Author(s): Dr.Bhuwan Tiwari , Anita Negi, Shubhankar Shukla
Abstract:
The central Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, historically referred to in Puranic literature as Kedarkhand and Manaskhand, possesses a deeply rooted institutional heritage. Surrounded by high mountain peaks, deep valleys, and strategic trans-Himalayan trade routes, its unique geography directly shaped its socio-political, military, and administrative systems. Historically divided into the two prominent cultural sub-regions of Kumaon and Garhwal, Uttarakhand witnessed the rise and fall of several foundational dynasties. From the tribal and clan-based confederacies of the ancient Kunindas to the expansive, monumental rule of the Katyuris and the highly structured, defensive feudal setups of the Chand and Panwar kingdoms, governance in this region evolved as a direct adaptation to mountainous isolation, scattered settlements, and strategic border management. This analysis details the operational systems, political structures, revenue frameworks, judicial institutions, military setups, and cultural expressions of these dominant dynasties, capturing the central theme and spirit of the region's historical narrative.
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