UK GK

The examination of the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UKPSC) would need a good grasp of General Studies (GS) . It is GSA that supports the whole procedure of selection be it Prelims, Mains, or Interview . Combining issues in history, geography, polity, economy, science, and contemporary events , it makes sure that the candidates have both the state-specific information and the national awareness.

History of Uttarakhand

Ancient Period:

• The area belonged to Kedarkhand and Manaskhand of the ancient Hindu books.
• Refer in scriptures such as the Skanda Purana .
• Dominated by various dynasties such as the Kunindas, Kartripura, Naga, Khasas and Kiratas .
• Mauryan influence is indicated by ashokan rock edicts at Kalsi (Dehradun).

Medieval Period:

• Katyuri Dynasty (7th-11th Century AD) and capital at Kartikeyapur (today Baijnath). They were a great power and erected numerous temples.
• Following the fall of the Katyuris the area was divided into some small states owned by princes (e.g., Garhwal and Kumaon kingdoms).
• The Kumaon was ruled by Chand Dynasty whose capital was Champawat and then at Almora.
• In Garhwal Srinagar (Pauri Garhwal) was under the rule of Panwar Dynasty .
• Intrusion by Taimur Lung and then by Gorkhas (Nepal).

Modern Period:

• Gorkha Invasion (1803-1815): The Gorkhas conquered Kumaon and Garhwal.
• Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-1816): The British conquered the Gorkhas and a treaty, known as the treaty of Sugauli was signed.
• British Rule: This eastern territory (Kumaon and part of the eastern Garhwal) was incorporated into a British district. A princely state was reinstated to the king in the western part (Tehri Garhwal).
• Uttarakhand Movement: The protracted demand of a separate hill state (9 th -11 th November 1994 is remembered as the Massacre Period ). Important leaders: Indramani Badoni, Kashi Singh Airy, B.D. Joshi.
• Uttarakhand state: Uttarakhand state was created on 9 th November 2000 out of Uttar Pradesh state of India as the 27 the state . It was originally called Uttaranchal which was renamed into Uttarakhand in January 2007.
• First Chief Minister: Nityanand Swami First Governor: Surjit Singh Barnala.

Uttarakhand Geographical Profile.

• Location & Divisions :
  • Located in the Himalayas in the North West .
  • Share Heighs Himachal Pradesh (North-West), Uttar Pradesh (South) China (Tibet) (North) and Nepal (East).
  • Garhwal (7 districts) and Kumaon (6 districts) two administrative units. Total districts: 13 .
  • State capitalism: Gairsain (Summer Capital), Dehradun (Winter Capital and Interim Capital).
• Physiography :
  • The regions are divided into three:
  • Great Himalayas (Himadri): Northern sector with great peaks. (e.g., Nanda Devi, Kamet, Trishul, Bandarpunch).
  • Lesser Himalayas (Himachal): mid region with key hill stations (Mussoorie, Nainital, Ranikhet) and valleys.
  • Shivalik Foothills (Doons): Southern outer hills where there are valleys such as Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar.
• River Systems :
  • Large Rivers: The Ganga, Yamuna, Ramganga, Sharda (Kali), Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Mandakini, Dhauliganga, Pinder.
  • Confluence Points (Prayags): Vishnuprayag, Nandprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag, Devprayag (meeting of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi to form Ganga).
• Lakes (Naturally Occurring ) :
  • Garhwal Hemkund, Deoria Tal, Roopkund (Skeleton Lake), Vasuki Tal.
  • Kumaon: Bhimtal, Khurpatal, Sattal, Naini Lake, Naukuchiatal.
• National Parks :
  • Valley of flowers NP and Nanda Devi NP (in one UNESCO world heritage site).
  • Jim Corbett NP (the first national park in India).
  • Rajaji NP, Gangotri NP, Govind Pashu Vihar.
  • Sanctuaries: Kedarnath WLS, Askot Musk Deer WLS, Binsar WLS etc.

The Art, Culture and Heritage of Uttarakhand.

• Folk Dances: Jhumeila, Chholiya (martial dance), Pandav Nritya, Barahmasa, Chancheri, Jagar (a spiritual ritual dance).
• Folk Music: Basanti, Mangal, Jagars, Khari.
• Great Festivals: Harela, Phool Dei, Basant Panchami, Ghee Sankranti, Kandali, Nanda Devi Raj Jatin Yatra (a well known pilgrimage).

Traditional Wear:

• Women: Ghaghra, Choli, Odhni (Pichora),Gold and Silver jewellery.
• Men: Kurth-Pyjama, waistcoat, turban.
• Food: Kafuli, Jholi, Phaanu, Ras, Bhatt ki Churdkani, Chainsoo, Arsa (sweet), Gulgula, Mandua ki Roti (Finger Millet) .
• Languages Garhwali, Kumaoni, Jaunsari, Hindi.

Economy, Energy and Infrastructure.

• Agriculture: Rice, Wheat, Mandua (Finger Millet), Jhangora (Barnyard Millet), Pulses are the major crops. Horticultural products of importance: Apples, Stone Fruits, Lithi, Citrus Fruits .
• Industries: Forest-based (paper, resin), Tourism, Horticulture and Handloom and Handicrafts.
• Hydropower: One of the significant sources of energy. Important projects: Tehri Dam (the highest dam in India), Tapovan-Vishnugad, Vishnuprayag, Maneri Bhali, Chibro .
• Mineral Resources: Limestone (largest producer of cement industries), Magnesite, Gypsum, Copper, Phosphate .

Government & Administration

• State Symbols:
  • Animal of the State: Alpine Musk Deer.