History of Uttarakhand – Modern Period
The History of Uttarakhand – Modern Period highlights two major phases: the Gorkha rule and the British rule. This period is marked by warfare, political changes, important treaties, and the rise of a new administrative structure that shaped modern Uttarakhand. Let us understand these events in detail.
Gorkha Rule in Uttarakhand
The Gorkhas of Nepal were known for their bravery and military strength. Taking advantage of the weakening Chand (Lunar) rulers of Kumaon, the Gorkhas moved towards expansion.
Gorkha Expansion
In 1790 AD, the Gorkhas captured Almora after a short battle.
After controlling Kumaon, they attacked Garhwal in 1791, but the attempt failed.
In February 1803, violating earlier agreements, Amar Singh Thapa and Hastidal Chautaria led a fresh attack on Garhwal and succeeded.
The Garhwal king Pradyuman Shah fled from Srinagar.
Battle of Khudbura (1804)
A decisive battle occurred on 14 May 1804 at Khudbura, Dehradun, where King Pradyuman Shah was martyred. After this victory, the Gorkhas controlled both Kumaon and Garhwal.
British Intervention
Sudarshan Shah, son of the late King Pradyuman Shah, invited the British to free Garhwal from Gorkha control.
In October 1814, the British army launched a campaign and successfully liberated Garhwal.
The Gorkhas continued to hold Kumaon until 1815.
Defeat of Gorkhas in Kumaon
Colonel Nichols and Colonel Gardner captured Almora in April 1815.
General Ochterlony defeated Amar Singh Thapa on 15 May 1815 at Malaon Fort.
On 27 April 1815, a treaty was signed between Colonel Gardner and the Nepalese ruler Bamshah, handing over Kumaon to the British.
Highlights of the Sugauli (Sangoli) Treaty – 1815–1816
After Amar Singh Thapa’s defeat, the Sugauli Treaty was signed on 28 November 1815. Nepal initially rejected the agreement, but after the British attacked near Kathmandu in February 1816, Nepal finally accepted the treaty in March 1816.
Key Provisions
The Gorkhas gave up claims over the southern lowlands.
Garhwal and Kumaon were officially transferred to British control.
The Gorkhas withdrew from Sikkim and accepted a British Resident in Kathmandu.
Nepal agreed to allow Gorkha soldiers to serve in the British Army, which led to the famous Gorkha regiments.
The harsh Gorkha rule in Kumaon (25 years) and Garhwal (10.5 years) is locally known as Gorkhayali, remembered for heavy taxation and strict punishments.
British Rule in Uttarakhand
With the end of Gorkha domination, the British reorganised the region.
Administrative Changes
By April 1815, the British took full control of Kumaon and declared it a non-regulation province under the North-Western Provinces.
Colonel Gardner was appointed the first Commissioner in May 1815.
Part of Garhwal was merged into the Kumaon district, while Dehradun was added to Saharanpur district in 1817.
Formation of New Districts
In 1840, Pauri Garhwal district was created by shifting the headquarters from Srinagar to Pauri.
In 1854, Nainital became the headquarters of the Kumaon division.
In 1891, Kumaon was divided into Almora and Nainital districts.
Till Independence, Kumaon division consisted of:
Almora
Nainital
Pauri Garhwal
Tehri Garhwal continued as a princely state.
Later Developments
In 1891, the non-regulation province system was abolished.
In 1902, the region was merged into the United Provinces of Agra and Awadh.
In 1937, it became part of the reorganised United Provinces.
On January 1950, Uttarakhand (then Uttaranchal) became a part of Uttar Pradesh.
In 1904, Nainital Gazetteer officially described the region as the Hill State.
Releted Post:⇔
Medieval Period of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand Historical Period (Ancient Times)
Uttarakhand Metahistoric Period
Prehistoric period of Uttarakhand
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