Naming of Garhwal and signification of the nam
The name used for this part of the area Gahwal is not only ancient but even before that time . It is clear from the composition and meaning of the world – Garhwal i.e. Garh + Wal . Which means that land where castles are located . The remains of many such castles are ample proof of this fact . The language of the earth and stone , even now sing the story of prosperity and decay of that time , when the reign of Garhwal was in the hands of many Thakurai ( Feudal Lord ) . In 11 th and 12 th century , there were 52 feudal lords in Garhwal and remains of these are found here there of their castles . Therfore , this place was known as Garhwal because of various castles . It has been said about significance of this name that in the 11th and 12th century , when on the upper part of the area of river Alaknanda and Bhagirathi was under the rule of Western Tibet ( Gange ) and therefore Gardesh ,probably changed to Garhwal and not Gartok . ( History of Garhwal – Pandit Harikrishan Raturi . Page – 2 )
Though , scholars of hills have put forward many arguments but it is accepted that most that at that time was ruled by many feudal lords . But this name Garhwal does not appear to be old , if we refer to the description of that time . When ruler of Panwar dynasty , King Ajaipal conquered all feudal lords and united the whole place , then the name of this place having many castle , was nominated as Garhwal . In this way , it appears that this name was given to this land between the year 1500 to 1515 . Today also , Rajgarhi , chandgarhi , Ulakhgarhi , Chondkotgarhi , Chondpurgarhi , and Devalgarh places confirm the name of garhian ( castles ) and ,therefore , naming this part of land by Garhwal is clear and significant .
Besides , personal enmity of Bhot , Gahwal , Kumoun because of road communication and in proof being ruled by one ruler , are available in popular ' Panware ' ( Bravery Songs ) sung in Garhwal . These bravery songs talk about ruling class and oppositions of feudal lords and tendency of attacking each other , but it enthuses the heart of the local people and reminds of ancient bravery stories . The virdawali ( Bravery Stories ) of those ancient Veer ( Brave ) is safe in the voice of uneducated Dason ( Slaves ) as it is , though there may have been slight change of language . For example ' vighani Vijaipal Ka Panwara ' ( Bravery song of Vighani Vijaipal ) is ample proof of one ruler ruling ' Garhwal – Kumoun " . There was enmity between father of Vighani Vijaipal – Candepal ( Chandrapal ) and uncle Kirtipal ,with the result that the ancestors property was divided . ' Baji Basikot ' ( Rath Garhwal ) was given to Kirtipal and Silakot ( Kumoun ) went to Chandrapal . But ' Gyumsadi Sain ' remained undivided . That is why Kiritipal and Chandrapal had strained relations because of this . This division of ancestral property is indicated in Panvare ( Bravery Song ) named Vighni Vijaipal , mentioned below :-
' Baji Basikot Marado , Lagi Candepal Bantha ,
Aar Chaldi Silikot Bhardo , Lagi Kirtipal Bantha .
Yon Binas Hoye Dadu Ghar Ki AAg Se '.
( Private collection )
Which means – Chandrapal got ' Baji Basikot ' and Kirtipal got ' Chalati Silikot ' . The main reason of it was domestic quarrel and strained relationship among themselves .
King Gurugyani of Garh Campawat and King Raghunath of Dhaulla Devprayag , find a mention in this pavare ( bravery song ) . Besides Bhot ( Botant Tibet ) also finds a mention here :-
' Jaa Bhotant He Naag Surij '
( Private Collection )
It is not out place to mention here that in these bravery songs ( Panware ) , not only the bravery story of the feudal lords of their castles is covered but their strained relationship and political situation has also been described in detail . The place known as ' Rawain ' of Tehri Garhwal could also not remain untouched which has been called ' Vighni ' ( Problematic ) and has been indicated as a place of political turmoil : -
' Tain Banki Rawai Vighnu Mam Ka Vighn '
Which means – In that Rawain state , there used to be disturbances after disturbances . This perhaps must have been the battle ground of ancient feudal lords because in the panware ( bravery song ) of ' Gangu Ramola " who was chief feudal lord , it finds a description in this way .
