Dehradun

Dehradun is made up of two words: Dehra is derived from the word Dera, meaning camp or temporary settlement. Dun or Doon in Garhwali language refers to a valley that lies between the middle Himalayas and the "Shivaliks". Other prominent Doon valleys are Kotli Doon, Patli Doon and Pinjore Doon. When Ram Rai, son of Guru Har Rai, came to this region with his followers, he established a camp here for them. Around this time, the modern city of Dehradun started to develop. This is when the word Dehra was linked to Dun, and thus the city was named Dehradun. In Skanda Purana, Dun is mentioned as a part of the region called Kedarkhand, the abode of Shiva. In ancient India during the Mahabharata epic era, Dronacharya the great teacher of Kauravas and Pandavas, lived here hence the name, "Dronanagari" (lit. city of Drona).[10][11] Some historians believe that the word Dehra can be regarded as a term for camping.[12]

Doon Valley, Dehradun, 1850s

The history of the city of Uttarakhand, Dehradun (nicknamed "Doon Valley") is linked to the story of Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is believed that after the battle between Ravana and Lord Rama, Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana visited this site. Also, known as 'Dronanagari' on the name of Dronacharya, legendary Royal guru to the Kauravas and Pandavas in the epic Mahabharata, is believed to have been born and resided in Dehradun.[13] Evidences such as ancient temples and idols have been found in the areas surrounding Dehradun which have been linked to the mythology of Ramayana and Mahabharata. These relics and ruins are believed to be around 2000 years old. Furthermore, the location, the local traditions and the literature reflect this region's links with the events of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Even after the battle of Mahabharata, the Pandavas had influence on this region as the rulers of Hastinapura with the descendants of Subahu ruled the region as subsidiaries. Likewise, Rishikesh is mentioned in the pages of history when Lord Vishnu answered the prayers of the saints, slaughtered the demons and handed the land to the saints. The adjoining place called Chakrata has its historical impression during the time of Mahabharata.

In the seventh century this area was known as Sudhanagara and was described by the Chinese traveller Huen Tsang. Sudhanagara later came to be recognized as Kalsi. Edicts of Ashoka have been found in the region along the banks of river Yamuna in Kalsi indicating the wealth and importance of the region in ancient India. In the neighboring region of Haripur, ruins were discovered from the time of King Rasala which also reflect the region's prosperity. Before the name of Dehradun was used, the place is shown on old maps as Gurudwara (a map by Webb, 1808) or Gooroodwara (a map by Gerard, 1818). Gerard's map names the place as "Dehra or Gooroodwara". Surrounding this original Sikh temple were many small villages that are now the names of parts of the modern city.

Darbar Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj in 1858. The construction of the present building was completed in 1707.

Dehradun itself derives its name from the historical fact that Ram Rai, the eldest son of the Seventh Sikh Guru Har Rai, set up his "Dera" (camp) in "dun" (valley) in 1676. This 'Dera Dun' later on became Dehradun.

The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb was highly impressed by the miraculous powers of charismatic Ram Rai. He asked the contemporary Maharaja of Garhwal, Fateh Shah to extend all possible help to Ram Rai. Initially a Gurudwara (temple) was built in Dhamawala. The construction of the present building of Darbar Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj was completed in 1707. There are portraits of gods, goddesses, saints, sages and religious stories on the walls. There are pictures of flowers and leaves, animals and birds, trees, similar faces with pointed noses and big eyes on the arches which are the symbol of the colour scheme of Kangra-Guler art and Mughal art. High minarets and round pinnacles are the models of the Muslim architecture. The huge pond in the front measuring 230 x 80 feet had dried up for want of water over the years. People had been dumping rubbish; it has been renovated and revived.

Princely flag of Kingdom of Garhwal. Dehradun was part of the princely state of Garhwal before becoming part of British India after the Anglo-Nepalese War in 1816.

Dehradun was invaded by Mahmud of Ghazni during his campaigns into India followed by Timur in 1368, Rohilla chief Najib ad-Dawlah in 1757 and Ghulam Qadir in 1785. In 1806 Nepalese King Prithvi Narayan Shah united many of the Indian territories that now fell under places such as Almora, Pathankot, Kumaon, Garhwal, Sirmur, Shimla, Kangra and Dehradun.

