36

CHAPTER 2

GEOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL

INTRODUCTION OF RAJIS

2.1 THE ORIGIN AND MYTH

There are so many myths regarding the origin of Rajis. Some of them

seems more closer like there is very reason to suppose that the Nagas, Kiratas

and Khasas entered India by the same route as the Aryas and that the Kiratas

were the first to arrive than others. In the lists of people given in the Vishnu

Purana, we have already seen that the Kiratas are said to have occupied the

country to the East of Bharata as the Yavanas dwell the west.

Earlier Atkinson has mentioned that, we have, however, in the name

„Rajya-Kirata‟ possibly a living-link between the Kiratas of somewhat Tibetan

physique and Khasas of equally pronounced Aryan form and habits, if we can

connect them with the Rajis of Askot in Kumaon. The Varah-sanhita places the

Rajya-Kiratas between Amaravana and China or between Jagesar and Tibet,

and the title will either mean the princely Kiratas or the Kiratas of „Rajya‟. It

has been observed that Kumaon and Karttikeyapura are called „Rajya‟ in the

Pandukeswar inscriptions, meaning literally the kingdom; but this, however, is

merely a coincidence and, as we shall see no weight can be attached to it, as it

belongs to a formula common to many inscriptions in the hills and plains. The

important fact is their position in the list and the knowledge that Kiratas once

lived in the west and east of the present settlement of the Rajis in Askot on the

Kali. The Rajis have often been noticed by ethnographers whose speculations

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have been based on a few lines in a report of Mr. Traill. It is there said that the

Rajis “represent themselves as descendants of one of the aboriginal princes of

Kumaon who with his family fled to the jungles to escape the destruction

threatened by an usurper. Under the pretension of royal origin, the Rawats or

Rajis abstain from offering to any individual, whatever his rank the usual

eastern salutation.” He also state that there is “a total dissimilitude of language”

between the Rajis and Kumaonis and that the Doms may have been descended

from these Rajis, “the former being, for the most part, extremely dark, almost

black, with crisp curly hair inclining to wool.” This is the only account that has

ever been given on any authority regarding the Rajis, yet Professor Ritter found

in it confirmation of the opinion that a negro race may have been among the

aboriginal inhabitants of the Himalaya and Kuen-lun. There is no foundation

for the statement that the Doms have come under notice not a single one can be

said to have any Negroid characteristic, though many are of an extremely dark

complexion like the other similar servile castes in the plains. Dr. Pritchard

conjectured that the Rajis would be found to resemble the other numerous

aboriginal tribes found along the Himalayan border, all possessing “the

physical character of the Bhotiyas in general and very unlike the Doms”. Dr.

Latham, too, expresses his conviction that the Rajis are the equivalents to “the

Chepangs of Nepal.”

The only information that can here be added regarding the Rajis has

been furnished by intelligent natives of Kumaon who have fallen in with the

tribe during their visits to the Askot forests and the following short extract from

Captain H. Strachey‟s journal at Garjjia ghat : - “The Rajbari Karinda (agent)

caught two of the Banmanus, the wild men of Chipula, for my inspection. I saw

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nothing very remarkable about them except an expression of alarm and

stupidity in their faces and they are perhaps darker and otherwise more like

lowland Hindustanis than the average Kumaon Paharis.” There seems no

reason for supposing with Mr. Traill that there is a connection between the

Rajas and the Doms. The former are certainly very far from holding such an

opinion and profess the greatest contempt for the Doms: so that if one of that

class enters the dwelling of a Raji, the place must be purified with water

brought from twenty-two different places. There are twenty or thirty families of

Rajis in the eastern parts of Kumaon, chiefly in the paragana Askot, and a few

families live near Jageswar in Chaugarkha, the ancient Amaravana the latter

seem to be gradually becoming extinct and they say themselves that they have

never prospered since, forsaking the customs of their race, they began to

cultivate the soil. The Rawats mentioned by MR. Trail are said to be Rajis who

have settled themselves in village and to whom are attributed the various petty

dynasties of eastern Kumaon who preceded the Chands. We shall see hereafter

that these Rawats are mentioned in inscriptions as well as in tradition, and that

their country is called Rajya. A class called Lul inhabiting the same tract has

similar traditions, and both still occupy several villages in Kali Kumaon. As

they seems to be distinct from the Khasiya population, it is not improbable that

the tradition may be true which declares that they were formerly Rajis and that

both represent the ancient Rajya-Kirats of the Puranas, one class preserving

many of its old custom whilst of the others has almost merged in the Khasiya

population.1

1 E.T. Atkinson, The Himalayan Gazetteer Vol.2, Part 1, New Delhi: Cosmo Publication, 1973,

pp.365-366, 368.