Area – The area of Garhwal is from 29.16 N to 31.8 N and 77.49 East to 80.6 East . The area is about 10145 sq. miles . Out of which 4516 sq.miles is of Tehri Garhwal and remaining is ancient Garhwal .
Climate – On the basis of the climate Garhwal can be divided into four parts . Hot , Medium Hot , Cold , Extreme Cold . Climate is affected by the heights . For example Srinagar is at height of 1758 ft and Pauri is at height of 5830 ft and they at a distance of about 8 miles from each other . Both are located between 30 degree 13 minute North to 13 degree38 degree 59 minute North . The climate at these places is quite opposite to each other . Mango , Peepal , Banayan trees are often found up to 3500 fts which are plenty in Srinagar , but in Pauri there are trees of oak , dell wood and pine ,which are found between the heights of four thousand five hundred feet's to six thousand feet's . Six thousand feet's to seven thousand feet's , different climate is found . Above is cold and extreme cold climate .
1. Hot land area – Bhavar and areas up to four thousand feet are often having hot climate . The temperature between April to October is quite troublesome . Wind is hot during night and average temperature is 40 degree Celsius . High grass grows and mosquitoes are in plenty . Which causes Malaria . The climate between Nov . and March is pleasant and healthy . The climate these days is less troublesome though there is moisture during nights .
2. Medium Climate Area – The land area between five thousand feet to seven thousand feet is very helpful for the health . Snow fall is experienced up to six thousand feet , but does not stay long . Therefore , is suitable for physical and mental activities through out the year .
3. Cold Climate Area – In Garhawal at heights of mountains like Kumoun , extreme cold climate is found . Dell wood , pine , kail , spruce , phur , birch , birch bark trees are found in the forest located between the heights of six thousand to ten thousand feet and because of which there is moisture in the ground . Due to this moisture , there are more trees at heights and it is treeless at less heights . Many songs passionate praise of the motherland have been influenced by beautiful mountain ranges and forest cover . Sad daughter – in-laws and girls enthrall the environment by their songs while collecting grass and wood .
The area between ten thousand feet and thirteen feet is covered by small grass which is called ' Bugyal ' or ' Payar ' in Garhwal . When green grass covers the land , it makes Garhwal even more pleasant and scenic than the heaven . Cattle grazers feel happy when they allow their horses and cattle's , ram – goats , graze the grass and lost in sweet songs known in local language as ' Chura ' .
4 . Extreme Cold Place - There is extreme cold starting from thirteen thousand feet of height . It can be called polar climate . Here the winter season longer than summer season . With the result that there is new snow fall before the old could melt . Due to extreme cold this place is plant less and inhabitation
less . Even then , by and large the climate of Garhwal is helpful for the health and is pleasant . There is excessive rain at the heights but down below it is less . Farming is dependent on monsoon .
5 .Flora - The forest in Himalayas is invaluable property of the nation . It is the most valuable gift to Uttarakhand by the nature . Valuable business friendly wood of dell wood , pine , sal , oak , spruce , majnoo , payaa , semal etc is found in plenty . Besides the wood , the lessa , oil chemical producing trees , creepers and grass is found in the forest . Himalaya is the store of medicinal herbs . Few of them are such that it is no where found in the world . These celestial medicine are destroyer of death and by consumption of these the body becomes healthy , strong . So far more than five hundred medicinal herbs have been identified in Himalayas . Some of them are basil ekonitam , kalmegh , blodina , arinika , syahzeera , saffron , kusum , jeevak , rose , chirayata , makoy , banapsa , kingora , bhaikal , etc.
Flowers like braham kamal , phen , kastura – kamal , neelkamal are found in quite good number at heights . It is customary to offer brham kamal at the temples Badrinath , Kedarnath . More than five hundred variety of rare flowers is available in Valley of Flowers . Foreign tourists have appreciated the valley .
6. Animals found in the forest of Gahwal - Monkey , musk deer , ape , tiger , bruin , panther , jackal , antelope , deer are found in the forest of Garhwal . In the Himalayas , yak is used to carry loads . Pony and horses are also used to cary load or people ride on them .
