Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand (Hindi: Uttarākhaṇḍ, pronounced [ˈʊt̪ːəɾaːkʰəɳɖ], lit. 'Northern Land'), is a state in northern India. It shares international borders with Tibet to the north and Nepal to the east, while the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh border it to the west and south, respectively. Formerly known as Uttaranchal, the state was established on 9 November 2000 after being separated from Uttar Pradesh. Uttarakhand has a total area of 53,483 km2 (20,650 sq mi), equal to 1.6 per cent of the total area of India. Dehradun is the winter capital, while Bhararisain serves as the summer capital. Nainital is the judicial capital of the state. Administratively, Uttarakhand is divided into the Garhwal and Kumaon divisions, comprising thirteen districts. The state is renowned for its high-altitude and rugged topography, with the Himalayas covering most of its area and serving as the source of several major perennial river systems. Uttarakhand's history dates back to prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence indicating early human habitation in the region. During the Vedic period, it formed part of the ancient Kuru and Panchal kingdoms. In later centuries, the region witnessed the rise of local dynasties such as the Kunindas and came under the influence of Buddhism, as evidenced by Ashokan edicts found in the area. Uttarakhand is predominantly mountainous, with the Himalayas covering much of the state. Its geography consists broadly of the Greater Himalayas in the north, the Lesser Himalayas in the central region, and the Shiwalik hills and Terai-Bhabar plains in the south. The state contains several of India's highest peaks, including Nanda Devi and Kamet, as well as extensive forests, deep valleys and river gorges. The Ganges is formed at Devprayag by the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers; other major rivers include the Ramganga and Mandakini. Forests cover about 45...