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Further, regarding this Crooke says, that the following more particular

account of the Rajis has been prepared from notes by Bhawani Singh, Teacher

of the Deoliya Kot School in the Almora District. They are known by two

names: Raji and Rawat. These names are used by the people themselves as well

as by outsiders. They say that they are descended from the servants of the Raja

of Kutpur, by whom they were expelled for some fault. Since then they have

been wandering about in the hills and forests, living on jungle produce. At the

time of their expulsion the Raja of Kutpur was Nil Kapal, but they cannot say

how many years ago he lived. This Kutpur family, they say, reigned for thirty-

eight generations – from Vikramaditya to Biram Deo. All the members of the

tribe consider themselves equal and intermarry freely. Their appearance, in the

opinion of this observer, suggests a doubt as to whether they are not the

degraded descendants of one of the higher castes.2

Rahul Sankrityayan on the basis of language of Rajis put them with

Kiratas. He says in the language of Rajis, elements of Kirati language are

present. The Rajis or Rajya-Kirat castes came after the Dasyus. After them the

Khasa caste and in between the Naga, Shaka, Huna and Yavans (Moslems)

have invaded this tract. Later all these castes were defeated by the Aryans and

then all these began to live together.3 Therefore this is clear that the original

inhabitants of this place have been considered to be Dasyus or Shudras. The

Rajis or Rajya-Kirats came probably after them. Later the brave and powerful

2 William Crooke, The Tribes and castes of the North-Western India, Vol.4, Delhi: Cosmo

Publication, 1975, pp.210-212. 3 Badri D. Pande, History of Kumaun, Vol. 2, trans. C. M. Agrawal, Almora: Shyam Prakashan,

Shree Almora Book Depot, 1993, P. 472.

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Khas clan drove away all of them and made them their subjects. The Vedic

Arayan came and conquered these both – Khasas and Shudras, and considered

them to be lower than themselves, as the concept of political superiority or

inferiority between the victors and the conquered is but natural. The Aryas or

Hindus called the other castes non-Aryan, Yavana, Mlechcha, Brishal or such

other words. The Musalmans addressed them with such despicable words as

„kafir’, „slave‟ etc.4

Further, Atkinson says that Kirat, Khas and Nag castes came to India

through the same path by which Aryans came. The Kirats came first of all, then

the Khasas, Nagas, Hunas and Yavans in succession. The Kirats are known

have settled in the Yamuna Valley in the 1st century. In Nepal, it is said that

they were the rulers there at sometime. Mr. Wright has found out the names of

29 Kirat kings in his Nepal history. In Kumaon 8 generations after the Chand

kings, the strange names of 14 rulers occur (as Jad, Jeejad, Jajad etc). They are

considered to be Khas kings but Atkinson calls them as Kirat kings. The

description of Kirat caste is found in the Puranas. God Rudra appeared before

Arjun in the form of a Kirat near the river Ganga. In Ramayana they have been

described as golen in colour and amiable. It is said in Nepal that in the Dwapar

Yuga (age) the Kirats ruled for 10 thousand years.

It is difficult to assume any difference between the Kirats and Rajya

Kirats, but they were strong like the Tibetans and were like the Khasa castes of

Aryan texture and form. It is said that the Rajis of Askot are the progeny of

4 Ibid., P. 474.

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these people who have settled in the forests or have been forced to do so. The

land of the Rajya Kirats has been stated to be situated between Amar Vana and

Cheena province, which is at present considered to be the region between

Jageshvar and Tibet. The Rawats kings of Kumaon are also said to belong to

the Kirat stock. Atkinson says that the Rauts of Talla Desh, Lool in Bhabhar

and in the proximity of Jageshvarare also of the Rajya Kirat caste. It is said

that earlier the Lools had a small principality there. Even now they are rich

land-owners. They live in the hills of Dhyanirau, Agar and Chhakhata even

now. Mr. Crooke writes, The Rajis are of savage caste, which is considered to

be inferior even to the Tharus who dwell in the forests. They make wooden

pots. They claim themselves to be of the clan of Raja Kutpur Neel Kapal.

