Dehradun

History of Dehradun

Dehradun, the capital city of the Indian state of Uttarakhand, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Here is an overview of the history of Dehradun:

Ancient Period:Dehradun’s history can be traced back to the period of the Mahabharata, one of the major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. It is believed that the area was part of the Kedarkhand (the present-day Garhwal region).

Medieval Period:In the medieval period, Dehradun was a part of the Garhwal Kingdom, which was founded in the 15th century by Ajai Pal. The Garhwal region was ruled by various dynasties, including the Katyuris and the Gurkhas.

Colonial Era:The British East India Company gained control of Dehradun after the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-1816), also known as the Gurkha War. The Treaty of Sugauli was signed in 1815, which ceded the territory of Dehradun to the British.
Dehradun became an important center for the British during the colonial era. Due to its pleasant climate, it served as a summer retreat for British officials.The Forest Research Institute (FRI) was established in 1878, reflecting the importance of Dehradun in forestry research during the British rule.

Post-Independence Period:After India gained independence in 1947, Dehradun became a part of the state of Uttar Pradesh. Later, in 2000, when the state of Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh, Dehradun became the capital of the new state.Today, Dehradun is not just the political capital but also an educational and administrative hub in Uttarakhand. It is home to various institutions, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and the Wildlife Institute of India.