Uttarakhand Complete History and Culture by Mehrban Singh Gusain & Anuradha Gusain

Uttarakhand Complete History and Culture is a comprehensive and authoritative work that presents an in-depth study of the historical evolution and rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand. Authored by eminent historians Mehrban Singh Gusain and Anuradha Gusain, this book is designed to serve as a single-volume reference for students, researchers, teachers, and competitive examination aspirants.

The book begins with a geographical and historical introduction of Uttarakhand, explaining the physical setting and historical sources essential for understanding the region’s past. It covers the prehistoric, proto-historic, and ancient periods, including archaeological remains, inscriptions, brick altars, folk literature, and early cultural developments. Special focus is given to ancient dynasties such as the Kuninda and Katyuri rulers, explaining their administrative systems, political structure, and cultural contributions.

A major portion of the book is dedicated to the Chand dynasty and Panwar (Parmara) dynasty, providing detailed accounts of their rulers, governance, land revenue systems, social life, and religious traditions. The rise of the Gorkha rule, its administrative and military structure, and conflicts such as Anglo-Gorkha relations are discussed in a systematic and exam-oriented manner.

The section on the Tehri princely state explains its formation, administrative system, land management, education, transport, judicial setup, and socio-economic conditions. The book then moves into the colonial period, covering British administrative reforms, forest management, land settlements, judicial and police systems, and the development of modern education in Uttarakhand.

An important strength of this book is its detailed coverage of journalism in Uttarakhand, tracing its evolution before and after independence. The authors also provide a thorough account of Uttarakhand’s role in the Indian freedom movement, including the 1857 revolt, Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, Quit India Movement, and regional reform movements such as the Danda-Mandi, Liquor Prohibition, and Coolie Begar movements.

The chapters on the Uttarakhand Statehood Movement explain key events such as the August Kranti, Khatima Kand, Mussoorie Kand, Muzaffarnagar Kand, and Rampur Tiraha incident, making the book extremely useful for UKPSC and other state-level exams.

The final sections focus on important historical places, important facts related to Uttarakhand, and a detailed study of Uttarakhand’s culture, including lifestyle, dialects, languages, temples, fairs and festivals, folk songs, folk dances, ornaments, folk arts, painting traditions, and Garhwali cinema.

Written in a clear, structured, and exam-focused style, this second revised edition is an indispensable resource for:

• UKPSC, UKSSSC, and other Uttarakhand competitive exams

• History and Culture sections of General Studies

• College and university students

• Teachers, researchers, and serious readers of Uttarakhand studies