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The Capital City of Uttrakhand is Dehradun. It is also known as Dehradoon and is also the most populous city of Uttrakhand. This valley is embraced by the Song and Asan rivers and is a hub of government activity. Furthermore, the state legislature and governor’s residence are present in Dehradun which serves as the administrative centre. Read this blog to learn more about the Capital City of Uttrakhand, Dehradun.
Also read: Top 10 Facts About Kolkata: The City of Joy
Table of Contents
Overview of the Capital City of Uttrakhand
Dehradun is also known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’ located in the foothills of the Himalayas.
- The city has a pleasant climate all year, making it a popular destination for those looking to escape the heat of the plains.
- Dehradun has a rich history dating back to the Mauryan Empire. Moreover, evidence of its past can be found in ancient temples and monuments scattered around the city.
- The Tapkeshwar Temple, Sahastradhara, and Lakshman Siddh are some of the most renowned Hindu pilgrimage sites of the capital of Uttrakhand.
Sahastradhara in Dehradun. Source: Dehradun Tourism
- Dehradun is a prominent educational centre in India.
- The Indian Military Academy, Forest Research Institute, and Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology are some of the prestigious institutions located here.
Also Read: What is the Capital Of Uttar Pradesh?
History of Dehradun
The history of the Capital City of Uttrakhand dates back to the time of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
- The Mahabharata mentions the Doon Valley as the kingdom of Subahu who was a king slain by Arjuna.
- During the exile of Kauravas and Pandavas legends say that they spent time in the Doon valley.
- From the 8th to the 18th centuries, the region came under the rule of the Katyuri and later the Garhwal kingdoms.
- The city of Dehradun is believed to have been founded by Guru Ram Rai who was the eldest son of the seventh Sikh Guru, in the 17th century.
- Due to its strategic location, the British East India Company captured the region in the 19th century and established it as a cantonment town.
- After India’s independence in 1947, Dehradun became part of the state of Uttar Pradesh. Later, in 2000, it became the provisional capital of the newly formed state of Uttarakhand.
Geography and Demography Of Dehradun
Dehradun is positioned very strategically in the Doon Valley, a beautiful valley at the foothills of the Himalayas.
- The Ganges and Yamuna rivers which are two of India’s mightiest rivers, cover Dehradun on either side, hence influencing its ecosystem and landscape.
- Dehradun experiences a pleasant climate. Summers are mild, winters are moderately cold, and the monsoons bring showers.
- The urban population of Dehradun is steadily increasing thus leading to new developments in the outskirts.
- Hindus make up the majority of Dehradun’s population. However, the city has a diverse range of ethnicities and religions.
- Garhwali is a prominent language spoken in Dehradun, reflecting the region’s heritage.
- Dehradun has a high literacy rate, with a strong emphasis on education.
- Dehradun attracts people from various regions of India for education, work opportunities, and a better quality of life, thereby creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
FAQs
The old name of Uttarakhand is Uttaranchal.
Dehradun is known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’ due to its picturesque location in the foothills of the Himalayas and its pleasant climate throughout the year.
Dehradun’s history dates back to ancient times, with mentions in the Mahabharata. It was founded by Guru Ram Rai in the 17th century. Later, it became a strategic location for the British East India Company, leading to its establishment as a cantonment town. After India’s independence, it became part of Uttar Pradesh before becoming the provisional capital of Uttarakhand in 2000.
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