7. Birds of Garhwal - Hilans , mulans , manowar , cher , koksal , chilme , kaphal-pako , partridge , parrot , cuckoo , nightingale , wild – hen , vulture , owl , crow are found in Garhwal . Munal is the most beautiful bird of this place , which is now the state bird of newly created Uttarakhand state . This bird is extensively mentioned in Garhwali literature and folk songs .
Himalaya is not only the producer of natural products , it is also of generous nature . With the result all inhabitations which are dependent on Himalaya , are self sufficient to certain degree . People of the hills , obtain many required product from Himalaya . This zone is undeveloped economically . It is not able to flourish in absence of industry , business , means of transport and communication . The economic state of the hill state is unsatisfactory because of misuse of resources . It is one of the reason of migration of population . But if the natural resources are used properly , the will power and capability of local people is sufficient to make them self sufficient . Because Himalaya is the only source of livelihood .
8 . Climatic Seasons - Three main seasons are found in Garhwal . 1. Summer – from 13 Feb to 12 June 2 . Rainy Season – 13 June to 12 Feb . 3. Winter Season – 13 Oct. to 12 Feb .
Though these dates are not definite but it sure that the climate will change around these dates . At the village of Neeti and Mana which are located on Indo China border and are at great heights . Here summer is very short lived and some warmth is felt which continues up to the month June and July . The temp is about 70 to 80 degree F . and out side under the sun it is about 90 degree to 110 degree . As days are long , harvesting is done and at the end of Sep. temperature falls quickly . From Dec. to April these villages are covered with snow and often are without people . ( Himalaya Parichay – Bhag 1 – Rahul Sanskratyan . Pge – 26 ) .
9 . Harvest and produces – The main source of livelihood in Garhwal are worshiping , agriculture and working in a profession elsewhere in the service of the nation . Here agriculture is divided in two category – 1. Sera ( Irrigated ) – where farming done by irrigation . 2 . Ukhari ( Dry ) – Here farming is dependent on the rains .
In most places in Garhwal , the farming is dependent on rains . If we consider farming based on the climate , then one is khareef ( summers ) and other is rabi ( winters ). In the kareef , rice , mandawa , gauth , soyabeen etc are produced . Everywhere only those crops are cultivated which also give fodder for cows and bullocks . People are dependent on forest for fuel .
In winters when rain stop , farmers become busy in the work of agriculture . In the end of Feb. or beginning of March , from basant panchami , the work of farming starts . The bushes and grass of the fields is removed and then burnt , after it dries up . Then after using the plough in the fields , it is left for sometimes so that it receives the natural manure . Besides the damaged part of the fields are repaired and there after , paddy is sown . The field meant for paddy is ploughed twice and thereafter wooden plank ( known as jol / pata ) is used to level it . In Garhwal paddy is called satti .
Other eatables grown here and named mandawa , kodo , koni , jhangore , fields are also ploughed twice . When the crop grows two to three inch , dandala is used on the field . The field of the paddy is irrigated three times , of mandawa twice and jhangora is once only . In the month of April , when the cultivation of rabi is done , the field is ploughed and all bushes are removed . But the field is not provided any type of manure . In this field after few days , the seed of mandawa is sown and mixing the seed with the earth , wooden plank ( jol / pata ) is used and when the crop grows two to three inch , dandala is used .
In the month of Oct. when the crop of paddy is cultivated , the fields are left for some time so that it receives the natural manure . For sowing the rabi crop , field is again ploughed and the seed of the wheat is sown . There after the farmer is free and he has to only wait for cultivating it . Number of songs have been written on the farming which also have prayer for mother land and good wishes
for it . There is one Garhwali proverb :- ' Jameen Karani Ghateki , Vyapar Karno Barheki ' . Which means that business is more advantageous than the farming . It is a silent acceptance of hunger and poverty . Other products are – kulath , gahath , tor , red – rice , pahari urad , ryans , jakhya , ramdana , black soyabeen , lobia , pahari turmeric , rajama , ginger , pahari coriander etc .
