Metahistoric Period of Uttarakhand

The Metahistoric Period, also known as the Half-Historic or Mythological Period, occupies a crucial place in the ancient history of Uttarakhand. This period bridges the gap between prehistoric times and recorded history. Due to limited archaeological evidence, most knowledge of this era is derived from religious, literary, and mythological texts, which is why it is also called the Puranic Period.

Historians generally place the extension of this period from around the 4th century BCE up to the beginning of the historical era. During this time, early societies of Uttarakhand developed agriculture, animal husbandry, metallurgy (iron and copper), and rural–urban settlements.

Sources of the Metahistoric Period

Because direct archaeological remains are limited, the main sources of this period include:

• Vedas and Brahmanical texts
• Upanishads and Puranas
• Ramayana and Mahabharata
• Buddhist Pali literature

Important archaeological indicators such as copper hoards from Bahadrabad, megalithic burial remains from Malari, and findings from the Ramganga Valley support the gradual transition toward organized civilization.

Early Literary References to Uttarakhand

The Rigveda provides the earliest reference to Uttarakhand, describing it as a divine land filled with sages and ascetics. In later texts, the region is glorified as:

• Punya Bhoomi (Sacred Land)
• Rishi Bhoomi (Land of Sages)
• Holy Kshetra

The Aitareya Brahmana refers to this region as Uttara-Kuru, indicating the presence of the legendary Uttara-Kuru people.

According to the Skanda Purana, the Himalayan region was divided into five parts:

1. Nepal
2. Manaskhand
3. Kedarkhand
4. Jalandhar
5. Kashmir

Among these, Manaskhand and Kedarkhand form the core of present-day Uttarakhand.

Kedarkhand and Manaskhand

• Kedarkhand: The area from Mayakshetra (Haridwar) to the Himalayas, representing modern Garhwal
• Manaskhand: The region from Nanda Devi to Kalagiri, corresponding to present Kumaon

The Nanda Devi peak marks the traditional boundary between these two regions. Ancient texts also refer to the combined region as Uttarakhand, Barhapur, and Khasdesh.

In Buddhist Pali texts, the entire region is described as Himwant.

Garhwal Region in the Metahistoric Period

Ancient Names of Garhwal

In early texts, Garhwal was known as:

• Badrikashram Kshetra
• Tapobhoomi
• Sarvabhoomi
• Kedarkhand

The modern name Garhwal came into use around 1515 CE, after King Ajaypal Pawar unified the region by organizing 52 hill forts (Garhs).

Vedic and Mythological Traditions

The Rigveda mentions that Devraj Indra destroyed the 100 forts of Asura King Shambar in this region. After a great destruction, the Saptarishis are believed to have taken refuge in Prana village, from where human creation resumed.

Alkapuri, the mythical capital of Kubera, is believed to be the abode of Manu, the first human ancestor.

Garhwal is also described as the land of the Manasputras of Brahma, including:

• Daksha
• Marichi
• Pulastya
• Pulaha
• Atri

Scholarly Interpretations

Historians like Hariram Dhasmana, Bhajan Singh, and Dr. Shivnand Nautiyal believe that the Saptasindhu region mentioned in the Rigveda refers to Garhwal.

The Vedic hymns are believed to have been composed in caves near Badrinath, such as:

• Ganesh Gufa
• Vyasa Gufa
• Narada Gufa
• Skanda Gufa

Ramayana and Mahabharata Connections

• Vashishtha Ashram in Tehri Garhwal is associated with Sage Vashishtha and Arundhati.
• Sitonsun (Devprayag) is believed to be the place where Sita merged into the earth, commemorated by the Mansar Mela.
• Tapovan (Tehri Garhwal) is associated with the penance of Lakshmana.
• The kingdom of Banasura, with capital Jyotishpur (Joshimath), existed here during the Ramayana.

In the Mahabharata, the Van Parva describes the journey from Haridwar to Kedarnath, including Badrinath. The region was ruled by Pulindas (Kunindas) and Kiratas, with King Subahu of Srinagar supporting the Pandavas.

Ancient Centers of Learning

Two major Vidyapeeths existed:

1. Badrikashram
2. Karnashram

Karnashram, located on the Malini River (present Chaukaghat), is associated with Shakuntala and King Dushyanta. Emperor Bharat was born here, after whom India (Bharat) is named.
Kalidasa composed Abhigyan Shakuntalam at this sacred site.

Kumaon Region in the Metahistoric Period

According to mythology, Lord Vishnu’s Kurma Avatar occurred at Kanteshwar Mountain near Champawat. This led to the name Kurmanchal, which later evolved into Kumaon.

Initially, only Champawat was called Kumaon, but later it expanded to include:

• Almora
• Pithoragarh
• Bageshwar
• Udham Singh Nagar

References in Puranas and Epics

The Manaskhand of Skanda Purana contains the most detailed references to Kumaon.

Texts such as the Brahma Purana, Vayu Purana, and Mahabharata mention the presence of:

• Kiratas
• Kinnaras
• Yakshas
• Nagas
• Gandharvas

The Jakhandevi Temple (Almora) confirms the ancient presence of Yakshas.

Naga Tradition in Kumaon

Numerous Naga temples indicate the dominance of serpent-worshipping groups:

• Binag (Beninag) – Pithoragarh
• Dhaulnag
• Kalinag
• Pingalnag
• Basukinag

The Binag Temple is the most prominent among them.

Ethnic and Cultural Legacy

Descendants of Kiratas, speaking Munda languages, still inhabit Askot and Dodihat regions.
Before the arrival of Rajputs, Khas groups dominated Kumaon and played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism.

Transition to the Historical Period: Inscriptions and Evidence

Numerous inscriptions mark the transition from myth to history:

Major Inscriptions

• Ashokan Inscription (257 BCE) at Kalsi, written in Pali
• Lakhamandal Inscription of Princess Ishwar
• Temple inscriptions at Gopeshwar, Kedarnath, Kalimath
• Cave inscriptions at Devprayag (Vaman Gufa) and Kalpanath

Ashoka’s Kalsi inscription promotes non-violence and medical care for humans and animals, calling the region Aparanta and its people Pulindas.

Coins and Copper Plates

• Kushan coins (1st–2nd century CE) from Muni-ki-Reti and Sumadi
• Kartikeyapur dynasty copper plates from Pandukeshwar, Champawat, Baijnath

Administrative System

Ancient records mention a well-organized administration with officials such as:

• Mahadandanayak (Commander)
• Akshapatalik (Account Officer)
• Kottpal (Fort Guard)
• Baladhyaksha (Army Chief)

Conclusion

The Metahistoric Period of Uttarakhand represents a rich blend of mythology, early social development, and emerging historical consciousness. Through sacred texts, legendary narratives, and early inscriptions, this period laid the cultural and spiritual foundation of Garhwal and Kumaon, guiding Uttarakhand toward the historical age.

Related Post :

Prehistoric Period of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand Historical Period (Ancient Times)

Medieval Period of Uttarakhand

History of Uttarakhand – Modern Period