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Towards the end of 1600s, Chand Rajas again attacked Garhwal kingdom, and in 1688, Udyot Chand, erected several temples at Almora, including Tripur Sundari, Udyot Chandeshwer and Parbateshwer, to mark his victory over Garhwal and Doti, the Pabateshwar temple was renamed twice, to become the present Nanda Devi temple [11]. Later, Jagat Chand (1708-20), defeated the Raja of Garhwal and pushed him away from Srinagar, and his kingdom was given to a Brahmin [12]. However, a subsequent king of Garhwal, Pradip Shah (1717-72), regained control over Garhwal and retained Doon till 1757, when Rohilla leader, Najib-ul-Daula, established himself there, though he was ousted soon by Pradip Shah.
Towards the end of 1600s, Chand Rajas again attacked Garhwal kingdom, and in 1688, Udyot Chand, erected several temples at Almora, including Tripur Sundari, Udyot Chandeshwer and Parbateshwer, to mark his victory over Garhwal and Doti, the Pabateshwar temple was renamed twice, to become the present Nanda Devi temple [11]. Later, Jagat Chand (1708-20), defeated the Raja of Garhwal and pushed him away from Srinagar, and his kingdom was given to a Brahmin [12]. However, a subsequent king of Garhwal, Pradip Shah (1717-72), regained control over Garhwal and retained Doon till 1757, when Rohilla leader, Najib-ul-Daula, established himself there, though he was ousted soon by Pradip Shah.
===Gorkha Rule and its Defeat===
===Gorkha Rule and its Defeat===
For some time region was ruled by Gorkhas. But People of Kumaon fought them valiantly.With their courage,wisdom and their ever indomitable spirit, and help from British, they finally defeated the [[Gorkhas]],who earlier seemed invincible ,and opened the way for the liberation of [[Garhwal]] from the oppressive Gorkha rule.Inspired by their bravery the British granted on the people of Kumaon the title of [[martial race]].
For some time region was ruled by Gorkhas. But People of Kumaon fought them valiantly with their courage,wisdom and their ever indomitable spirit.

The people of Kumaon sued the British many times to help them overthrow the Gorkha rule.According to folklore when a British official was saved from the prison of the Tibetan Jongpong(Governor)of Taklakot by some Kumaonis he pursued their case with the Resident at Delhi and convinced him to attack the Gorkhas in Kumaon. '''4000 Kumaoni braves''' under Harakh Dev Joshi a cheiftain of the Chand King (who was initailly held responsible for the Gorkha invasion) joined the British.

The British had so far been severely routed by the Gorakhas at several places (like the Battle of Jaithak nad Malaun). But now the joint forces of Kumaonis and British struck the Gorkhas. Battle of Syahidevi resulted in a complete route of the Gorkhas at the hands of the British assisted by the Kumaonis, Almora was liberated

The [[Gorkhas]] were finally defeated, who earlier seemed invincible ,and opened the way for the liberation of [[Garhwal]] from the oppressive Gorkha rule.Inspired by their bravery the British granted on the people of Kumaon the title of [[martial race]].

===British Raj===
===British Raj===
Later, the region was annexed by the [[United Kingdom|British]] in 1815, and was governed for seventy years on the non-regulation system by three administrators, Mr. Traill, Mr J. H. Batten and Sir Henry Ramsay. In 1891 the division was composed of the three districts of Kumaon, [[Garhwal District|Garhwal]] and the Tarai; but the two districts of Kumaon and the Tarai were subsequently redistributed and renamed after their headquarters, Nainital and Almora.
Later, the region was annexed by the [[United Kingdom|British]] in 1815, and was governed for seventy years on the non-regulation system by three administrators, Mr. Traill, Mr J. H. Batten and Sir Henry Ramsay. In 1891 the division was composed of the three districts of Kumaon, [[Garhwal District|Garhwal]] and the Tarai; but the two districts of Kumaon and the Tarai were subsequently redistributed and renamed after their headquarters, Nainital and Almora.