The name used for this part of the area Gahwal is not only ancient but even before that time . It is clear from the composition and meaning of the world – Garhwal i.e. Garh + Wal . Which means that land where castles are located . The remains of many such castles are ample proof of this fact . The language of the earth and stone , even now sing the story of prosperity and decay of that time , when the reign of Garhwal was in the hands of many Thakurai ( Feudal Lord ) . In 11 th and 12 th century , there were 52 feudal lords in Garhwal and remains of these are found here there of their castles . Therfore , this place was known as Garhwal because of various castles . It has been said about significance of this name that in the 11th and 12th century , when on the upper part of the area of river Alaknanda and Bhagirathi was under the rule of Western Tibet ( Gange ) and therefore Gardesh ,probably changed to Garhwal and not Gartok . ( History of Garhwal – Pandit Harikrishan Raturi . Page – 2 )
Though , scholars of hills have put forward many arguments but it is accepted that most that at that time was ruled by many feudal lords . But this name Garhwal does not appear to be old , if we refer to the description of that time . When ruler of Panwar dynasty , King Ajaipal conquered all feudal lords and united the whole place , then the name of this place having many castle , was nominated as Garhwal . In this way , it appears that this name was given to this land between the year 1500 to 1515 . Today also , Rajgarhi , chandgarhi , Ulakhgarhi , Chondkotgarhi , Chondpurgarhi , and Devalgarh places confirm the name of garhian ( castles ) and ,therefore , naming this part of land by Garhwal is clear and significant .
Besides , personal enmity of Bhot , Gahwal , Kumoun because of road communication and in proof being ruled by one ruler , are available in popular ' Panware ' ( Bravery Songs ) sung in Garhwal . These bravery songs talk about ruling class and oppositions of feudal lords and tendency of attacking each other , but it enthuses the heart of the local people and reminds of ancient bravery stories . The virdawali ( Bravery Stories ) of those ancient Veer ( Brave ) is safe in the voice of uneducated Dason ( Slaves ) as it is , though there may have been slight change of language . For example ' vighani Vijaipal Ka Panwara ' ( Bravery song of Vighani Vijaipal ) is ample proof of one ruler ruling ' Garhwal – Kumoun " . There was enmity between father of Vighani Vijaipal – Candepal ( Chandrapal ) and uncle Kirtipal ,with the result that the ancestors property was divided . ' Baji Basikot ' ( Rath Garhwal ) was given to Kirtipal and Silakot ( Kumoun ) went to Chandrapal . But ' Gyumsadi Sain ' remained undivided . That is why Kiritipal and Chandrapal had strained relations because of this . This division of ancestral property is indicated in Panvare ( Bravery Song ) named Vighni Vijaipal , mentioned below :-
' Baji Basikot Marado , Lagi Candepal Bantha ,
Aar Chaldi Silikot Bhardo , Lagi Kirtipal Bantha .
Yon Binas Hoye Dadu Ghar Ki AAg Se '.
( Private collection )
Which means – Chandrapal got ' Baji Basikot ' and Kirtipal got ' Chalati Silikot ' . The main reason of it was domestic quarrel and strained relationship among themselves .
King Gurugyani of Garh Campawat and King Raghunath of Dhaulla Devprayag , find a mention in this pavare ( bravery song ) . Besides Bhot ( Botant Tibet ) also finds a mention here :-
' Jaa Bhotant He Naag Surij '
( Private Collection )
It is not out place to mention here that in these bravery songs ( Panware ) , not only the bravery story of the feudal lords of their castles is covered but their strained relationship and political situation has also been described in detail . The place known as ' Rawain ' of Tehri Garhwal could also not remain untouched which has been called ' Vighni ' ( Problematic ) and has been indicated as a place of political turmoil : -
' Tain Banki Rawai Vighnu Mam Ka Vighn '
Which means – In that Rawain state , there used to be disturbances after disturbances . This perhaps must have been the battle ground of ancient feudal lords because in the panware ( bravery song ) of ' Gangu Ramola " who was chief feudal lord , it finds a description in this way .