On the western front Garhwal and parts of Himachal Pradesh up to Punjab and on the eastern front the state of Sikkim up to Darjeeling became parts of Nepal for a brief period until the British East India Company went on war from 1814 to 1816. The war ended with signing of the Treaty of Sugowli where almost a third was ceded to British East India company. The British got Dehradun in 1816 and colonised Landour and Mussoorie in 1827–1828.

Capt John War memorial maintained by army at Dehradun

Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister, was quite fond of the city and often visited. He spent his last few days here before passing away in Delhi in 1964.[14] Another leader from the independence movement, Rash Behari Bose, who was one of the key organisers of the Ghadar conspiracy and, later, the Indian National Army was based in Dehradun in his early days before he was forced to move to Japan in 1915 to continue the freedom struggle.

Post independence Dehradun and other parts of Garhwal and Kumaon were merged with United Provinces which was later renamed the state of Uttar Pradesh. In 2000, Uttarakhand state (earlier called Uttaranchal) was created from the northwestern districts of Uttar Pradesh under the Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2000. Dehradun was made its interim capital.

Snow-covered peak in Dehradun

A view of Dehradun valley from Landour cantonment

The city of Dehradun mainly lies in Doon Valley and is at a varying height from 410 m in Clement Town to above 700 m at Malsi which is 15 km from the city. However, the average elevation is 450 m above sea level. Malsi is the starting point of Lesser Himalayan Range that extends to Mussoorie and beyond. Jaunsar-Bawar hills in Dehradun district rises to 3700m above sea level. The hilly region of Mussoorie goes up to a height of 1870–2017 metres above sea level. Its geomorphological and meteorological characteristics, makes it prone to a number of natural hazards. Beside earthquake, the city is frequently devastated by landslides, cloudbursts, flash-floods, cold waves and hailstorms.

The Doon valley contains the settlements including Raiwala, Rishikesh, Doiwala, Harrawala, Dehradun, Herbertpur, Vikasnagar, Sahaspur, Selaqui, Subhash Nagar and Clement Town. The district contains Rajaji National Park which is home to several elephants, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary at Mussoorie & Asan Conservation Reserve (Asan Barrage). The Doon Valley has the Terai and Bhabar forests within it as well as the Shivalik hills and Lesser Himalayan Range containing hill stations such as Mussoorie and Chakrata. The district is bordered by the Himalayas in the north, Rajaji Range of the Sivalik Hills to the south, the river Ganges to the east, and the Yamuna river to the west. Towns in the foothills of the mountain ranges include Sahastradhara, Lakhamandal, Gautam Kund, Chandrabani, Kalsi and Dakpathar.

This district is divided into two major parts: the main city Dehradun surrounded by Shivalik and the Jaunsar-Bawar, which is in the foothills of Himalayas. In the north and northwest it borders on the district of Uttarkashi and Tehri Garhwal, in the east and southeast by Pauri Garhwal and Ganges river, in the west, it is bordered by Shimla and Sirmaur districts of Himachal Pradesh, Yamunanagar district of Haryana and the Tons and Yamuna rivers. To the south are Haridwar and Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district.

It is between latitudes 29 °58' N and 31°2'N and longitudes 77° 34' E and 78° 18'E.[21] This district consists of six tehsils – Dehradun, Chakrata, Vikasnagar, Kalsi, Tiuni and Rishikesh – six community development blocks – Vis, Chakrata, Kalsi, Vikasnagar, Sahaspur, Rajpur and Doiwala – 17 towns and 764 villages. Out of these 746 villages are inhabited; 18 are uninhabited.[22]

Climate

A cloudy view of Dehradun

The climate of Dehradun is humid subtropical. It varies greatly from tropical to severe cold depending upon the altitude of the area. The city being hilly, temperature variations due to difference in elevation are considerable. In the hilly regions, the summer is pleasant. But in the Doon, the heat is often intense and summer temperatures can reach up to 44 °C for a few days and a hot wind called Loo blows over North India. Winter temperatures drops below freezing point and are usually between 1 and 20 °C and fog is quite common like plains. Although the temperature in Dehradun can reach below freezing during severe cold snaps,[23] this is not common. The area receives an average annual rainfall of 2073.3 mm. Most of the annual rainfall in the city is received during the months from June to September, July and August being rainiest. During the monsoon season, there is often heavy and protracted rainfall. Dehradun and other plains areas of Uttarakhand see almost as much rainfall as coastal Maharashtra and more than Assam. Agriculture benefits from fertile alluvial soil, adequate drainage and plentiful rain.

