Kingdom of Kumaon कुमाऊं राज्य(Kumaoni) | |||||||||
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| 600–1791 | |||||||||
 Flag | |||||||||
Royal Seal | |||||||||
 .png) Location of the Kumaon Kingdom, and main South Asian polities in 1175, on the eve of theGhurid Empire invasion of the subcontinent.[1] | |||||||||
| Status |
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| Capital | |||||||||
| Common languages | |||||||||
| Ethnic groups | |||||||||
| Religion | State religion: Hinduism Other: Buddhism Islam | ||||||||
| Demonym(s) | Kumaoni | ||||||||
| Government | FederalAristocracy under anAbsolute monarchy influenced byPolitical Factions[2] or Occasionally anOligarchy with aMonarchial Figurehead[3] | ||||||||
| Maharajadhiraja | |||||||||
• 600 | Vasu Dev(First {Katyuri Dynasty} | ||||||||
• 1064–1065 | Bir Dev(Last {Katyuri Dynasty} | ||||||||
• 700–721 | Som Chand(First {Chand Dynasty} as Feudatory) | ||||||||
• 1450–1488 | Ratna Chand(36th {Chand Dynasty}, First of united Kumaon) | ||||||||
• 1638–1678 | Baz Bahadur Chand | ||||||||
• 1788–1791 | Mahendra Chand(Last) | ||||||||
| Diwan | |||||||||
• 700–721 | Joshi Sudhanidhi Chaube(First {Chand Dynasty}) | ||||||||
• 1788–1791 | Lal Singh(Last) | ||||||||
| Legislature | Panchayat of Kumaon (PowerfulPrivy council) | ||||||||
| Malladhada (Mahar Faction) | |||||||||
| Talladhada (Fartyal Faction) | |||||||||
| History | |||||||||
• Established | 600 | ||||||||
• Fall ofKatyuri Dynasty | 11th Century | ||||||||
• Period ofFragmentation | 12th century–15th century | ||||||||
• Reunification of Kumaon byChand Dynasty | 1450 | ||||||||
• Invaded byKingdom of Nepal | 1791 | ||||||||
| Area | |||||||||
• Total | 72,000[4][5] km2 (28,000 sq mi)(Approx. area during peak of Chand Dynasty) | ||||||||
| Population | |||||||||
• Estimate | 500,000[6][7] | ||||||||
| Currency | Rupee,Paisa | ||||||||
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| Today part of | Uttarakhand,India Sudurpashchim Province,Nepal | ||||||||
29°35′50″N79°39′33″E / 29.5971°N 79.6591°E /29.5971; 79.6591
TheKingdom of Kumaon (Kumaoni: कुमाऊं राज्य ,Persian: پادشاهی کوماون ,Tibetan: ཀུ་མའོ་རྒྱལ་ཕྲན།) also known asKurmanchal, was aHimalayan kingdom that existed for nearly 1200 years.[8] The kingdom was established by Vasu Dev ofKatyuri Dynasty in 7th Century after he unified many small principalities. After the fall of theKatyuris in the 11th Centry and about three centuries offragmentation, theChand Dynasty managed to reunifyKumaon in the middle of 15th Century. During their rule Kumaon was spread sovereign from riverTons to riverKarnali. They shifted the capital from Kartikeyapura (Baijnath) toChampawat in the 12th Century, and finally toAlmora in 1563. Kumaon was annexed to theKingdom of Nepal in 1791.[8][9][10]
During the 500 year rule of theKatyuris, new culture and traditions began to form, which would serve as the basis of modern dayKumaoni culture.Shaivism withinHinduism became the predominant belief of the region. Several temples were build during this time period, like theJageshwar Temples Complex and theKatarmal Sun Temple.Sanskrit andPali languages were widely used. The administration during this time was done very finely, bridges and roads were well built. All the functionaries were worthy, educated and devoted to their duty. After the decline of the Katyuri Dynasty,Kurmanchal fragmented into many petty kingdoms.[8][9]
After about three centuries offragmentation, theChand Dynasty unified what is the modern - dayKumaon division andDoti during the middle of 15th Century, although they were present in Kumaon from the 8th Century. During the 700 year rule (400 year rule of united Kumaon) of the Chands, culture and religion in Kumaon bloomed, and folk traditions and practices gained more and more importance as a popular form offolk Hinduism emerged, which is still majorly practiced. TheKumaoni language gained prominence whileSanskrit was used only for religious and educational purposes. A party system type of government was practiced during the Chand rule.[8] For about a century, the kingdom experienced aGolden Age and became an epicenter for trade, religion, education and literature among the Himalayan kingdoms. From the start of 18th Century the Kingdom of Kumaon began to weaken. Owing to political instability, financial crisis, power stuggle, and rebellions within, theKingdom of Nepal was able to invade and annex the Kingdom of Kumaon in 1791. After 24 years of oppressive Nepalese rule, this region fell to theBritish East India Company and later theBritish Crown.[8][9]
TheKatyuris and theChands left a substantial legacy to modern - dayUttarakhand. Much of theKumaoni culture, societal norms, and folk traditions, along with theKumaoni language, derive from the culture and traditions of theKatyuris and theChands.