The version of Ptolemy and the Universal Encyclopedia and the theory

of Atkinson that the Kirats too came from Asia Minor through the Khaibar

pass do not seem proper and authentic. These people are said to have come

from Nepal, Sikkim and the passes of the eastern border. This fact is readily

acceptable because these people mostly live towards those areas. Not much

difference has been accepted between Kinnars, Kirats, Rajya Kirats and Rajis,

but some people even the Kols among the Kirats. Goswami Tulsidas also says :

Milahi Kirat Kol Banbasi.

Vaishanas Batu Garhi Udashi.

(You) will meet Kiratas and Kols-dwellers of forests, as also hermits

(anchorites), religious students, house holders and retired sects.

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S. C. Tiwari writes, “In earlier times as they were the descendants of

the king, they were known as „Rajas‟ or ‘Rajis’ but now they live in forests,

they are known as ‘Ban Rawat’. H S Bora reports, “The king of Askote had

two sons. One fine morning both the Princes were walking along the bank of

river Kali where they found two Jars full of gold. The elder brother suggested

an equal share in the gold but the younger one preferred to keep the possession

of both the jars with him and refused to share it with the elder one. This kind of

injustice and unexpected behaviour of the younger brother hurt so much that he

immediately deserted the palace.”5

In this way various authors and scholars express their views that Rajis

are originated from Askote Dynasty and related to Raj Kiratas of pre-historic

period. But these assertions are not justified on the grounds of reality as there is

not archaeological evidence in this regard like coins, inscriptions on rock, seals,

stone, pillars, copper plates, temples walls, and bricks or image, potteries, idols,

ruins etc. Although in Puranas, Rajkiratas have been mention though it does

not suggest origin of Rajis from Rajkiratas. The physical appearances which

are mentioned by Pritchard and Majumdar do not resemble with Rajis.

However, their appearances are similar to local scheduled castes of Kumaon

region. It may be concluded here that due to centuries inter-mixing of the

various anthropological units of the world today Rajis have physical feature of

Aryans, Dravidians and Mongloid.

5 Ibid., P.477-79.

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Due to want of archaeological evidences and insufficient literature, this

is not possible to ascertain past, development and origin of Rajis. However on

the basis of anthropometric, dermatoglyphics and serological evidences, Tiwari

(1986) concludes that the Rajis may be affiliated with the Proto-Australoid

elements, with a fair sprinkling of mongoloid blood. That the Rajis resemble in

general with Bhotia and are very akin to Kumaoni Doms, can be further

justified on the basis of their language. However during field investigation it

has been analysed and observed that now younger generation is unable to

pronounce and spell their household materials and surroundings natural objects

in Rajis own language. This is because of their children are not residing in their

village, they remain in Ashram Paditi School whole year except summer and

winter vacations. Therefore, it may be estimated that after some years, it will be

difficult to establish their origin on the basis of language too.

2.2 GEO-GRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF RAJIS

Atkinsons mentions settlements of Rajis in Askot on the Kali.6 Sherring

mentions about the Rajis, “One day we went to see the so called “wild men”

(Ban Manush) who live quite close to Askot town, though I had seen them

before, and had, in fact, during the cold weather camped quite close to their

dwellings”.7 Further, nowadays Rajis are dwelling mainly three districts of

Uttarakhand namely Pithoragarh, Champawat & Udham Singh Nagar. There

are twelve villages of the tribe. These villages are located at an altitude ranging

from Three Thousand Feet to Five Thousand feet from sea level. These villages

6 E.T. Atkinson, Op.Cit.,, P.365.

7 C.A. Sherring, Western Tibet and The British Border Land, London: Edward Arnold, 1996, P.10.

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are located in dense, isolated forests. For better understanding of geographical

distribution and history of the Rajis, it will be pertinent to mention here a brief

geography and history of Uttarakhand and its three districts namely Pithorgarh,

Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar.

2.3 HISTORY OF UTTARAKHAND

Archaeological evidence supports the existence of humans in the region

since prehistoric times. Among the first major dynasties of Garhwal and

Kumaon were the Kunindas in the 2nd century B.C. who practised an early

form of Shaivism. Ashokan edicts at Kalsi in district Dehradun of Uttarakhand

show the early presence of Buddhism in this region. During the medieval

period the region was consolidated under the Kumaon and Garhwal kingdom.

