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Dehradun, UttarakhandEncased within the mighty Himalayas, Dehradun is regarded as the life-blood of Uttarakhand. The city is one of the ancient most cities in the Indian subcontinent. Recently Dehradun has been the declared the provisional capital of the state of Uttarakhand. Etymologically, Dehradun bears immeasurable significance. Dehra is a corrupt form of `dera`, which signifies a temporary dwelling, or site.Under the order of Aurangzeb, the infamous Mughal emperor, spiritual leader of the Udasi Sikhs, Ram Rai, had been forced to take recourse in the wild and uninhabited area. Near the Khurbura locality he built his tent. Ram Rai also constructed a town near another place called Dhanawala. A town called Dehra flourished around these said places.
Another derivation of the term `dun` is stated to be from Dronashram, hermitage of Guru Dronacharya of Mahabharata fame, who sojourned for a season in the village of Devara, situated in close proximity with Dehra to perform his devotions at a secluded spot. The word `dun` or `doon` signifies the low-down lands at the bottom of the lofty Himalayan range. Since the place is placed in such a piece of land, it is named Dehra Dun.The city of Dehradun is located in the Doon valley, 230 kilometers north of India`s capital New Delhi and the Delhi metropolitan area. Dehradun district is girded by Himalayas in the north, Shivalik Hills in the south, Ganges in the east and the river Yamuna in the west. The water divide of Ganga and Yamuna passes through the city.
The city of Dehradun is also placed on the northwestern side of the lush Gangetic plains of India. Before Uttarakhand came into being on November 9, 2000, Dehradun was a part of Uttar Pradesh. The most admired cities and towns in the vicinity include Haridwar, Rishikesh, Roorkee, Mussoorie and Saharanpur.
A product that has made Dehradun a household name within India is the city`s "Dehradooni basmati rice" and lychee. Also, it has always been known as home of prestigious Engineering Organisations, namely, Survey of India and other research institutes Forest Research Institute (FRI) and educational institutions like, Rashtriya Indian Military College, Indian Military Academy (IMA) and The Doon School. Dehradun is a much preferred tourist destination, due to its magnetic hilly attractions, attracting both pilgrims and enthusiasts from various walks of life. According to the 2001 census, population of Dehradun stands at 447,808.
History of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India: History of Dehradun can be traced in the ancient times of Mahabharata, when the place finds mention, both in association with the Pandavas and Guru Dronacharya. The city`s rich legacy was brought down in history pages, when British Raj was dominating whole of India in a significant manner. Britishers had clashed with the Marathas and Mughals, thereafter sealing Dehradun`s fate with a signing of treaty.
