Uttarakhand

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Uttarakhand
State
Location of Uttarakhand in India Location of Uttarakhand in India
Country	India
Area
• Total	53,483 km2 (20,650 sq mi)
Area rank	19th
Population  (2011)
• Total	10,086,292
• Rank	20th
Time zone	UTC+05:30 (IST)
ISO 3166 code	IN-UT
Vehicle registration	UK
Website	[[1] uk.gov.in/%20uk.gov.in]]

Uttarakhand, formerly known as Uttaranchal, is a state in the northern part of India. It is often referred to as the "Devbhumi" (literally "Land of the Gods") due to its religious significance and numerous Hindu temples and pilgrimage centers found throughout the state. Uttarakhand is known for its natural environment, the Himalayas, the Bhabar and the Terai.

History

Uttarakhand was formed on 9 November 2000 as the 27th state of the Republic of India, carved out of the northern part of Uttar Pradesh. The region has a rich history dating back to the Vedic period, with references in ancient texts and scriptures. It was ruled by the Katyuri dynasty, the Chand dynasty, and later became part of the Garhwal Kingdom and the Kumaon Kingdom.

Geography

Uttarakhand is bordered by Tibet to the north, Nepal to the east, and the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh to the south and Himachal Pradesh to the west. The state is divided into two divisions, Garhwal and Kumaon, with a total of 13 districts.

The state is known for its diverse topography, ranging from the high Himalayan peaks to the fertile Terai plains. Major rivers such as the Ganges and the Yamuna originate from the glaciers of Uttarakhand.

Demographics

According to the 2011 Census of India, Uttarakhand has a population of approximately 10 million people. The majority of the population is Hindu, with significant minorities of Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians. The official language is Hindi, while Sanskrit is also recognized as a second official language. Other languages spoken include Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Jaunsari.

Economy

The economy of Uttarakhand is predominantly agrarian, with agriculture and allied activities being the mainstay. The state also has a significant tourism industry, attracting visitors to its hill stations, pilgrimage sites, and adventure tourism destinations. Industrial development is concentrated in the plains, with sectors such as pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and information technology contributing to the state's economy.

Culture

Uttarakhand has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional music, dance, and festivals playing an important role in the lives of its people. The state is known for its folk dances such as Langvir Nritya, Barada Nati, and Pandav Nritya. Major festivals celebrated include Makar Sankranti, Basant Panchami, Holi, Diwali, and Navratri.

Tourism

Tourism is a major industry in Uttarakhand, with the state being home to several important pilgrimage sites such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The state also offers numerous opportunities for adventure tourism, including trekking, mountaineering, river rafting, and skiing.

Education

Uttarakhand has a number of educational institutions, including prominent universities and colleges. Some of the notable institutions are the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, and the Doon University.

Transport

The state has a well-developed transport network, with roadways being the primary mode of transportation. The National Highway 7 and National Highway 58 are major highways passing through the state. Uttarakhand also has a railway network connecting major towns and cities. The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and the Pantnagar Airport serve as the main airports in the state.

See also

• Garhwal division
• Kumaon division
• Dehradun
• Nainital
• Haridwar
• Rishikesh
• Kedarnath
• Badrinath
• Gangotri
• Yamunotri