History of Uttarakhand offers a compelling and corrective retelling of the rich, diverse, and often misunderstood past of one of India’s most spiritually and culturally significant regions. For too long, Uttarakhand’s history was shaped by colonial narratives that either ignored or distorted its legacy. This book aims to reclaim that history, drawing on indigenous sources, oral traditions, and critical analysis to present a more accurate and comprehensive account.

This updated edition begins with the socio-cultural geography of the region, establishing the deep link between land, people, and tradition. It explores the rise and fall of the Katyuri Empire, the emergence of the Chand Dynasty in Kumaon, and the dynastic histories of Garhwal—all set against the backdrop of a vibrant cultural and political landscape.

The colonial period is examined with care, highlighting not just administrative changes but the socio-cultural disruptions it brought. The post-independence narrative traces Uttarakhand’s journey from a marginalised hill region to statehood—shedding light on the aspirations, struggles, and transformations that continue to shape its identity.

Organised into six thematic chapters and enriched with maps, illustrations, and historical references, this book offers an accessible yet deeply researched account of Uttarakhand—from ancient times to the present day.

Whether you are a student, scholar, or general reader, this book promises to inform, inspire, and connect you with the timeless spirit of the Devbhumi—the divine land of sacred bliss.

Dr. O.C. Handa is a well-known connoisseur of art and culture, and an outstanding scholar of history and archaeology, especially related with the Himalayan region, having been in the field now for more than six decades.

In his exploratory pursuits, he has been undertaking several expeditions, many of them the solo ones, within India and outside, and visiting the far-flung nooks and corners of the vast Himalayan regions and coastal villages of the country. That would underscore his zeal to explore the antique but extant material evidences of history, art and culture of the Himalayan and the coastal region, and his commitment to acquire the firsthand and authentic knowledge of almost all aspects of the creative enterprise of the communities of those regions. This quality is well reflected in his numerous writings. He did his post-graduation in History from the University of Mysore, Ph.D. from the Meerut University and D.Lit. form the Agra University. Having come from the civil engineering background, he remained in-charge of the Department of Museum and Archaeology, Himachal Pradesh for several years, the Director of the International Roerich Academy at Nagar (Kullu).

Dr. Handa has authored more than 38 books exclusively on the art, history, archaeology and culture of the indigenous communities of the Himalayan and coastal regions to his credit. Besides, he has edited seven volumes on the History of Indian Science & Technology. He has been writing articles, research papers for various national and international research journals and papers. Thus, he has more than five hundred papers and articles to his credit. He has also been performing for the radio and TV; has participated in several regional, national and international seminars and workshops and delivered lectures on the subjects of his specialty at various forums in India and abroad. He remained a member of different expert committees of the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi and the Ministry of Tourism & Culture, Govt. of India.

Dr. Handa remained a fellow of the Himachal Academy of Art, Language and Culture, Shimla, Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi and the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla at different periods, and was a Senior Fellow of the Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi from 2001 to 2003.He also remained a Senior Editor of the U. S. based Infinity Foundation for several years.

Dr. Handa was honoured with the Prerana Strot Samman award by the Himachal Pradesh Government and Shikhar Saman by the State Academy.