By 1803 the region fell to the Gurkha Empire of Nepal and with the conclusion

of the Anglo-Nepalese War in 1816 most of modern Uttarakhand was ceded to

the British as part of the Treaty of Sugauli.8 Although the erstwhile hill

kingdoms of Garhwal and Kumaon were traditional rivals, the proximity of

different neighbouring ethnic groups and the inseparable and complementary

nature of their geography, economy, culture language, and traditions created

strong bonds. Ancient rock paintings, rock shelters, Paleolithic stone tools

and megaliths provide evidence that the mountains of the region have been

inhabited since prehistoric times. There are also archaeological remains which

show the existence of early Vedic practices in the area.9

8 Treaty of Sugauli between East India Company of Britain and King of Nepal.

9 Uttarakhand, Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. retrieved Dec. 5, 2012.

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The Pauravas, Kushanas, Kunindas, Guptas, Gurjara Pratihara, Katyuris,

Raikas, Palas, Chands, Parmars or Panwars, Sikhs, and the British have ruled

Uttarakhand in turns. The region was originally settled by Kols, an aboriginal

people of the Austro-Asiatic physical type who were later joined by Indo-

Aryan Khas tribes that arrived from the northwest by the Vedic period (1700–

1100 B.C.). At that time, present-day Uttarakhand also served as a habitat

for Rishis and Sadhus. It is evident from the Ashokan edict at Kalsi in Western

Garhwal that Buddhism made roads in this region. Folk shamanic practices

deviating from Hindu orthodoxy also persisted here. However, Garhwal and

Kumaon were restored to nominal Brahmanical rule due to the travels

of Shankaracharya and the arrival of migrants from the plains. Between the 4th

and 14th centuries, the Katyuri dynasty dominated lands of varying extent from

the Katyur (modern day Baijnath) valley in Kumaon. The historically

significant temples at Jageshwar are believed to have been built by the Katyuris

and later remodelled by the Chands. Other peoples of the Tibeto-Burman group

known as Kiratas are thought to have settled in the northern highlands as well

as in pockets throughout the region, and are believed to be ancestors of the

modern day Bhotiya, Raji, Buksha, and Tharu peoples.10

By the medieval period, the region was consolidated under the Garhwal

Kingdom in the west and the Kumaon Kingdom in the east. Modern-day

Garhwal was likewise unified under the rule of Parmars who, along with many

10

D.P. Saklani, Ancient Communities of the Himalayas, New Delhi: Indus Publication Company,

1998, P.212.

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Brahmins and Rajputs, also arrived from the plains.11

In 1791, the

expanding Gurkha Empire of Nepal overran Almora, the seat of the Kumaon

Kingdom. In 1803, the Garhwal Kingdom also fell to the Gurkhas. With the

conclusion of the Anglo-Nepalese War in 1816, the Garhwal Kingdom was re-

established from a smaller region in Tehri, as the larger portion of Tehri, along

with eastern Garhwal and Kumaon ceded to the British as part of the Treaty of

Sugauli. After India attained independence from the British, the Garhwal

Kingdom was merged into the state of Uttar Pradesh, where Uttarakhand

composed the Garhwal and Kumaon Divisions.

2.4 GEOGRAPHY OF UTTARAKHAND

Uttarakhand formerly Uttaranchal, is a state in the northern part of India.

It is referred to as the "Land of the Gods" due to the many holy Hindu

temples and pilgrimage centres found throughout the state. Uttarakhand is

mainly known for its natural beauty of the Himalayas, the Bhabar and

the Tarai. On 9th

November 2000, this 27th state of the Republic of India was

carved out of the Himalayan and adjoining northwestern districts of Uttar

Pradesh. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region on the north; the Mahakali

Zone of the Far-Western Region, Nepal on the east; and the Indian states

of Uttar Pradesh to the south and Himachal Pradesh to the northwest. The state

is divided into two divisions, Garhwal and Kumaun, with a total of 13 districts.

Raji tribe is dwelling in Kumaon region. This is a hilly region occupy the

North-eastern and Southeastern parts of Uttarakhand. It is surrounded by Tibet,

9 A. S. Rawat, History of Garhwal, 1358–1947: an erstwhile kingdom in the Himalayas. New Delhi:

Indus Publication Company, 1989, P.108.