Climate data for Dehradun (1981–2010, extremes 1901–2012)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	28.6 (83.5)	31.2 (88.2)	37.2 (99.0)	40.8 (105.4)	43.1 (109.6)	43.9 (111.0)	40.6 (105.1)	37.2 (99.0)	36.6 (97.9)	36.1 (97.0)	30.6 (87.1)	27.4 (81.3)	43.1 (109.6)
Average high °C (°F)	19.8 (67.6)	22.1 (71.8)	26.8 (80.2)	32.3 (90.1)	34.8 (94.6)	34.2 (93.6)	30.7 (87.3)	30.0 (86.0)	29.9 (85.8)	28.8 (83.8)	25.3 (77.5)	21.5 (70.7)	28.0 (82.4)
Average low °C (°F)	6.2 (43.2)	8.4 (47.1)	12.5 (54.5)	16.8 (62.2)	20.6 (69.1)	22.7 (72.9)	23.1 (73.6)	22.6 (72.7)	20.8 (69.4)	15.6 (60.1)	10.8 (51.4)	7.2 (45.0)	15.6 (60.1)
Record low °C (°F)	−1.1 (30.0)	−1.1 (30.0)	2.2 (36.0)	7.2 (45.0)	11.3 (52.3)	13.1 (55.6)	13.2 (55.8)	18.0 (64.4)	14.3 (57.7)	8.4 (47.1)	2.8 (37.0)	0.0 (32.0)	−1.1 (30.0)
Average rainfall mm (inches)	41.5 (1.63)	58.2 (2.29)	53.1 (2.09)	34.5 (1.36)	61.5 (2.42)	231.7 (9.12)	642.5 (25.30)	686.4 (27.02)	298.3 (11.74)	44.4 (1.75)	7.7 (0.30)	23.8 (0.94)	2,183.5 (85.96)
Average rainy days	2.9	3.9	3.6	2.9	4.5	9.6	20.5	21.5	11.9	2.2	0.5	1.5	85.7
Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST)	65	56	45	34	37	53	78	82	76	65	67	69	61
Source: India Meteorological Department[24][25]

As per provisional reports of Census India, population of Dehradun in 2011 was 578,420;[2] male and female are 303,411 and 275,009 respectively. Natives of Uttarakhand form the majority of Dehradun's population. Total number of slums in Dehradun city & its out growth numbers 32,861 in which population of 158,542 resides. This is around 27.58% of total population of Dehradun city & its outgrowth which is 574,840. The sex ratio of the city is 906 per 1000 males.[2] and child sex ratio of is 873 girls per 1000 boys, lower than the national average. There are 31,600 boys and 27,580 are girls.[2] The child forms 10.59% of total population of Dehradun City. The number of children of age under six in Dehradun city is 59,180 as per figure from Census India report on 2011.

Hindi, the official state language, is the primary language in Dehradun. English is also used, particularly by defence wing and the white-collar workforce. Other major regional languages are Garhwali, which is spoken by 23%, Kumaoni 20%, Jaunsari 1.3% and Nepali 1.1%.[28] Additionally, two non-native Sino-Tibetan languages are also spoken: Kulung (otherwise native to Nepal) and Tibetan. Hindus form the majority of Dehradun's population; Muslims compose a large minority. According to provisional results of the 2011 national census, Hinduism is majority religion in Dehradun city with 82.53% followers. Islam is the second most practiced religion in the city with approximately 11.75% following it. Sikhism by 3.5%, Christianity is followed by 1.06%, Jainism by 0.63%, and Buddhism by 0.29%. Around 0.01% stated 'Other Religion', approximately 0.24% stated 'No Particular Religion'.

Literacy rate of Dehradun at 89.32 percent, is the highest in the region. Male literacy is 92.65 percent and female literacy is 85.66 percent.[2] For 2001 census same figure stood at 85.87 and 71.20. As per census 2011, total 463,79 people are literate in Dehradun of which males and females are 251,832 and 211,959 respectively.[2]

There are a number of small towns and tourist sites in Dehradun District.

Dehradun International Cricket Stadium

Dehradun cricket stadium

Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Dehradun is a multi-purpose stadium in the Raipur area of Dehradun, Uttarakhand.[33] It is the first international level stadium in the state.