Kumaon is believed to have been derived fromKurmanchal, meaning land of theKurmaAvatar (thetortoise incarnation of LordVishnu, the preserver according to Hinduism). The region of Kumaon is named after as such.[11]
During the time of the British control of the region, between 1815 and 1857 it was also romanized asKemaon.[12][13][14]
Kumaon finds mention in the early Hindu scriptures asManaskhand.[15]
Prehistoric dwellings andStone Age implements have been discovered inAlmora andNainital districts.
The paintings at Lakhudiyar Caves nearAlmora are believed to represent life in the prehistoric village during theMesolithic period.
Thekingdom of Kuninda (orKulinda in ancient literature) was an ancient centralHimalayan kingdom documented from around the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE, located in the southern areas of modernHimachal Pradesh and far western areas ofUttarakhand in northernIndia andDoti inNepal.
TheKunindas were among the first known indigenous rulers of the region.
Around 700 CE, the Katyuri dynasty was established by Vasu Dev in the region. They called their stateKurmanchal, the land of Kurma, the second avatar of Vishnu, from which the present name is derived. Their capital wasKartikeyapura (morden day-Baijnath)[10][16] and the Gomati Valley came to be known as the Katyur Valley after the ruling dynasty.[10]during their reign they dominated lands of varying extent from the Katyur Valley (modern-day Baijnath) in Kumaon, between 7th and 11th centuries C.E., and established their capital at Baijnath inBageshwar district; which was then known asKartikeyapura and lies in the centre of Katyur Valley.Brahmadev Mandi (a trading and business center in a flat area of the then Katyuri dynasty) in theKanchanpur District of Nepal was established by Katyuri king Brahma Dev. Brahmadev Mandi still exists by this name.
During the peak ofKatyuri Dynasty the sovereigns were bestowed the title ofGiriraj Chakrachudamani, and the 16 monarchs who ruled during that time are termed asChakravarti or Emperors.[17]
It is believed that from king Dhan Dev and Vir Dev the downfall of this powerful dynasty began. Vir Dev used to collect heavy taxes and forced his people to work as his slaves, King Vir Dev teased his subjects by his tyranny to the extent that he forcibly married his own maternal aunt Tila (Tilottama Devi). It is said that the Kumaoni folk song 'Mami Tile Dharo Bola' became popular from that very day.[10]
After the death of tyrant Vir Dev, there ensued acivil war among his sons. Fierce fight took place among them. Whole of thekingdom was ruined. The people of this very family divided the whole kingdom among themselves. At the places where they were formerly placed as provincial governors or faujdars, there they declared themselves as independent kings. OutsideKumaun the feudatory kings ofGarhwal, who were till then under the jurisdiction of the Katyuris, stopped paying revenue and also became independent kings.[18]
The same condition prevailed inKumaun when theChand kings came there. Petty feudatory kings ruled here and there and attacking one another showed their power. King Brahmdeo of this very family (after whose name Brahmdeo Mandi was founded) established his kingdom inKali Kumaun. His first fort lay in Sui and theRawat king of Dumkot was under him. The second branch started ruling atDoti. The third established itself atAskot. Fourth settled down at Baramandal. The fifth maintained its sovereignty over Katyur and Danpur. The sixth branch ruled here and there in Pali whose main places then wereDwarahat and Lakhanpur. In this way this extensive empire got divided into small parts.[18]
Besides these petty kings ofKatyuri family, during the time between the fall of the Katyuris and the arrival of theChands, the region ofKumaun lay divided into petty kingdoms. Faldakol and Dhaniyakot lay under the authority of aKhati Rajput who regarded him as belonging toSolar dynasty. Chaugarkha was ruled by a Padiyar king whose capital was Padyarkot. In theparagana ofGangolihat ruled a Mankoli king. He had come fromPiuthan in modern dayNepal and regarded himself as a Rajput ofLunar dynasty. After ruling for seven to eight generations they being defeated by the Chands returned to the place where their descendants still exist. Kota, Chhakhata and Kutauli came under the jurisdiction of theKhas kings. Sor, Sira,Darma,Askot, and Johar all were annexed to theKingdom of Doti. The firstChand king Som Chand also established a petty kingdom inKali Kumaon after subjugating the powerful social groups there.[8][9]