Revision as of 07:27, 25 April 2009

Kumaoni/Kumauni
(कुमाँऊनी)
Regions with significant populations
Primary populations in:

Populations in:

Other:

Languages
Kumaoni
Religion
Hinduism, Buddhism
Related ethnic groups
Indo-Aryans, Chettris and Bahuns of Nepal, Rajputs, Brahmins

Kumauni or Kumaoni (कुमाँऊनी) are people from Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. They include all those who speak the Kumaoni language or any of its numerous dialects, including Dotiyali and Baitada dialects spoken in the Doti region of Nepal. There is evidence that the hills of Kumaon have been inhabited by mankind for millennia, and the people of Kumaon today are the descendants of different waves of migration to these hills which took place over centuries. The tough mountain terrain and the hardships of life gave the Kumaoni people a character which they are reknowned for simple at heart, honest, but fiercely loyal and full of valour and courage these have been the traits of the Kumaoni people. They were the part of the North-Indian military class and military service was treated as an occupation pased on from father to son. Thier long history of conflict with the neighbouring Kingdoms of Garhwal, Nepal, Tibet and the Muslim Dynasties of Delhi made them battle hardened and it is hardly surprising that the British conferred upon them the title of martial race and recruited heavily from them the result was the Kumaon Regiment which has served India with its blood in various wars and made motherland Kumaun Proud. The modern Kumauni is in all its ways similar to any other Indian a blende of modern and old, with old practices holding as much sway as the new. Indian Army still provides much employment but the Kumaonis have progressed with time and adopted different profession and proved themselves in every field.

Etymology

The word "Kumaon" can be traced back to the 5th century BC. The Kassite Assyrians left their homeland 'Kummah', on the banks of river Euphrates,and settled in the northern part of India. These inhabitants formed Koliyan tribe and having their new settlement as Kumaoon. Lord Buddha's mother, Mayabati belonged to this clan. Although this theory does not seem true considering the fact the distance between these two places is about 2000 miles and this region was already populated at this time (ruled by Kunindas dynasty).

Another version of the origin is that word Kumaon is believed to have been derived from "Kurmanchal", meaning land of the Kurmavatar (the tortoise incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver according to Hindu mythology). The region of Kumaon is named after as such.

History

1905 illustration of a Kumaoni Woman .

In the ancient period between 1300 A.D. to 1400 A.D, 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., 1.Baijnath-Katyuri, 2.Dwarhat, 3. Doti , 4.Baramandal, 5.Askot, 6.Sira, 7.Sora, 8.Sui (Kali kumaon). Latter on, in 1581 A.D after had a 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 named as kumaon .

Katyuri Raj

Main article: Katyuri Kings

The Katyuri dynasty was of a branch of Kunindas origin and was founded by Vashudev Katyuri. Originally, from Joshimath, during their reign they dominated lands of varying extent from the 'Katyur' (modern day Baijnath) valley in Kumaon, between 7th and 11th centuries AD, and established their capital, at Baijnath in Bageshwar district, which was then known as Kartikeyapura and lies in the centre of 'Katyur' valley.Brahmadev mandi in Kanchanpur District of Nepal was established by Katyuris king Brahma deo. At their peak, the Katyuri kingdom extended from Nepal in the east to Kabul, Afghanistan in the west, before fragmenting into numerous principalities by 12th century. They were displaced by the Chand Kings in 11th century AD. Architectural remains of the Katyur dynasty's rule can be found in Baijnath and Dwarahat. The Rajbar dynasty of Askot in Pithoragarh, was set up in the 1279 AD., by a branch of the Katyuri Kings, headed by Abhay Pal Deo, who was the grandson of Katyuri king, Brahm Deo . The dynasty ruled the relion till, it became part of the British Raj through the treaty of Sighauli in 1816.

