Garhwal Ka Itihas | Pt. Hari Krishna Raturi

“Garhwal Ka Itihas”, written by Pandit Hari Krishna Raturi and edited by Dr. Yashwant Singh Katoch, is a classical and authoritative work on the history of the Garhwal region. This book is considered one of the most important reference texts for understanding the political, social, cultural, religious, and administrative development of Garhwal from ancient times to the modern period.

Originally composed as a scholarly historical account, this book presents Garhwal’s past in a systematic and research-oriented manner. It begins with a geographical introduction, helping readers understand the physical setting that shaped Garhwal’s civilisation. The book then explores the formation of the Upper Himalayan region, agricultural practices, trade systems, and the emergence of towns and settlements.

A major strength of this book is its detailed coverage of Garhwal’s religious and social structure. Separate chapters focus on Garhwal’s four dhams, religious traditions, caste and community structure, social life, customs, and cultural identity. Topics such as Garhwali language, literature, script, education system, and social organisation provide deep insight into the region’s cultural heritage.

The book also offers an in-depth study of administration, governance, and legal systems in Garhwal. It discusses ancient systems of land measurement, currency, taxation, and state administration, making it highly valuable for researchers and serious students of history. Chapters on state governance and law explain how administrative systems evolved over centuries.

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to dynastic and political history, including the origins of Garhwal’s early inhabitants, the spread of Buddhism, the rise of Shaivism and Sanatan Dharma, and the establishment of ancient ruling lineages. The history of Garhwal’s ancient rulers, attacks by plains-based communities, and the evolution of the Panwar dynasty are discussed in detail.

The book provides a comprehensive account of Panwar rulers and the Garhwal kingdom, including the structure of the Garhrajya, temporary Gorkha rule, and later political changes. It concludes with chapters on modern transformations in Garhwal and the re-establishment of the Garhwal state, offering a complete historical narrative.

Written in Hindi, this book is invaluable for students of Uttarakhand history, researchers, historians, competitive exam aspirants (UKPSC/UKSSSC), and readers interested in Garhwal’s heritage. Its factual depth, traditional sources, and scholarly approach make it a timeless reference work for Garhwal studies.