 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The word Kumaon is derived from the word
"Kurmanchal" meaning Land of the "Kurm"
avatar (the tortoise incarnation of Lord Vishnu,
preserver of the Hindu Trinity). According to the
Hindu mythology, Adi Kailash (also known as
Chotta Kailash) in the Kumaon region is one
of the three residences of Lord Kailash (Shiva),
Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesh & Lord Kartikey.
Kumaon a historical place
Evidence of Mesolithic period (middle Stone Age) settlements has been found in Kumaon, as indicated
by the paintings at rock shelter at Lake Udyar.
The Kunindas was the first known ruling dynasty of Kumaon region which reigned from 500 B.C. to 600
A.D.
The Katyuri kings ruled the Kumaon region from 7th to the 11th century, with their capital at Baijnath
near Almora. The 900-year-old sun temple of Katarmal, on a hilltop facing east (opposite Almora), was
built by the Katyuri dynasty.
Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is said to have acquired shilas from the sacred river of Kali Gandki for idol of
Pratapgad's Bhavani Devi in the 16th century.
Creation of the modern Kumaon is credited to the Chand Dynasty of Pithoragarh, with their capital at
Almora in the heart of Kumaon, in the 17th century AD. The magnificent temple complex at Jageshwar
dedicated to Lord Shiva, with its cluster of a hundred and sixty-four temples, was built by the Chand
rulers over a space of two centuries.
Nainital was 'discovered' by the British in 1841, and was subsequently used as the summer capital of
the United Provinces.