Area – The area of Garhwal is from 29.16 N to 31.8 N and 77.49 East to 80.6 East . The area is about 10145 sq. miles . Out of which 4516 sq.miles is of Tehri Garhwal and remaining is ancient Garhwal .
Climate – On the basis of the climate Garhwal can be divided into four parts . Hot , Medium Hot , Cold , Extreme Cold . Climate is affected by the heights . For example Srinagar is at height of 1758 ft and Pauri is at height of 5830 ft and they at a distance of about 8 miles from each other . Both are located between 30 degree 13 minute North to 13 degree38 degree 59 minute North . The climate at these places is quite opposite to each other . Mango , Peepal , Banayan trees are often found up to 3500 fts which are plenty in Srinagar , but in Pauri there are trees of oak , dell wood and pine ,which are found between the heights of four thousand five hundred feet's to six thousand feet's . Six thousand feet's to seven thousand feet's , different climate is found . Above is cold and extreme cold climate .
1. Hot land area – Bhavar and areas up to four thousand feet are often having hot climate . The temperature between April to October is quite troublesome . Wind is hot during night and average temperature is 40 degree Celsius . High grass grows and mosquitoes are in plenty . Which causes Malaria . The climate between Nov . and March is pleasant and healthy . The climate these days is less troublesome though there is moisture during nights .
2. Medium Climate Area – The land area between five thousand feet to seven thousand feet is very helpful for the health . Snow fall is experienced up to six thousand feet , but does not stay long . Therefore , is suitable for physical and mental activities through out the year .
3. Cold Climate Area – In Garhawal at heights of mountains like Kumoun , extreme cold climate is found . Dell wood , pine , kail , spruce , phur , birch , birch bark trees are found in the forest located between the heights of six thousand to ten thousand feet and because of which there is moisture in the ground . Due to this moisture , there are more trees at heights and it is treeless at less heights . Many songs passionate praise of the motherland have been influenced by beautiful mountain ranges and forest cover . Sad daughter – in-laws and girls enthrall the environment by their songs while collecting grass and wood .
The area between ten thousand feet and thirteen feet is covered by small grass which is called ' Bugyal ' or ' Payar ' in Garhwal . When green grass covers the land , it makes Garhwal even more pleasant and scenic than the heaven . Cattle grazers feel happy when they allow their horses and cattle's , ram – goats , graze the grass and lost in sweet songs known in local language as ' Chura ' .
4 . Extreme Cold Place - There is extreme cold starting from thirteen thousand feet of height . It can be called polar climate . Here the winter season longer than summer season . With the result that there is new snow fall before the old could melt . Due to extreme cold this place is plant less and inhabitation
less . Even then , by and large the climate of Garhwal is helpful for the health and is pleasant . There is excessive rain at the heights but down below it is less . Farming is dependent on monsoon .
5 .Flora - The forest in Himalayas is invaluable property of the nation . It is the most valuable gift to Uttarakhand by the nature . Valuable business friendly wood of dell wood , pine , sal , oak , spruce , majnoo , payaa , semal etc is found in plenty . Besides the wood , the lessa , oil chemical producing trees , creepers and grass is found in the forest . Himalaya is the store of medicinal herbs . Few of them are such that it is no where found in the world . These celestial medicine are destroyer of death and by consumption of these the body becomes healthy , strong . So far more than five hundred medicinal herbs have been identified in Himalayas . Some of them are basil ekonitam , kalmegh , blodina , arinika , syahzeera , saffron , kusum , jeevak , rose , chirayata , makoy , banapsa , kingora , bhaikal , etc.
Flowers like braham kamal , phen , kastura – kamal , neelkamal are found in quite good number at heights . It is customary to offer brham kamal at the temples Badrinath , Kedarnath . More than five hundred variety of rare flowers is available in Valley of Flowers . Foreign tourists have appreciated the valley .
6. Animals found in the forest of Gahwal - Monkey , musk deer , ape , tiger , bruin , panther , jackal , antelope , deer are found in the forest of Garhwal . In the Himalayas , yak is used to carry loads . Pony and horses are also used to cary load or people ride on them .