When the sun of the fortune of the Emperors ofSolar dynasty (Katyuris) in Kumaun set and at places small feudatory kings began to rule, the people said that the sun of Kumaun had set and there was night and darkness all over Kumaun. But on the arrival of theChands, people started saying that there was night in Kumaun as the sun had set, but one thing good now is that now moonlight has appeared i.e. kings ofLunar dynasty (Chands) have come. That there is again light in the earth sunk in darkness.[8]
Sometime in the 8th century, theChand Dynasty was established by King Som Chand, He continued to call his stateKurmanchal, and established its capital inChampawat or Kali Kumaon. At that time Kumaon was going through a period offragmentation, and theChands ruled as petty kings. They slowly developed into a major power of theHimalayas and near after 1450 had unified Kumaon under King Ratna Chand.
TheBaleshwar and Nagnath temples were built in this city during the 11th and 12th centuries.[18] During this period, learning and new forms of painting (thepahari school of art) developed.[17]
Many pilgrims came to the court ofBaz Bahadur Chand to complain about the Huniyas (The area from northwesternTibet till the borders ofLadakh at that time was known as Hundesh, and Tibetans there were called Huniyas) robbing them on their pilgrimage toKailashManasarovar, and committing atrocities. Being quite religious, he could not stand it, and decided to bring an end to this problem.
Baz Bahadur Chand himself led his army throughJuhar Pass and entered Tibetan territory, which was then underKhoshut Khanate. He captured theFort of Taklakot in 1670. This was the first time in history that an Indian king had captured this stronghold ofTibet.[19]
There was no strong response from the higher Tibetan authority to this intrusion, and although it is not very well documented, civil war and unrest, Mongol conquest and rise of regional warlords in Tibetan territory could be a probable cause.
The time period of King Baz Bahadur Chand's reign as well as that of his successors till two to three generations has been considered by many as theGolden Age of Kumaon region.
King Gyan Chand, the King of Kumaon, ascended the throne in 1698. In 1699 he invaded Garhwal, which was under the KingFateh Shah . He crossedRamganga River and plundered Sabli, Khatli, and Sainchar. In 1701, Fateh Shah entered in Chaukot (now Syalde region with 3 part, Talla Chaukot (lower), Malla Chaukot (Upper) and Bichla Chaukot (middle)) and Gewar Valley (region ofChaukhutia, Masi, andDwarahat) as reply. The Kumaonis defeated the Garhwalis in the Battle of Duduli (near Melchauri in Garhwal). In 1707, the Kumaoni forces annexed Juniyagarh in Bichla Chaukot (Syalde), and razed the old fort at Chandpur Garhi, the capital of Garhwal Kingdom. On 13 July 1715, Kumaoni troops clashed with Garhwali troops that were moving to Moradabad and Bareilly.[20] An ally of theMughal Empire, Kumaon was encouraged to continue fighting Garwhal until they submitted to the Mughal Empire. The Mughal Empire was against Garwhal because of their funding of rebels in Punjab. Twice in the second year of Farrukh Siyar’s reign (between 25 July and 19 December 1713) the Kumaon chief sent him booty obtained in the battles against the combined forces of the Srinagar-Garhwal chief and his Jat and Gujar allies. In early 1715, Kumaon finally captured Srinagar from Garwhal, sending Garwhali chiefs into Mughal courts. In 1742 Ali Mohammed Khan of Rohilkhand invaded Kumaon and annexed Kashipur, Rudrapur, and two other Kumaoni parganas.[20]
Few years Later, Jagat Chand (1708–20), invaded Garhwal, defeated the ruling King of Garhwal and expelled him fromSrinagar, then capital of Garhwal Kingdom. After ruling for few years he bestowed the Kingdom on aBrahmin.[21]
In the latter half of the 18th century, the power of Kumaon was on decline, as the prince Mahendra Chand was unable to properly administer the country and conflicts with other neighbouring kingdoms, natural calamities, intrigues and dissensions further weakened the Kingdom.
