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
Month: Current Affairs - September 11, 2025
Category: Uttarakhand General Studies for UKPSC