DPEP - III Perspective Plan District: Pithoragarh

Abstract

From Chapt. 1 Historical Background: Among the five Himalayan regions of the Vedic era, the district of Pithoragarh has been the prominent one. Evidence on record has it that before the advent of the Aryans, this region had been the abode of Asuras, and Naagas etc., followed by the long persisting presence of Kirat, Khas, Kuninda, Shaka, Kushana, and sundry other Tibetan and Chinese races. Subsequent to Aryans, third century onwards, there is a mention of Katyur empire, which had later split into five kingdoms of Dote, Askot, Siera, Soar and Gangoli. In the course of time, Kumu (present Champawat) and Soar (present Pithoragarh) came under the domination of Gorkhas. In the year 1816, the British expelled the Gorkhas to establish their own control. But in view of the geographical, social and cultural peculiarities associated with the area, it was created into a 'Treaty State". Numerous valiant patriots from the. area, by their participation in the freedom struggle, have lent an outstanding image to this land.