Uttarakhand is a state located in northern India, which has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The region, which was formerly known as "Kedar Khand", was ruled by several powerful kingdoms, including the Kuru and Panchal kingdoms. The Kuru kingdom, which was one of the earliest kingdoms to rule over the region, was famous for its kings such as Shantanu, Bhishma, and Yudhishthira, who were mentioned in the ancient Hindu epic Mahabharata. The Panchal kingdom, on the other hand, was known for its capital city of Kampilya, which was an important center of trade and commerce during ancient times.
During the medieval period, the region was ruled by the Katyuri dynasty, which was founded by a ruler named Vashudev Katyuri. The Katyuris were known for their impressive military campaigns and their patronage of the arts, and they ruled over the region for several centuries. After the decline of the Katyuri dynasty, the region was ruled by the Chand dynasty, which was founded by a ruler named Som Chand.
The Chand dynasty is considered to be one of the most significant dynasties in the history of Uttarakhand. The Chand rulers established their capital at Kirtinagar and built many forts and temples throughout the region, including the famous Kedarnath temple. Some of the most famous rulers of the Chand dynasty were Gyan Chand, Baz Bahadur, and Kalyan Chand, who are remembered for their contributions to the development of the region and the establishment of a strong administrative system.
In the early 19th century, the Gorkha kingdom, which was based in Nepal, conquered Uttarakhand and ruled over the region until they were defeated by the British in the Anglo-Nepalese War of 1814-1816. After the war, the British annexed Uttarakhand and made it a part of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh. The region remained under British rule until India gained independence in 1947, after which Uttarakhand became a part of the state of Uttar Pradesh. It was only in the year 2000 that Uttarakhand was granted statehood, making it the 27th state of India.
In summary, Uttarakhand has a rich and diverse history, which is marked by the rise and fall of several powerful dynasties and kingdoms. From the Kuru and Panchal kingdoms to the Katyuri and Chand dynasties, Uttarakhand has been ruled by many notable rulers who have contributed significantly to the development of the region. Today, Uttarakhand is known for its beautiful landscapes, cultural heritage, and religious significance, attracting tourists from all over the world.