History of Garhwal including Haridwar (1223- 1804 AD) –part -185
History of Uttarakhand (Garhwal, Kumaon and Haridwar) -433
By: Bhishma Kukreti (A History Research Student)
The first British account of Kumbh Mela Haridwar is described in Asiatic Researcher. Captain Thomas Hardwicke described the Kumbh Mela of 1796. Two and half million pilgrims reached Haridwar for attending and dipping into Ganga at the time of Kumbh. That Kumbh fair was in chaotic situation due to conflict between Sikhs and Gusain, Akhada Sadhus.
Captain Hardwicke got a request letter from Awadh Nabab for Garhwal King about granting permission to Hardwicke foe entering into Garhwal. Hardwicke reached Haridwar on 1oth April 1796. Hardwicke sent his servant to Shrinagar for getting permission.
On 12th April, 1796, Hardwicke reached to Nazibabad with his servants and soldiers. From Nazibabd, Captain Hardwicke went to Shringar on 21st April 1796 via Kotdwar Bhabhar, Amsaud, Gainoli, Dyusa, Dwarikhal, Bilkhet, Naithana, Adwani, Teka ku Manda and Chaitkoti.
After reaching at HSrinagar, Captain Hardwicke stayed in a camp under mango tree. In evening Garhwal King Pradyuman Shah with his brothers Parakram and Pritam Shah came to tent of Captain Thomas Hardwicke. Many people were also with Pradyuman Shah. Everybody was disciplined in presence of the King.
King Pradyuman Shah talked with Hardwicke about battle with Rohillas, British rule expansion, etc. Garhwal King praised the British army and its strategies.
Captain Hardwicke described the political, social, cultural scenes of Garhwal of eighteenth century.
Copyright@ Bhishma Kukreti Mumbai, India, bckukreti@gmail.com17/9/2014
History of Garhwal – Kumaon-Haridwar (Uttarakhand, India) to be continued… Part -433
(The History of Garhwal, Kumaon, Haridwar write up is aimed for general readers)
History of Garhwal from 1223-1804 to be continued in next chapter ….
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Notes on South Asian Modern Period History of Garhwal; South Asian Modern Period History of Pauri Garhwal; South Asian Modern Period History of Chamoli Garhwal; South Asian Modern Period History of Rudraprayag Garhwal; South Asian Modern History of Tehri Garhwal; Modern History of Uttarkashi Garhwal; South Asian Modern Period History of Dehradun, Garhwal; Modern History of Haridwar ; South Asian Modern Period History of Manglaur, Haridwar; South Asian Modern Period History of Rurkee Haridwar ; South Asian Modern Period History of Bahadarpur Haridwar ; South Asian Modern Period History of Haridwar district to be continued
Which route from which Thomas entered garhwal territory exactly was it from saneha Or the present day route?
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