Chand Raj

Main article: Chand Kings

The Chand kingdom was established by Som Chand, who came here from Kannuaj near Allahabad, sometime in the 10th century [1], and displaced the Katyuri Kings (कत्यूरी नरेश), originally from Katyur valley near Joshimath, who had been ruling the area from 7th century AD. He continued to call his state Kurmanchal, and established its capital in Champawat in Kali Kumaon, called so, due to its vicinity to river Kali. Many temples built in this former capital city, during the 11th and 12th century exist today, this include the Baleshwar and Nagnath temples. They had brief stints with the Rajput clans in Gangoli and Bankot then predominant there the Mankotis of Mankot, the Pathni/Pathanis of Attigaon-Kamsyar, Kalakotis and many other Khas Rajput Clans of the region. However they were able to establish their domain there. One of most powerful ruler of Chand dynasty was Baz Bahadur (1638-78) AD., who met Shahjahan in Delhi, and in 1655 joined forces with him to attack Garhwal, which was under its king, Pirthi Sah, and subsequently captured the Terai region including Dehradun, which was hence separated from the Garhwal kingdom. Baz Bahadur extended his territory east to karnali river. In 1672, Baz Bahadur, started a poll tax, and its revenue was sent to Delhi as a tribute. Baz Bahadur also built the Golu Devata Temple, at Ghorakhal, near Bhimtal [1], after Lord Golu, a general in his army, who died valiantly at war [9]. He also built famous Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple at Bhimtal [10]. Towards the end of 1600s, Chand Rajas again attacked Garhwal kingdom, and in 1688, Udyot Chand, erected several temples at Almora, including Tripur Sundari, Udyot Chandeshwer and Parbateshwer, to mark his victory over Garhwal and Doti, the Pabateshwar temple was renamed twice, to become the present Nanda Devi temple [11]. Later, Jagat Chand (1708-20), defeated the Raja of Garhwal and pushed him away from Srinagar, and his kingdom was given to a Brahmin [12]. However, a subsequent king of Garhwal, Pradip Shah (1717-72), regained control over Garhwal and retained Doon till 1757, when Rohilla leader, Najib-ul-Daula, established himself there, though he was ousted soon by Pradip Shah.

Gorkha Rule and its Defeat

For some time region was ruled by Gorkhas. But People of Kumaon fought them valiantly with their courage,wisdom and their ever indomitable spirit.

The people of Kumaon sued the British many times to help them overthrow the Gorkha rule.According to folklore when a British official was saved from the prison of the Tibetan Jongpong(Governor)of Taklakot by some Kumaonis he pursued their case with the Resident at Delhi and convinced him to attack the Gorkhas in Kumaon. 4000 Kumaoni braves under Harakh Dev Joshi a cheiftain of the Chand King (who was initailly held responsible for the Gorkha invasion) joined the British.

The British had so far been severely routed by the Gorakhas at several places (like the Battle of Jaithak nad Malaun). But now the joint forces of Kumaonis and British struck the Gorkhas. Battle of Syahidevi resulted in a complete route of the Gorkhas at the hands of the British assisted by the Kumaonis, Almora was liberated

The Gorkhas were finally defeated, who earlier seemed invincible ,and opened the way for the liberation of Garhwal from the oppressive Gorkha rule.Inspired by their bravery the British granted on the people of Kumaon the title of martial race.

British Raj

Later, the region was annexed by the British in 1815, and was governed for seventy years on the non-regulation system by three administrators, Mr. Traill, Mr J. H. Batten and Sir Henry Ramsay. In 1891 the division was composed of the three districts of Kumaon, Garhwal and the Tarai; but the two districts of Kumaon and the Tarai were subsequently redistributed and renamed after their headquarters, Nainital and Almora.

Martial Race

Kumaonis have been famous for their valour, their courage was legendary, their honour indomitable. The Kumaonis were never fully subjugated by the powerful Muslim dynasties of Delhi. Kumaonis were observed by the British , their valour was thus given recognition by the British and were included in the British Army. It is interesting to note that the 3rd Gorkha Rifles was known as the Keemaon battalion when it was formed and it included Kumaonis as well as the Garhwalis along with the Gorkhas. The Kumaonis, once accepted as a martial race, were themselves to be recruited in the Hyderabad regiment and displace the native troops, ultimately becoming the Kumaon Regiment after Independence of India. The Kumaon Regiment is one of the most decorated regiments of the Indian Army. The regiment traces its origins with the British Indian Army and has fought in various campaigns including the two world wars. After independence, the regiment has fought in all major conflicts involving India. They showed their exceptional courage in the Indo-Chinese War, the Battle of Rezang La has been proverbial for valour.