Seeing this opportunity, in 1791 theKingdom of Nepal invaded Kumaon.Gorkha Army led by the Gorkha commandersBahadur shah, Kazi Jagjit Pande,Amar Singh Thapa and Sur Singh Thapa set to attack Kumaon from Doti. One regiment went from Kali Kumaon toSor, another set out to capture Visung. When the news of the sudden invasion reachedAlmora, Mahendra Chand summoned his troops and taking a contingent with him moved towardsGangolihat.
Amar Singh Thapa with his troops attacked the Kumaoni contingent but was defeated and escaped. However few hours later he came back with a bigger army and better preparation, tottaly surrounded Kumaon from the west. Mahendra Chand hearing the defeat and death of his uncle,Diwan (Prime Minister) Lal Singh, became nervous and fled, thus Gorkhas finding their path clear reached and captured Almora and Kumaon was annexed to theKingdom of Nepal.[10]Kingdom of Garhwal was also annexed by the Gorkhas in 1804.
The Gorkha rule over Kumaon lasted for 24 years and has been termed as "Cruel and Oppressive"[8][9] in a number of texts.Kumaon andGarhwal were made intogovernorates within theKingdom of Nepal.Kumaonis were not given political representation and all offices were occupied byNepali administrators.Kumaonis andGarhwalis alike were mistreated. It is to be noted that the Gorkhas were not keen on integratingKumaon andGarhwal fully into theKingdom of Nepal, or providing for the people there, rather they only though of the conquered territories as frontier states, to maintain distance from theEast India Company.[8][9]
The Gorkhas were also involved in slave trade consisting ofKumaonis andGarhwalis, who were captured and sold in the markets.[8] Excessive taxation, slavery and mistreatment made the Gorkhas unpopular inKumaon andGarhwal, whose cruel treatment towards the natives is still bitterly remembered today. The justice system of the Gorkhas was biased and based on superstitions, which failed to provide justice to those who needed it.
The only architectural advancements during the period was a road connectingKali River toSrinagar viaAlmora.[8]
The Gorkhas were defeated by theEast India Company inAnglo-Nepalese War and were forced to cede Kumaon to the British as part of theTreaty of Sugauli in 1816. The Kumaon region was joined with the eastern half of the Garhwal region and was governed as a chief-commissionership, also known as the Kumaon Province, on the non-regulation system.[22] In seventy years it was governed by three successive administrators: Mr. Traill, Mr J. H. Batten andSir Henry Ramsay. The British set up a small administrative unit to govern the region, known as Patwari Halka.[23]
It can be easily discerned that the firstChand monarch Raja Som Chand was in favour of division of power and acted accordingly. He created a party system in Kumaon with a strong say and influence in the decision of the King. He formed two factions - Mahar faction and Fartyal faction to give representation to all fourcastes. The leader of the faction, rather than being a hereditary post, was a post given on the basis of knowledge, influence and experience. The post ofDiwan (Prime Minister, दीवान) was automatically given to the one who had majority support within the factions, although exceptions were seen many time. It would not be wrong to say that an unofficial form of constitutional administration was practiced in Kumaon. Even if the monarchs of the Chand Dynasty wereabsolute monarchs, they had to consider the opinions of the factions and the electedBudhas (बुड्ढा) andSayanas (सयाना) (Regional administrators) to maintain their support since they could not risk going against such influential group of people. This decentralized constitutional system was laid out by Raja Som Chand to prevent any one certain group or individual from gaining too much power. But this system also gave way to rivalries within factions and lessening of the power of the king, which is evident looking at the history ofpuppet monarchs inKumaon.
TheMaharaja of Kumaon (कुमाऊँ के महाराजा) had absolute authority, but was traditionally influenced by the opinions of the Mahar faction and the Fartyal faction, who rightfully had a say in the decisions of the Maharaja. The Maharaja appointed theDiwan (Prime Minister, दीवान) officially, but the post was automatically given to whoever had the majority support within the two factions.
