Tehri Garhwal Uttarakhand UP merger : A Political History

Tehri Garhwal Uttarakhand UP merger

Tehri Garhwal Uttarakhand UP merger : Tehri Garhwal is one of the mountainous districts located in the Garhwal division of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. The district has a long and eventful history, having been part of various kingdoms and territories before becoming part of today’s Uttarakhand state.

This article provides a comprehensive account of Tehri Garhwal’s incorporation into the state of Uttar Pradesh after India’s independence and its later inclusion in Uttarakhand when the new state was carved out of UP in 2000.

Early History of Tehri Garhwal

Tehri Garhwal constituted an important part of the Garhwal Kingdom, which traces its history back to the 8th century AD
It was ruled by the Pal dynasty rulers, who carried the surname ‘Pal’. In the 15th century, the surname was changed to ‘Shah’ or ‘Sah’
The region witnessed several invasions by outside forces, including the attack by the Gorkhas of Nepal in 1803
After the 1803 earthquake weakened the Garhwal Kingdom, the Gorkhas captured parts of it until they were driven out by the British in 1815
The British then divided Garhwal into two parts – eastern and western Garhwal

Tehri Garhwal Comes Under British Control

The eastern part of Garhwal, including capital Srinagar, came under direct British rule as British Garhwal
The western part remained with the Garhwal royal family as the Tehri Garhwal princely state with its capital at Tehri town
Raja Sudarshan Shah, the ruler of Garhwal kingdom, established his new capital at Tehri after merging parts of his kingdom with British Garhwal
Tehri Garhwal functioned as an independent princely state under British paramountcy from 1815 to 1949

Growing Discontent Against the Rulers

In the early 20th century, there was growing discontent among people against the autocratic rule of Tehri royalty
The common people and subjects started demanding civil rights and establishment of responsible government
Several pro-democracy organizations like the Garhwal Parishad and Tehri Praja Mandal were formed to organize protest against the monarchy
However, the rulers suppressed such protests by arresting and persecuting the leaders and banning such organizations

Role of Leaders Like Sridev Suman

Leaders like Sridev Suman, Shyam Chand Negi, and Paripurnanand Painyuli started non-violent protests against the rulers
They mobilized the masses and led the ‘Prajamandal Movement’ demanding democratic reforms in the administration
However, they were repeatedly arrested, persecuted and even martyred, as the case of Suman who died in prison after hunger strike

Merger of Tehri Garhwal with the Indian Union

Events Leading to the Merger

Even after India’s independence in 1947, the ruler of Tehri refused to initiate democratic reforms and continued autocratic policies
This caused widespread public discontent and violent protests broke out at many places directed against the monarchy
The situation deteriorated into a civil war-like scenario with common people clashing with state forces at several places
Finally, under public pressure, the king had to concede and an interim government with people’s representation was installed

Referendum and Elections

On 1st August 1949, a referendum was held in Tehri state to decide its merger with India
An overwhelming majority voted in favor of the merger rather than continuing as an independent kingdom
Subsequently, in August 1948, elections were held for the state legislature based on universal adult franchise
The pro-democracy leaders under the Prajamandal party won the elections with a huge majority, getting 24 out of 31 seats

Formal Merger with Uttar Pradesh

On 1 August 1949 Tehri Garhwal was formally merged with the United Provinces (present-day Uttar Pradesh)
It was made one of the districts of the state with its headquarters at New Tehri town
Thus, the 110-year rule of the Shah dynasty over the region ended and it became a full-fledged part of the Indian union

Tehri Garhwal as Part of Uttar Pradesh

For over five decades, from 1949 to 2000, Tehri Garhwal functioned as one of the key districts of Uttar Pradesh
During this period, the region made good progress as part of the state administration under chief ministers like Govind Ballabh Pant and Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna
Several hydroelectric projects like the Tehri Dam project were initiated in the region owing to its huge hydropower potential
However, over time a sentiment grew among people of Garhwali ethnicity about lack of development and recognition of their culture

Formation of the Separate State of Uttarakhand

Factors Leading to the Demand for Separate Statehood

Lack of development of the remote hill districts compared to other parts of UP
Under-representation in state administration and politics
Lack of opportunities and employment avenues within the region
Need to preserve the unique culture and heritage of the people of Garhwal and Kumaon
Desire for greater autonomy and self-administration

The Uttarakhand Movement

In the 1990s a vigorous mass movement demanding statehood for Uttarakhand started under the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal
It was led by key leaders like Kashi Singh Airy and Indramani Badoni
The movement witnessed huge participation and support from students, youth, women groups etc.
It turned violent at times with protestors clashing with UP police and administration

Creation of Uttarakhand State in 2000

Finally, owing to the prolonged mass movement, in 2000 the central government under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee granted statehood for Uttarakhand
It was carved out of northwest Uttar Pradesh, with 13 hill districts constituting the new state
These included key Garhwal region districts like Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli

Tehri Garhwal as Part of Uttarakhand State

Early Progress as Part of New State

The granting of statehood fulfilled a long-standing demand of the local populace
In the initial years, the new state provided a major boost in development of previously neglected hilly districts
Several initiatives were taken for improving infrastructure, connectivity, tourism, services etc. in Tehri region

Facing the Challenge of Sustainable Development

However, later governments faced challenges of balancing development with ecological conservation
Tehri region being ecologically sensitive Himalayan zone, steps needed to ensure sustainable development
Also, issues like recurring natural disasters, impact of activities like hydropower projects and tourism needed to be tackled

Current Status

Presently, Tehri Garhwal is one of the largest districts of Uttarakhand state with a population of over 6 lakhs
As part of the hill state, Tehri region has seen greater impetus on preserving its unique culture and heritage
The region has also gained increased tourism owing to Char Dham pilgrimage circuit passing through the district
However, sustainable development continues to remain a major priority and challenge for the ecologically fragile region

Conclusion of Tehri Garhwal Uttarakhand UP merger

Thus, Tehri Garhwal has witnessed a major political transformation, from an independent kingdom to becoming part of UP and later Uttarakhand state
Its merger with Indian union in 1949 marked the beginning of democratization and end of monarchy
Becoming part of Uttarakhand in 2000 led to greater focus on its unique culture and ecology
However, balancing development and ecological conservation remains a key challenge for the administrations in the region

The merger of the region with larger entities has been accompanied by critical challenges as well as new opportunities. As Tehri Garhwal continues its onward journey as part of the young Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, it holds immense potential for growth in spheres like tourism, renewable energy, and services – if sustainable and eco-friendly development can be ensured.

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