Literary Sources of Uttarakhand History
Literary Sources of Uttarakhand History
Literary Sources of Uttarakhand History
Literary Sources of Uttarakhand History : The history of Uttarakhand region can be traced from various literary sources ranging from ancient scriptures, chronicles, inscriptions, coins, travelogues, and accounts of foreign travelers. These sources provide valuable information about the political, socio-economic, cultural, and religious aspects of different periods in Uttarakhand’s history.
Some key literary sources that shed light on the history of Uttarakhand are:
Ancient Scriptures
Vedas
The Vedas, composed between 1500 BCE and 500 BCE, contain references to the geography and tribes inhabiting the Himalayan region where present-day Uttarakhand is located.
The Rigveda mentions several rivers of the region like Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Sutlej, and their tributaries. It also refers to tribes like the Purus, Anus, Druhyus, Yadus, Turvasas etc. inhabiting the region.
Puranas
The Puranas composed between 400 CE and 1500 CE eulogize the Himalayan region and places of pilgrimage located here.
The Skanda Purana provides details about the Kedarnath region and the Badrinath area while the Vamana Purana describes the Kumaon region. Several myths and legends about gods and sages associated with holy places in Uttarakhand find mention in the Puranas.
Mahabharata and Ramayana
The Mahabharata and Ramayana composed roughly between 400 BCE and 400 CE refer to the tribes inhabiting Uttarakhand, its forested mountains, and rivers.
The Pandavas are said to have ended their lives by ascending the Himalayas. Rishi Valmiki’s ashram where Sita took refuge is said to be located at Ramganga Ghat in present-day Nainital.
Chronicles and Historical Texts
Skanda-Guru-Charitra
A 15th century text, the Skanda-Guru-Charitra talks about the installation of goddess Nanda Devi at Nauti village near Karnprayag by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE.
It provides information about the early Katyuri kings, establishment of Joshimath township, and trekking routes.
Revalsar Inscription
This 7th century Sanskrit inscription discovered at Revalsar in Himachal Pradesh throws light on the history of the early medieval kingdoms of Trigarta (Kangra) and Audumbara (Uttarakhand).
Guler Inscription
The Sanskrit Guler inscription of the Katyuri king Vijayadeva, dated Vikrama Samvat 1280 (1223 CE), gives details of his conquests of fortresses and cities, subjugation of chiefs, and performance of Vedic sacrifices.
Chronicles of Garhwal and Kumaon
The Chronicle of the Kings of Kumaon, written after the Gorkha conquest of Kumaon, gives an account of the Katyuri and Chand kings who ruled the region.
The Rajyadarpan, a 19th century Garhwali chronicle, provides information about the Panwar, Chand and Gorkha dynasties of Garhwal.
Travelogues and Accounts of Foreign Travelers
The travelogues left behind by Al-Biruni (11th century), Ibn Batuta (14th century), and accounts of British surveyors like Atkinson, Trail and Fraser (19th century) give descriptions of the geography, society, economy and culture of the Garhwal and Kumaon region during the medieval and colonial era.
Some key information found in these accounts include:
- References to trade and pilgrimage routes
- Agricultural practices and crops grown
- Flora and fauna
- Customs and religious practices of inhabitants
Inscriptions
Several inscriptions belonging to different periods have been discovered in various parts of Uttarakhand. These inscriptions are important sources supplementing the information found in literary texts and provide details about royal genealogies, administrative units, land grants, religious endowments etc. during different dynasties that ruled the region.
Some key inscriptions found in Uttarakhand include:
Ashokan Inscriptions
The earliest inscriptions found in Uttarakhand date back to the 3rd century BCE during the reign of Ashoka. These pillar inscriptions are written in the Prakrit language using Brahmi script.
They have been found in the Kalsi area of Dehradun and Uttarkashi district.
Katyuri Inscriptions
Several copper plate inscriptions from the 6th-9th century CE period have been discovered in Almora, Chamoli, Tehri and Uttarkashi districts of Uttarakhand. These Sanskrit inscriptions belonging to the Katyuri dynasty contain details about land grants, construction of temples, installation of deities etc.
Chand Inscriptions
Inscriptions belonging to the Chand kings have been found at various places in Kumaon division. These give information about the genealogy of Chand kings, their conquests, land revenue grants to Brahmins etc. during 11th to 14th century CE.
Coins
Coins issued by different dynasties that ruled over parts of Uttarakhand constitute important numismatic sources. They usually contain information about the ruler under whom they were minted, date of issue and images/text providing clues about the political and economic history of the issuing dynasty.
Some key coin hoards and coin finds in Uttarakhand include:
Punch Marked and Cast Copper coins
Several punch-marked and cast copper coins belonging to the Janapada period circa 600-300 BCE have been found in the Kumaon region indicating trade links with the Gangetic plains.
Kushana Coins
Some gold and copper coins belonging to the Kushana rulers dating 1st-3rd century CE have been discovered in Uttarakhand. The influence of the Kushanas seems to have extended into parts of western Uttarakhand.
Kuninda and Audumbara Coins
Coins issued by the Kuninda and Audumbara tribes who had set up independent kingdoms in Himachal and Uttarakhand between 2nd century BCE to 3rd century CE have been found in large quantities indicating that their rule was substantial in this region.
Katyuri Coinage
The Katyuri kings who ruled most of Uttarakhand between 700 CE and 1100 CE issued a large number of gold and copper coins. These coins feature various images like Shiva, Parvati, Nandi, Trishula etc. as well as legends in Nagari, Sarada and Proto-Sarada scripts.
Conclusion to Literary Sources of Uttarakhand History
Literary Sources of Uttarakhand History : The diverse literary sources highlighted above provide a multi-faceted view of Uttarakhand’s eventful history and transition from ancient tribal settlements to organized kingdoms in the medieval period. They offer glimpses into the region’s geography, economy, society, culture, religions as well as the political developments during various dynasties that held sway over parts of this mountainous region. These indigenous sources when corroborated with archaeological evidence help reconstruct the rich historical fabric of Uttarakhand.
What are the main literary sources for Uttarakhand’s history?
The Vedas, Puranas, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Skanda Purana as well as regional texts like the Skanda-Guru-Charitra and chronicles of Garhwal and Kumaon.
What are some key archaeological sources?
Findings from excavations like tools, pottery, seals and ornaments as well as megalithic burials, rock paintings and inscriptions.
What are some important epigraphic sources?
Inscriptions like the Ashokan edicts, Katyuri copper plates and Chand dynasty stone inscriptions found in Uttarakhand.
What are the main numismatic sources?
Coins issued by Janapadas, Kushanas, Kunindas, Audumbaras, Katyuris, Chands, Gorkhas etc. found in hoards across Uttarakhand.
