Dehradun Ka Itihas aur Sanskriti – Ek Vishesh Vishleshan
Dehradun
Origin of the Name– Dehradun has left its mark not only within India but in every corner of the globe. Tourists from both within the country and abroad visit here in the thousands every year. Various scholars offer differing opinions regarding the origin of Dehradun’s name, which are outlined below:
Theory 1:- In 1665 AD, Guru Ram Rai Ji founded Dehradun. Guru Ram Rai Maharaj was the 7th Guru of the Sikhs. His father was Guru Har Rai. He migrated from Kiratpur, Punjab, and settled here. Upon arriving, he established his *Dera* (camp/settlement) at this very spot, and it is from this act that the name “Dehradun” was derived.
Theory 2:- The name Dehradun may also have originated from the fact that Dronacharya was a resident of this area. Dronacharya was indeed an inhabitant of Dehradun; this fact is substantiated by Hindu mythological texts.
Theory 3:-The *Skanda Purana* describes Dehradun as being a part of the *Kedar Khand* region. This text also confirms that this location served as the abode of Lord Shiva.
Theory 4:- When the British took control of the region in 1816 AD, the place was known simply as “Dehra.”
Theory 5:-The geographical shape of Dehradun resembles that of a *Dona* (a leaf-cup or bowl). For this reason, it was named “Doon.” In geographical terminology, a “Doon” refers to a valley. In English, such a valley—specifically one situated within the Shivalik range—is referred to as a “valley.”
**Districts Bordering Dehradun:**
① – To the east of Dehradun lie the districts of Tehri, Uttarkashi, and Pauri.
② – To the west of Dehradun lies the state of Uttar Pradesh.
③ – To the south of Dehradun lies Haridwar.
④ – To the north of Dehradun lie Uttarkashi and the state of Himachal Pradesh.
**Area of Dehradun**
Dehradun serves as the capital of the state of Uttarakhand. It covers a total area of 3,088 square kilometers. Its elevation above sea level is approximately 100 feet (or 640 meters).
**Population of Uttarakhand**
The total population of Uttarakhand is 1,696,694. Of this total, the number of males is 892,199, while the number of females is 804,495. Community Development Blocks of Uttarakhand — There are 7 Community Development Blocks in Uttarakhand.
These include:
① Chakrata
(2) Doiwala
(3) Raipur CD Block, Dehradun
(4) Kalsi
(5) Raipur
(6) Sahaspur
(7) Vikasnagar
Population Density of Dehradun: Population density refers to the number of people residing within a specific region (geographical area). Dehradun’s population density stands at 549.
Dehradun’s Literacy Rate: According to the 2011 Census of the Dehradun District (conducted by the Directorate of Census Operations), the average literacy rate of Dehradun was 84.25%.
Consequently, the total number of literate individuals in Dehradun is 876,441.
Dehradun’s Sex Ratio: Dehradun’s sex ratio is 906, while its child sex ratio (for the 0–6 age group) is 889.
Major Waterfalls in Dehradun: Dehradun is home to numerous waterfalls, among which the following are the most prominent:
① Mal Devta Falls: Located within the Dehradun district, Mal Devta Falls is situated 18.25 km away from the city center. It attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists annually.
② Sahastradhara Waterfalls: Located 20 km from the ISBT (Inter-State Bus Terminal), Sahastradhara Falls is situated near the Baldi River, which flows past the nearby Robber’s Cave.
③ Shikhar Falls: Shikhar Falls is located 13.5 km away from the ISBT.
Major Hydroelectric Projects in Dehradun: There are eight major hydroelectric projects currently operational in Dehradun. The most significant among them is:
① Yamuna Hydroelectric Project (Stage I): Operational since 1965, this project is constructed across the Yamuna River. This project includes:
The Dakpathar Barrage, Dhakrani, and the Dhalipur Power House.
(2) Yamuna Hydroelectric Project – Phase II – Part 1: This includes the Ichari Dam and the Chhibro Power House.
(3) Yamuna Hydroelectric Project – Phase II: This includes the Khodri Power House.