Central Braille Press, Dehradun – the first Braille press of India

The main source of economy in Dehradun is its tourist places. The city's economy is enhanced by the presence of nearby national parks, mountain peaks and historical sites. Dehradun has a per capita income close to $2400 (per 2012 figures: national average $800). It has enjoyed strong economic growth in the last 20 years. Dehradun has experienced a commercial and information technology upswing, amplified by the establishment of software technology parks of India (STPI).[46] and SEZs (Special economic zones) throughout. Regional offices of Genpact, Spice Digital, Serco, Aptara and IndiaMART are present in Dehradun. A number of manufacturing units are present in the Selaqui area.

The largest profession in Dehradun is agriculture. Staple foods are rice and dal with raita, curd and salad. Dehradun is known for its lychees and for growing the world's finest basmati rice.

It hosts training institutions of national importance such as the Indian Military Academy, Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). It is home to national foundations such as the Ordnance Factory Dehradun, Instruments Research and Development Establishment (IRDE), Defence Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL) and other defence establishments. Other institutions include the Indian Institute of Petroleum, National Institute for Visually Handicapped, Central Soil and Water Conservation Research & Training Institute, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (Keshav Dev Malviya Institute of Petroleum Exploration, Institute of Drilling Technology), Uttarakhand Space Applications Centre, Survey of India, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Forest Survey of India (FSI), Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Wildlife Institute of India, Forest Research Institute (FRI), Army Cadet College and the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC).[47]

Major defence production establishments include the Ordnance Factory Dehradun, the Opto Electronics Factory of the Ordnance Factories Board, Defence Electronics Application Laboratory and Instruments Research and Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation which manufactures products for the Indian Armed Forces. Many of these are located in the Raipur area. The Ordnance Factory estate is located in the middle of mountains.

The state government has announced construction of a film city in Dehradun.[48]

Tourist destinations[49] include the Dehradun Zoo, Kalanga Monument, Chandrabani, Himalayan Gallary cum Regional Science Centre Guchhupani, Forest Research Institute, Tapovan, Lakshman Siddha Peeth,[50] Tapkeshwar Temple, Santala Devi Temple, Mindrolling Monastery, Prakasheshwar Mahadev Temple,[51] Sai Mandir,[52] Central Braille Press[53] and Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology.[54]

The tourist destinations can be divided into four or five areas: nature, sports, sanctuary, museums and institutions. The nearby hill stations are well known for their natural environment,[55] temples for its faith dimensions, sanctuary for animal and bird lovers. Hill stations include Mussoorie, Sahasradhara, Chakrata, and Dakpathar. Famous temples include Tapkeshwar, Lakhamandal and Santala Devi.

In sports tourism, the Doon Ice Rink at Maharana Pratap Sports Complex, Raipur is the first full-sized ice arena in India.[56][57] It has hosted ice skating competitions and ice hockey tournaments, including the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia.[58]

Maa Bala Sundari Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Sudhowala near Dehradun. It is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Maa Bala Sundari, also known as Bal Roop of Maa Vaishno Devi, a manifestation of the Hindu Mother Goddess Mahalakshmi.[59] The words "maa" and "mata" are commonly used in India for "mother", and thus are often used in connection with Maa Bala Sundari. The temple or Bhawan is 3.5 km from Sudhowala and various modes of transportation are available from Sudhowala, including ponies, electric vehicles and palkis operated by 2 or 4 persons. Many pilgrims visit from the northern Indian states to get the blessings of Mahmaya Bala Sundari. A trust is also run by Mandir Maa Bala Sundari Trust, Sudhowala.

• 
  Hanuman Idol at Tapkeshwar Temple
• 
  An Indian monkey in Malsi Deer Park
• 
  Hanol Temple
• 
  Robbers Cave, Dehradun
• 
  Front view of Buddha Temple Dehradun Uttarakhand
• 
  Santala Devi Temple Dehradun

Statue of Tara and Great Stupa Dehra Dun

After becoming the capital, there has been continuous growth in education, communication and transport. As the state capital, Dehradun is home to many government institutions.

Buses are identified with blue bars. There are autorickshaws which are often used for transportation but blamed for pollution and noise. The evening buzz of Rajpur road is an attraction. The city centre is easily recognised by the Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar), a structure with six functioning clocks. The statue of San Dijen placed in Shanti Niketan contributes to the beauty of the city. Dehradun has been home to artists and writers including Stephen Alter, Nayantara Sahgal, Allan Sealy, Ruskin Bond and also to country singer Bobby Cash.

