Garhwal District
Garhwal District was a former district in the Kumaon region during British rule in India. It covered about 5,629 square miles (14,580 square kilometers) and later became part of Uttar Pradesh. Today it is in the state of Uttarakhand.
The first rulers of Uttarakhand were the Katyuri dynasty, known for its inscriptions and temples. After the Katyuris declined, Garhwal split into more than sixty principalities, each ruled by its own chief. Originally Garhwal had 52 forts (garh), and each fort had its own local ruler responsible for its welfare.
The Garhwal Kingdom was founded by Ajay Pal, who united many forts under his leadership. He and his successors ruled Garhwal and Tehri until 1803, facing attacks from the Mughals, Sikhs, Rohillas, and Gorkhas. The Garhwalis sometimes linked the term “Gorkhyani” with massacre. The Gorkhas captured Langoorgarh but retreated after a Chinese attack.
In 1803 the Gorkha Kingdom invaded Kumaon and Garhwal again, driving out the Garhwal chief. For about 12 years the Gorkhas ruled Garhwal. In 1814 they fought the British, and Garhwal and Kumaon became a British district within the Kumaon division.
After India gained independence, Garhwal, Almora, and Nainital were managed by the Kumaon division’s commissioner. In 1960 Chamoli district was moved out of Garhwal. In 1969 the Garhwal division was created, with Pauri as its headquarters.
The people of Garhwal are called Garhwalis, often also known as Paharis (people from the mountains). About 99% are Hindus. Today, Garhwalis have migrated to many parts of the world.
Location: 30°15′N 79°20′E (in the northern Indian Himalayas).
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 15:50 (CET).