Language

Their Kumaoni language forms the Central subgroup of the Pahari languages.

Kumaoni is one of the 325 recognized Indian languages, and is spoken by over 2,360,000 (1998) people of Indian states of Uttarakhand - Almora, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Champawat, Rudrapur (Udhamsingh Nagar) districts; Assam; Bihar; Delhi; Madhya Pradesh; Maharashtra and Punjab, besides being spoken in some regions of Himachal Pradesh and Nepal.

Amongst its dialects, the Central Kumauni is spoken in Almora and northern Nainital, Northeastern Kumauni is in Pithoragarh, Southeastern Kumauni is in Southeastern Nainital, Western Kumauni is west of Almora and Nainital.

Dialects of Kumaon region

Almost all people who can speak and understand Kumaoni can speak and understand Hindi also. This is one of the dialects which is shrinking very rapidly and becoming out of fashion. Most of the educated people who live in cities hardly speak Kumaoni and in most cases parents still speak and understand Garhwali but their children cannot. In many cases children can understand it well but can not speak it. A very common scenario in Kumaon is that a person from older generation communicates to a young fellow from two generations younger in Kumaoni and he or she gets reply in Hindi. Middle generation communicates in both Kumaoni and Hindi. Although it is easy to write Kumaoni in Devnagri script, there is not much literature available in Kumaoni and whatever is available is not popular.

In all, there are 20 dialects spoken in the Kumaon region, including, Johari, Majh Kumaiya, Danpuriya, Askoti, Sirali, Soryali, Chaugarkhyali, Kumaiya, Gangola, Khasparjia, Phaldakoti, Pachhai, and Rauchaubhaisi.

Dialects of Kumaoni Language

  • Kali Kumaon, Central Kumaoni
  • North-Eastern Kumaoni
  • South-Eastern Kumaoni
  • Western Kumaoni
  • Askoti of Askot
  • Bhabhri of Rampur
  • Chaugarkhiyali
  • Danpuriya of Danpur
  • Gangoli of Ganai-Gangoli
  • Johari of Malla and Talla Johar
  • Khasparjiya of Almora
  • Kumaiyya
  • Pachhai of Pali-Pachhau
  • Pashchimi
  • Phaldakotiya of Phaldkot
  • Rhau-Chaubyaisi of Upper Himalayan Valleys
  • Sirali of Sirakot
  • Soriyali of Sor Valley (Pithoragarh)
  • Baitada of Baitadi district of Nepal
  • Dotiyali of Doti in Nepal

Culture

Music

Kumaoni folk music had its root in the lap of nature. The pure and blessed music have the feel and the touch of nature and subjects related to nature. The folk music primarily is related to the various festivals, religious traditions, folk stories and simple life of the people of Kumaon. Thus the songs of Kumaoni are a true reflection of the Cultural Heritage and the way people lives their lives in the Himalayas.

There are many kinds of folk songs from the area, including ceremonial mandals, martial panwaras and melancholy khuded, thadya and jhoda.

Musical instruments used in Kumaon music include the dhol, damoun, turri, ransingha, dholki, daur, thali, bhankora and masakbhaja. Tabla and harmonium are also used, but to a lesser extent.

The Music and its development have seen various phases of growth and have undergone lots of transformation during the course of time.

The earliest of the singers who left never ending impressions on the folk music of Kumaon were :

1.The most famous personality associated with Kumaoni Folk Music is Mohan Upreti, who is known for his Nanda Devi Jagar & Rajula Malu Shahi Ballad.

He is famous for the great Kumaoni song Bedu Pako Baro Masa which for many years the identity of the hills of Uttarakahand. It is said this song was also a favourite of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru who heard it in a band march as this song is also apopular marching song.