Dehradun was home to freedom fighters whose names are engraved in gold on the Clock Tower. It was called "The Gray City" in the initial days because ex-Army officers and VIPs considered this place ideal for residence after retirement.[63]

Woolen blankets are typical of this region and worn by people living at high altitude. Women wear saris with full-sleeve blouses along with angora jackets. Girls wear full skirts with scarfs covering their head and shoulders; more recently, they have adopted modern wear like salwar suits. In villages and to a lesser extent in towns, men wear the traditional dhoti, angarakha and langoti. The way dhotis are worn represents backgrounds and castes: short dhotis represent low status whereas long dhotis represent high. It is more common in urban areas for men to wear shirts and trousers, jeans and kurta-pyjamas. In winter, men usually dress in jackets, hats and overcoats. Hemp is grown in great quantities in this region, so its yarn is frequently used as lining.

There are fairs (melas) throughout the year. Notable fairs include Magh Mela, held on 14 January and Jhanda Mela in March, a fair for the Hindu community, that attracts Hindus from all over India and abroad.

Most of the media houses in Uttarakhand are based in Dehradun. Among Dehradun's widely circulated Hindi-language newspapers are Dainik Tribune, Shah Times, Uttarakhand Aaj, Dainik Jagran, Gorkha Sandesh, Hindustan Rashtriya Sahara, Divya Himgiri, and Amar Ujala. The Dehradun Street and The Garhwal Post are two major English-language newspapers that are produced and published from the city. Other popular English-language newspapers published and sold in Dehradun include The Himachal Times, Deccan Herald, The Times of India, and Hindustan Times.

All India Radio, the national state-owned radio broadcaster, has AM radio stations in the city. All India Radio also airs an FM radio station known as AIR North. Dehradun has five FM stations including, AIR Dehradun, Radio Dehradun (community radio station), Red FM 93.5, Radio Zindagee, Hello Doon (NIVH) and Himagiri Ki Awaaz.[64] There is a Doordarshan Kendra in the city and provides state-owned free-to-air terrestrial channel DD Uttarakhand. A a mix of Hindi, English, and other regional channels are accessible via cable subscription, direct-broadcast satellite service or Internet-based television. Direct-to-Home (DTH) entertainment services in Dehradun include Videocon d2h, DD Direct+, Dish TV, Reliance Digital TV, Airtel digital TV and Tata Sky.

The high mountains and rivers of Uttarakhand attract many tourists and adventure seekers. It is also a favourite destination for adventure sports, such as paragliding, sky diving, rafting and bungee jumping.[65] The first indoor ice rink in India that meets the size requirements for ice hockey, figure skating, short track and rink bandy was built in Dehradun.[56]

As in the rest of India, cricket is popular among city youth and is played on grounds. Cricket Association of Uttarakhand, which regulates cricket in Uttarakhand, is also based in the city. The multi-purpose Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, which has a capacity of 20,000 as of 2016, is the first international level stadium in the state.[33] It is home to the Uttarakhand cricket team and Afghanistan cricket team. A Mega Sports Complex is situated in the Raipur area of Dehradun.

Since, the formation of the state in 2000, the state suffered a blow to its sport facilities as Uttar Pradesh had the entire infrastructure for sports. Uttarakhand had hosted very few matches of Ranji Trophy. Due to lack of infrastructure the player started moving to different states. In November 2012, Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Vijay Bahuguna laid the foundation of the stadium hoped that the stadium would bring Dehradun on the international cricket map. On 16 December 2016, Chief Minister Harish Rawat inaugurated the stadium along with Rajeev Shukla (the IPL chairperson). The stadium has a seating capacity of 25,000 people, along with flood lights facility for conducting day-night matches. The stadium is built on a 23-acre site and was selected as the second home ground for the Afghanistan cricket team in India.

Some Other Cricket Grounds are:

After Dehradun was made the capital of Uttarakhand, there was a construction boom, especially in residential property. Modern buildings have gradually supplanted older architectural styles including those related to the British colonial rule of India. Important older buildings still upstanding include the Clock Tower, Forest Research Institute, CNI College, Morrison Memorial Church, Inamullah Building, Jama Masjid, Osho Meditation Centre, Indian Military Academy and Darbar Sahib.