sugarcane
The main industries in Uttarakhand are:
(a) Tourism
(b) agriculture
(c) Mining
(d) Manufacturing
The main exports from Uttarakhand are:
(a) Tea
(b) Timber
(c) Handicrafts
(d) Gems and jewelry
The main imports to Uttarakhand are:
(a) Petroleum products
(b) Machinery
(c) Food grains
(d) Fertilizers
The main tourist attractions in Uttarakhand are:
(a) The Himalayas
(b) The temples of Haridwar and Rishikesh
(c) The shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath
(d) The hill stations of Mussoorie and Nainital
The main festivals celebrated in Uttarakhand are:
(a) Holi
(b) Diwali
(c) Dussehra
(d) Makar Sankranti
The main rivers in Uttarakhand are:
(a) The Ganges
(b) The Yamuna
(c) The Alaknanda
(d) The Bhagirathi
The main wildlife sanctuaries in Uttarakhand are:
(a) The Jim Corbett National Park
(b) The Rajaji National Park
(c) The Nanda Devi National Park
(d) The Kedarnath National Park
The main birds found in Uttarakhand are:
(a) The Himalayan tahr
(b) The musk deer
(c) The snow leopard
(d) The red panda
The main trees found in Uttarakhand are:
(a) The deodar
(b) The pine
(c) The oak
(d) The sal
The main flowers found in Uttarakhand are:
(a) The rhododendron
(b) The magnolia
(c) The orchid
(d) The lotus
The main food items of Uttarakhand are:
(a) Dal bhaat
(b) Roti sabzi
(c) Chaat
(d) Momos
The main clothes worn in Uttarakhand are:
(a) The dhoti
(b) The kurta pajama
(c) The sari
(d) The salwar kameez
The main music of Uttarakhand is:
(a) The Folk Music
(b) The classical music
(c) The pop music
(d) The rock music
The main dance of Uttarakhand is:
(a) The folk dance
(b) The classical dance
(c) The pop dance
(d) The rock dance
The main Sports of Uttarakhand are:
(a) Cricket
(b) Hockey
(c) Football
(d) Kabaddi