2. Shri Gopal Babu Goswami who is considered to be a legend in Kumaon for his melodious voice.

His songs on the life of the members of the armed forces and their families like Kaile baje muruli , Ghughuti na basa and many others are legendary, it is said that when these songs were transmitted on All India Radio women with their husbands could not help but weep when they heard the soul touching voice of Gopal Da as he was lovingly called.

3. Heera Singh Rana is identified as a singer and asocial activist whose songs tell the tale of the pain of the people of the hills .

Some of the hit songs / albums being Fauji Lalit Mohan Joshi's "Maya Ki Yaad", "Tak Taka Kamla" and many other hit albums / songs

Jagara, tales of bravery is most important culture in Kumaon since Katyuri period. Jhusia Damai of Baskot of Baitadi District (now in Dharchula india) is famous Jagar singer.

Films

  • Megha Aa, (First Kumaoni Film) [1]. Director Kaka Sharma, Produced S S Bisht, 1987 [2]
  • Teri Saun, (First film both in Kumaoni and Garhwali) [3], written, produced, and directed by Anuj Joshi [4], 2003.
  • Aapun Biraan (Apne Paraye) by Shri Kartikey Cine Productions. Produced By Bhaskar Singh Rawat. 2007. Cell No. -> '9412044393'.
  • Madhuli by Anamika Film, 2008 [5].

Theatre

Kumaoni theatre which developed through its 'Ramleela' plays[6], later evolved into a modern theatre form with the efforts of theatre stalwarts like Mohan Upreti and Dinesh Pandey, and groups like 'Parvatiya Kala Kendra' (started by Mohan Upreti) and 'Parvatiya Lok Kala Manch'

Radio

  • Trans World Radio (USA) - 7320 Hz (Shortwave) [7]

Cuisine

Kumaoni food is very simple but very nutritious completely suits the hard environment. Pulses like gehet are fashioned into different preparations like ras-bhaat, chains, faanda and thatwaani all are unique preparations from the same pulse. Jholi or curry seasoned with curd. Chudkani and jola made from bhatt pulses. Cereals like mandua with rice and wheat are popular.

List of Kumaoni peolple

Politics

Administration

  • Babu Tej Singh Negi, (British time Administrator)
  • Shri Sobhan Singh Jeena, (Lawyer)
  • Shri R.S. Toliya, (I.A.S.)
  • Shri B.R. Tamta, (I.A.S.)
  • Shri B.D. Sanwal, (I.A.S.)
  • Shri Mukul Sanwal, (I.A.S.)
  • Shri Leela Singh Bisht, (Police Commissioner)
  • Shri Hukum Singh Rana
  • Shri A.S. Gusain

Scientists and Scholars

The pundit (explorer) cartographer Nain Singh Rawat (19th century CE) received a Royal Geographical Society gold medal in 1876.

Sports

File:Stumping edited.jpg
Mahendra Singh Dhoni stumps a South African batsman during a match in Chennai in 2008.



Arts, Films and Drama

Nobel Prizewinners

  • Rajendra Kumar Pachauri (born August 20, 1940, Nainital, India) is an economist who has served as the chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) since 2002.
  • Sir Ronald Ross born in Almora, Kumaon (13 May 1857 – 16 September 1932) was an Anglo-Indian physician.

Military

File:Gen b c joshi.jpg
General Bipin Chandra Joshi


Literature and Art

File:Sumitranandan Pant, (1900 - 1977).jpg
Sumitranandan Pant (1900-1977).

See also

References

  1. ^ Kumaoni Cinema Pahari Shabdkosh.
  2. ^ First Kumaoni Film Bollywood Sargam.
  3. ^ The Times of IndiaTeri Saun, 10 May 2003.
  4. ^ Film set in 1994 Uttarakhand Movement Nandadevi Campaign.
  5. ^ MaduhliKumaoni Films at uttarakhandandbeyond.
  6. ^ Indian Traditions Theatre at iloveindia.
  7. ^ Shortwave Language lists KUM Kumaoni/Kumauni.

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