Geography
The
Kumaon region consists of a large Himalayan tract, together
with two submontane strips called
the Terai and the Bhabhar. The submontane strips
were up to 1850 an almost impenetrable forest, given up to wild animals; but
after 1850 the numerous clearings attracted a large population from the hills,
who cultivated the rich soil during the hot and cold seasons, returning to the
hills in the rains. The rest of Kumaon is a maze of mountains, part of the Himalaya range, some of
which are among the loftiest known. In a tract not more than 225 km in
length and 65 km in breadth there are over thirty peaks rising to
elevations exceeding 5500 m.
The
rivers like Gori, Dhauli, and Kali rise chiefly in the southern slope of the Tibetan watershed north
of the loftiest peaks, amongst which they make their way down valleys of rapid
declivity and extraordinary depth. The principal are the Sharda (Kali), the
Pindari and Kailganga, whose waters join the Alaknanda. The river Sharda (Kali)
forms the international boundary between India and Nepal. The pilgrim route
currently used to visit Kailash-Mansarovar, goes along this river and crosses
into Tibet at Lipu Lekh pass.
The
chief trees are the Chir
Pine, Himalayan
Cypress, Pindrow Fir, alder, sal or iron-wood,
and saindan. Limestone, sandstone, slate, gneiss and
granite constitute the principal geological formations. Mines of iron, copper,
gypsum, lead and asbestos exist; but they are not thoroughly worked. Except in
the submontane strips and deep valleys the climate is mild. The rainfall of the
outer Himalayan range, which is first struck by the monsoon, is double that of
the central hills, in the average proportion of 2000 mm to 1000 mm.
No winter passes without snow on the higher ridges, and in some years it is
universal throughout the mountain tract. Frosts, especially in the valleys, are
often severe.
Etymology
Kumaon
is believed to have been derived from "Kurmanchal", meaning land of
the Kurmavatar (the tortoise incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver according
to Hinduism). The region of Kumaon is named after as such.
History
In
the ancient period between 1300 to 1400 AD, after the disintegration of Katyuri
kingdom of Uttarakhand, eastern region of Uttarakhand (Kumaon and Far-Western Region of Nepal which
was a part of Uttarakhand then), divided into eight different princely states
i.e., Baijnath-Katyuri, Dwarhat, Doti,
Baramandal, Askot, Sira, Sora, Sui (Kali kumaon). Later on, in 1581 AD after
the defeat of Raika Hari Mall (maternal uncle of Rudra chand) with the hand of
Rudra Chand all these disintegrated parts came under King Rudra chand and the
whole region was as kumaon.
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