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Dehradun

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Dehradun is a major city located in the Doon Valley in India.

Snow Above the Dehradun Valley (14828890544)
Snow Above the Dehradun Valley (14828890544)

It sits at the foothills of the Himalayan mountains. The city serves as the winter capital of the state of Uttarakhand. It is also the most populous city in that state. Dehradun acts as the administrative headquarters for the Dehradun district. It is part of the Garhwal division. The city is also a "Counter Magnet" for the National Capital Region. This means it is being developed to help reduce population growth in Delhi.

Doon Valley, Dehradun, 1850s
Doon Valley, Dehradun, 1850s

The geography of the valley is defined by two rivers. The Song River, a tributary of the Ganges, flows to the east. The Asan River, a tributary of the Yamuna, flows to the west. This location makes the city a picturesque gateway to the surrounding Himalayan region. Dehradun is also a major hub for academic research and military training. It houses the Indian Military Academy and the Forest Research Institute.

Front View of F.R.I., Dehradun
Front View of F.R.I., Dehradun

Other important institutions include the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology. The city also hosts the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing. Many famous schools are located here, such as The Doon School.

The Doon School
The Doon School

Educational institutions are central to the city's identity.

The name Dehradun comes from two specific words. "Dehra" is a Hindi word meaning temple. It comes from the Prakrit word "devahara." The word "dun" comes from the Sanskrit word "droṇī." This term describes a valley at the foot of hills.

Guru Ram Rai Temple, Dehradun, 1858
Guru Ram Rai Temple, Dehradun, 1858

The city's history is tied to Ram Rai in the 17th century. He was the son of the seventh Sikh Guru, Guru Har Rai. Ram Rai built a temple or gurudwara in the area. This settlement was originally known as Dera Ram Rai. Over time, the name evolved into Dehradun. The present Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib was completed in 1707.

Ancient history also plays a role in the region's identity. The Skanda Purana mentions the Dun as part of Kedarkhand. This was known as the abode of Shiva. Hindu mythology links the area to the Mahabharata epic. The teacher Dronacharya is believed to have lived here. Because of this, the area was sometimes called Dronanagari. Some relics and ruins in the area are thought to be 2000 years old. In the seventh century, a traveler named Huen Tsang described the area as Sudhanagara. This place later became known as Kalsi. Edicts of Ashoka have been found near the Yamuna river in Kalsi.

Political control of Dehradun changed many times. It was once part of the Garhwal kingdom. In January 1804, Gorkha rulers captured the area. This led to the battles of Khurbura. Eventually, the British took control in 1816. This happened after the Anglo-Nepalese War ended with the Treaty of Sugauli.

Flag of the Princely State of Tehri Garhwal
Flag of the Princely State of Tehri Garhwal

The British also colonized nearby Landour and Mussoorie. In the modern era, Dehradun became part of Uttarakhand in 2000. This state was created from the northwestern districts of Uttar Pradesh. Today, the Dehradun Municipal Corporation governs the city.

Nagar Nigam Dehradun
Nagar Nigam Dehradun

The city is noted as one of India's safest cities.

There is a unique connection between Dehradun and Afghanistan. During the First Anglo-Afghan War, the Emir Dost Mohammad Khan was exiled to the area. He lived in Mussoorie for over six years. He is credited with bringing Basmati rice seeds from the Kunar Province. These seeds were used to improve the local rice variety. The weather in the Doon Valley suited the rice perfectly. Later, his grandson Mohammad Yaqub Khan also settled in the valley. The Afghan royal family maintained a presence in the region for some time. This history left a lasting impact on the local culture and agriculture.

Dehradun serves as a vital link to many famous destinations. It is the closest major city for people visiting the holy cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh. It also provides access to the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. This includes sites like Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Travelers use Dehradun to reach mountain towns like Mussoorie and Dhanaulti. It is also a base for hiking in the Valley of Flowers. The city's importance is seen in its many roles. It is a center for religion, tourism, military strength, and science.

Capt john
Capt john

Even the local economy is boosted by its famous bakery products and rice.

Dehradun cricket stadium
Dehradun cricket stadium
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🖼️ Images & Media (11)
File:Doon Valley, Dehradun, 1850s.jpg
Doon Valley, Dehradun, 1850s.jpg
File:Guru Ram Rai Temple, Dehradun, 1858.jpg
Guru Ram Rai Temple, Dehradun, 1858.jpg
File:Flag of the Princely State of Tehri Garhwal.svg
Flag of the Princely State of Tehri Garhwal.svg
File:Capt john.jpg
Capt john.jpg
File:Snow Above the Dehradun Valley (14828890544).jpg
Snow Above the Dehradun Valley (14828890544).jpg
File:Nagar Nigam Dehradun.jpg
Nagar Nigam Dehradun.jpg
File:The Doon School.jpg
The Doon School.jpg
File:Front View of F.R.I., Dehradun.jpg
Front View of F.R.I., Dehradun.jpg
File:Central Braille Press, Dehradun (photo - Jim Ankan Deka).jpg
Central Braille Press, Dehradun (photo -...
File:Tara statue Great Stupa Dehra Dun.jpg
Tara statue Great Stupa Dehra Dun.jpg
File:Dehradun cricket stadium.jpg
Dehradun cricket stadium.jpg
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