7. Birds of Garhwal - Hilans , mulans , manowar , cher , koksal , chilme , kaphal-pako , partridge , parrot , cuckoo , nightingale , wild – hen , vulture , owl , crow are found in Garhwal . Munal is the most beautiful bird of this place , which is now the state bird of newly created Uttarakhand state . This bird is extensively mentioned in Garhwali literature and folk songs .
Himalaya is not only the producer of natural products , it is also of generous nature . With the result all inhabitations which are dependent on Himalaya , are self sufficient to certain degree . People of the hills , obtain many required product from Himalaya . This zone is undeveloped economically . It is not able to flourish in absence of industry , business , means of transport and communication . The economic state of the hill state is unsatisfactory because of misuse of resources . It is one of the reason of migration of population . But if the natural resources are used properly , the will power and capability of local people is sufficient to make them self sufficient . Because Himalaya is the only source of livelihood .
8 . Climatic Seasons - Three main seasons are found in Garhwal . 1. Summer – from 13 Feb to 12 June 2 . Rainy Season – 13 June to 12 Feb . 3. Winter Season – 13 Oct. to 12 Feb .
Though these dates are not definite but it sure that the climate will change around these dates . At the village of Neeti and Mana which are located on Indo China border and are at great heights . Here summer is very short lived and some warmth is felt which continues up to the month June and July . The temp is about 70 to 80 degree F . and out side under the sun it is about 90 degree to 110 degree . As days are long , harvesting is done and at the end of Sep. temperature falls quickly . From Dec. to April these villages are covered with snow and often are without people . ( Himalaya Parichay – Bhag 1 – Rahul Sanskratyan . Pge – 26 ) .
9 . Harvest and produces – The main source of livelihood in Garhwal are worshiping , agriculture and working in a profession elsewhere in the service of the nation . Here agriculture is divided in two category – 1. Sera ( Irrigated ) – where farming done by irrigation . 2 . Ukhari ( Dry ) – Here farming is dependent on the rains .
In most places in Garhwal , the farming is dependent on rains . If we consider farming based on the climate , then one is khareef ( summers ) and other is rabi ( winters ). In the kareef , rice , mandawa , gauth , soyabeen etc are produced . Everywhere only those crops are cultivated which also give fodder for cows and bullocks . People are dependent on forest for fuel .
In winters when rain stop , farmers become busy in the work of agriculture . In the end of Feb. or beginning of March , from basant panchami , the work of farming starts . The bushes and grass of the fields is removed and then burnt , after it dries up . Then after using the plough in the fields , it is left for sometimes so that it receives the natural manure . Besides the damaged part of the fields are repaired and there after , paddy is sown . The field meant for paddy is ploughed twice and thereafter wooden plank ( known as jol / pata ) is used to level it . In Garhwal paddy is called satti .
Other eatables grown here and named mandawa , kodo , koni , jhangore , fields are also ploughed twice . When the crop grows two to three inch , dandala is used on the field . The field of the paddy is irrigated three times , of mandawa twice and jhangora is once only . In the month of April , when the cultivation of rabi is done , the field is ploughed and all bushes are removed . But the field is not provided any type of manure . In this field after few days , the seed of mandawa is sown and mixing the seed with the earth , wooden plank ( jol / pata ) is used and when the crop grows two to three inch , dandala is used .
In the month of Oct. when the crop of paddy is cultivated , the fields are left for some time so that it receives the natural manure . For sowing the rabi crop , field is again ploughed and the seed of the wheat is sown . There after the farmer is free and he has to only wait for cultivating it . Number of songs have been written on the farming which also have prayer for mother land and good wishes
for it . There is one Garhwali proverb :- ' Jameen Karani Ghateki , Vyapar Karno Barheki ' . Which means that business is more advantageous than the farming . It is a silent acceptance of hunger and poverty . Other products are – kulath , gahath , tor , red – rice , pahari urad , ryans , jakhya , ramdana , black soyabeen , lobia , pahari turmeric , rajama , ginger , pahari coriander etc .