Whenever a prince was crowned as the monarch, only then would he be given the title of 'Chand' (चंद). Other princes used the title 'Rautela' (रौतेला) and 'Gusain' (गुसाईं).
TheSeal of the Maharaja was necessary to issue any order on paper or copper - plates. But the Maharaja could only authorize the orders if the Diwan found it just and fair. The Maharaja couldn't give out official orders by himself.[8][9] Officers and managers were appointed by the monarch in hisDurbar by the recommendation of the Diwan. The posts of deputy - diwan and the other ministers were handed out to the most influential and able people. These posts were not usually hereditary but sometimes were occupied by one family or clan for a long time.[8]
Since the rulers were mostly religious,rajgurus andpurohits were appointed to give the Maharaja spiritual and administrative advice. These posts were usually occupied by a single family. They conducted all religious ceremonies related to the Maharaja, the Diwan or the factions.[8]
The Maharaja tried to maintain a good public image and sometimes were open to criticism from general public, although this largely depended on the individual. They also had to maintain the support of regional administrators and the factions since they were strong enough to depose the Maharaja.
The copper-plates of Chand kings were calledkatardar (कटारदार) as the kings instead of putting their signatures made the mark of their dagger on them. Their names used to be engraved in the beginning of the copper-plate or the paper document.[8]
The leader who commanded majority within the Mahar faction and Fartyal faction was appointed theDiwan (Prime Minister, दीवान; دیوان).[8]
The royal court (शाही दरबार) was the centre of command for the entire kingdom. It was situated in the Malla Mahal (मल्ला महाल) inAlmora, the capital of Kumaon. The officials that sat there were -
The copper-plate issued in the time of theChand kings was signed by all the officers, which indicates the sense of responsibility of the officers.
According to British Civil ServantE.T. Atkinson -
"I can therefore thoroughly put this account forward as a unique record of the civil administration of a Hill state untainted almost by any foreign admixture, for until the Gorkhali Conquest and subsequently the British occupation Kumaun was always independent."[9]
When the 50th king of Kumaon Raja Baz Bahadur Chand reinstatedKumaoni authority overTerai after meeting EmperorAurangzeb and came back toAlmora, he introduced those customs which he had seen inMuslim courts and also in those of other kings.Naubat (kettle drums, نوبت) andNaqqāra-Khāna (place where drummers sit to beat the drums, نقارهخانه) were built. Bearers ofasa (a staff covered with golden silver plate, عصا) andballam (a mace so prepared, बलम), thechopdars (Ceremonial Guards, چوبدار) were also appointed. The king had brought with him a few mace-bearers, drummers, mirasis, clowns and mimes from the plains. Abrahmin confectioner was also engaged to prepare sweets for the palace.[8]
Thecow was theroyal emblem of theChand Dynasty ofKumaon.Cows are considered sacred inHinduism, the religion of the Chand kings and theKumaoni people. The cow was used in theemblem,seal,flag and coinage of the Chand Dynasty. It was also used to symboliseKumaon itself, like saying "Victory to the cow" would mean "Victory to Kumaon (the land whose banner is adorned with the cow)".[8]
Slaughtering of cows was strictly prohibited in the Kingdom of Kumaon, and waspunishable by death.[8][9]
Kiladars, Sayanas and Budhas had their personalstandards andinsignias. TheDiwan used the seal of the monarch to issue orders.
The copper-plates of Chand kings were calledkatardar (कटारदार) as the kings instead of putting their signatures made the mark of their dagger on them. Their names used to be engraved in the beginning of the copper-plate. The name of chief officers as well were engraved in the copper plates. This very rule was followed while putting signatures on papers also.[8]This can be seen in the official papers from the reign of Baz Bahadur Chand and Udyot Chand.
Kumaon was somewhat famous for its high quality swords and daggers, which were in demand in theMughal Empire.[24] This could be a reason as to why dagger was chosen as the seal.
The Kumaoni language is one of theCentral Pahari languages. For a number of reasons, Kumaoni usage is shrinking rapidly. UNESCO's Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger designates Kumaoni as a language in theunsafe category which requires consistent conservation efforts.[25]
Kumaoni cuisine is the food of theKumaon region ofUttarakhand,India. Kumaoni food is simple and nutritious, suited to the harsh environment of theHimalayas.
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