(4) Yamuna Hydroelectric Project – Phase I – Part 1: This includes the Asan Barrage and the Kulhal Power House.
(5) Yamuna Hydroelectric Project – Phase IV – Part 2: Established in 1992, this project is known as the Khara Hydroelectric Project. It has a generation capacity of 72 megawatts.
(6) Chilla Hydroelectric Project: This project was initiated in 1981. It currently generates 144 megawatts of electricity.
(7) Maneri Bhali Hydroelectric Project:
Phase I: This project was started in 1904. It currently generates 90 megawatts of electricity.
8. Ramganga Project (Kalagarh): Commissioned in 1976, this project generates 198 megawatts of electricity.
Caves of Dehradun: Primarily, three caves are found in Dehradun:
① Kartik Cave
(1) Tapkeshwar Cave
(3) Guchhu Pani (Robber’s Cave)
9. Major Fairs of Dehradun District:
④ Jhanda Mela
(2) Tapkeshwar Mela
(3) Lakshman Siddha Mela
(4) Bissu Mela
(5) Mahasu Devta Mela
6. Shaheed Veer Kesari Mela
① Jhanda Mela: This fair was initiated by the seventh Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Rai Maharaj, in the year 1645, during the *Krishna Paksha* (waning phase of the moon) of the month of *Chaitra*. The fair has been held annually ever since.
2. Tapkeshwar Mela: This cave is also known as the Drona Cave, because… This was the residence of Guru Dronacharya. It was here that Ashwatthama was born.
3. Lakshman Siddh Fair:
Located approximately 12 km from the ISBT, this temple lies along the road leading to Haridwar. It is at this very spot that Lakshman performed penance following the slaying of Ravana. The saint Swami performed his spiritual austerities at Lakshman Siddh, and it was at this site that he was laid to rest. A fair is held here annually on the last Sunday of April.
4. Bissu Fair: This is one of the most renowned fairs in Dehradun. It is organized at the Inda Ground, situated within the Cantonment Area of the Chakrata block.
5. Mahasu Devta Temple: This fair is organized at the Hanol Temple. This temple is located in the Jaunsar-Bawar region of Vikasnagar.
6. Shaheed Teer Kesari Fair:
This fair is held in Purela.
Major Institutions in Dehradun District
Major Institutions of Dehradun District:-
1. Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS): -Indian Institute of Remote Sensing was established in 1966 in Raipur.
2. indian of Drilling Technology (IDT):- Established in 1978, its objective is to explore new technologies for oil and gas drilling operations.
3. ONGC:- This is one of India’s ‘Maharatna’ companies. It contributes approximately 71% to India’s domestic production. Its headquarters is located in Delhi. It was established on August 14, 1956.
4. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):-Established in 1958, its primary function is the discovery and maintenance of archaeological sites.
5. Uttarakhand Sanskrit Literature and Arts Council:-The Uttarakhand Sanskrit Literature and Arts Council was established in Dehradun in 2004.
6. Wadia Institute:- The Wadia Institute is located in Dehradun. Established in 1968, it is an autonomous institute under the Government of India that conducts research in the field of Himalayan geology.
7. ICFAI University:- ICFAI University was established on July 8, 2003. This university offers and conducts several significant academic programs.
8. Himgiri Zee University:- This university was established on January 5, 2003. The university campus spans across several acres of land.
9. Uttarakhand Ayurved University:- It was established by the Government of Uttarakhand under the Uttarakhand Ayurved University Act of 2001.
10. Doon University:-Doon University is situated at a distance of 7 km from the ISBT (Inter-State Bus Terminal) in Dehradun. It was established in 2005. And its academic session commenced on May 1, 2001.
11. Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Uttarakhand Medical Education University: Established in Dehradun in 2014, this university grants affiliation to three medical and paramedical institutions, as well as 13 nursing colleges.
(2) Forest Research Institute (FRI): Located in Dehradun, it was established in 1991.
(3) Indian Military Academy (IMA): Established on December 10, 1932, it produces successful military officers.