Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is a state located in the northern part of India. It is famous for its scenic beauty, pilgrimage centers, and its rich natural resources. It is referred to as the “Devbhumi” or the Land of the Gods. The state borders China/Tibet to the north and Nepal to the east. Within the country, the state borders the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The capital is located at Dehradun.
Etymology
The name “Uttarakhand” is derived from the Sanskrit words “Uttara” meaning “North” and “Khand” meaning “Part” or “Region.” Therefore, the name “Uttarakhand” literally means Northern Region. In the past, the region was referred to as Uttaranchal before the official name was changed to Uttarakhand in the year 2007.
History
The history of Uttarakhand is rich and ancient, dating back to the ancient days of the Hindus. The region is referred to in ancient texts like the Vedas and the Mahabharata.
The region was once under the control of the Katyuri Kingdom and the Chand Kingdom. In the later days, the region was under the control of the Gurkhas and the British.
After India gained independence, Uttarakhand was a part of Uttar Pradesh. However, due to demands for a separate region, it was carved out as a separate state on 9th November 2000.
Geography
The geographical area covered by Uttarakhand is about 53,483 square kilometers. The region is largely a mountainous area, a part of the Himalayan range.
The Ganges River and Yamuna River are major rivers that originate from glaciers in Uttarakhand. The region has a wide variety of climatic conditions, from subtropical to alpine.
Demographics
The population of Uttarakhand, according to the Census of India 2011, exceeds 10 million. The official language of Uttarakhand is Hindi. Sanskrit has also been recognized as an additional official language.
The regional languages are also widely spoken. The population is distributed between urban and rural areas.
Religion
The main religion practiced in Uttarakhand is Hinduism. There are several pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand, including Kedarnath Temple and Badrinath Temple, which are part of the Char Dham pilgrimage.
Other religions practiced in Uttarakhand include Islam, Sikhism, and Christianity.
Culture
The culture of Uttarakhand is based on its traditions, festivals, and religion. The festivals of Makar Sankranti, Harela, and Kumbh Mela are celebrated in Uttarakhand.
Traditional music, dance, and handicrafts are an integral part of the culture of Uttarakhand. Woolen clothing and woodwork are some of the handicrafts popular in Uttarakhand.
Government and Administration
Uttarakhand has a parliamentary system of government. The Governor is the head of the state, while the Chief Minister is the executive head. The state has a unicameral legislature, which is known as the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly.
The state is divided into a number of districts for administrative purposes.
Economy
The economy of Uttarakhand is mainly based on agriculture, tourism, and hydropower. The state is known for producing rice, wheat, pulses, etc.
Tourism is a major contributor to the economy, as there are a number of pilgrimage sites. In addition, there are a number of hill stations. Hydropower is another major contributor, as there are fast-flowing rivers.
Infrastructure
Uttarakhand has developed infrastructure for road, rail, and air transport. However, the infrastructure is limited in the mountainous areas. Dehradun is the major transport hub.
Development schemes have been undertaken for connectivity, tourism, and rural areas.
Education
The state has many educational institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee and the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies. The state has a high literacy rate, which is the result of government and private efforts in the field.
Media
The media in Uttarakhand comprises Hindi and English newspapers, television channels, etc. The regional media plays a significant role in disseminating information across Uttarakhand.
Sports
The popular sports played in Uttarakhand are cricket, football, and athletics. Adventure sports like trekking, mountaineering, and river rafting are also popular in Uttarakhand.