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Nepal, Garhwal and Uttar Pradesh. The total area of the region is 21034

kilometers square. Its geographical location is latitude 28051 and 30

049 North

and the longitude 77043 to 81

031 East.

12 Kumaon is predominantly a hilly

region of the India, its mainland is formed by the rugged mountainous terrain,

covered with dense forest and shrubs. Southern part of the region is constituted

by the plain belt of the Tarai and Bhabar. On the basis of topography this

region has been divided into three parts:

(1) The Great Himalayas

(2) The Outer Himalayas

(3) Lesser Himalayas

The environment of the Himalayas13

is a complex of various altitudes

and climates. In general, the altitudes range from 150m to 7550m punctuated

by valleys, gorges, ravines, depressions, flats, tablelands and gentle to

precipitous slopes. The climatic difference in the Himalayas is enormous from

tropical rainy to arid and polar climates.14

The entire region is full of flora and

fauna. This region comprises varieties of land structures e.g. plain belt Tarai

and Bhabar and other hilly region.

2.4.1 Flora and Fauna of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand has a great diversity of flora and fauna. It has a recorded

forest area of 34651 kms which constitutes 65% of the total area of the state.

Uttarakhand is home to rare species of plants and animals, many of which are

12

www.uk.gov.in/ kumaon.gov.in/files/stat/stat-geo.pdf, accessed on 23.08.2012 13

In the vedic texts there are many references to the Himalaya, known as Himavanta, Rigvedic seer

in his eulogy of the almighty, the creator of the universe. 14

Anindya Pal, ed., The Himalaya Environment, Economy and Society, New Delhi: Vikas Publishing

House Pvt Ltd, 1995, P.207.

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protected by sanctuaries and reserves. National parks in Uttarakhand include

the Jim Corbett National Park (the oldest national park of India) at Ramnagar

in Nainital District, and Valley of Flowers National Park and Nanda Devi

National Park in Chamoli District, which together are a UNESCO World

Heritage Site. A number of plant species in the valley are internationally

threatened, including several that have not been recorded from elsewhere in

Uttarakhand.

Leopards are found in areas which are abundant in hills but may also

venture into the lowland jungles. Smaller felines include the jungle cat, fishing

cat and leopard cat. Other mammals include four kinds of deer (barking,

sambar, hog and chitaf), sloth and Himalayan black bears, Indian grey

mongooses, otters, yellow-throated martens, ghoral (goat-antelopes), Indian

pangolins, and langur and rhesus monkeys. In the summer, elephants can be

seen in herds of several hundred. Marsh crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris),

gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) and other reptiles are also found in the region.

Local crocodiles were saved from extinction by captive breeding programs and

subsequently re-released into the Ramganga river. Several freshwater terrapins

and turtles like the Indian sawback turtle (Kachuga tecta), Brahminy river turtle

(Hardella thurgii), and Ganges softshell turtle (Trionyx gangeticus) are found

in the rivers. Butterflies and birds of the region include red Helen (Papilio

helenus), the great egg fly (Hypolimnos bolina), common tiger (Danaus

genutia), pale wanderer (Pareronia avatar avatar), Jungle Babbler, Tawny-

beffied Babbler, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Red-breasted Parakeet, Orange-

breasted Green Pigeon and Chestnut-winged Cuckoo.

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Evergreen oaks, rhododendrons, and conifers predominate in the hills.

Shorea robusta (sal), silk cotton tree (Bombax ciliata), Dalbergia sissoo,

Mallotus philippensis, Acacia catechu, Bauhinia racemosa, and Bauhinia

variegata (camel‟s foot tree) are some of the other trees of the region. Albizia

chinensis, the sweet sticky flowers of which are flavoured by sloth bears, are

also part of the region‟s flora. A decade long study by Prof C.P. Kala

concluded that the Valley of Flowers is endowed with 520 species of higher

plants (angiospernis, gymnosperms and pteridophytes), of these 498 are

flowering plants. The park has many species of medicinal plants including

Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Picrorhiza kurroa, Aconitum violaceum, Polygonatum

multiflorum, Fritillaria roylei, and Podophyllum hexandrum.

The Raji tribe is dwelling in three districts of Kumaun namely

Pithoragarh, Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar. Approx. 80 per cent of this

tribal population is residing in Pithoragarh district remaining in Champawat

and Udham Singh Nagar. Therefore these three districts will be discussed here.

2.5 KUMAUN DIVISION

The portion of Kumaon lying along the Kali has traditions15

of its own

regarding its early history which help to throw light on the state of the country

as the time of the Chand immigration. The name „Kumaun‟ had here its origin

for Vishnu, in his tortoise incarnation, dwelt for three whole years on

Kanadeo,16

which ever afterwards was called Kurmachala and hence the

modern name Kumaon.

15

The greater part of the local folk-lore and traditions contained in the following sketch of the

history of Kumaon are faithfully reproduced from the notes of the late Rudradatta Pant. 16

A peak in Patli Charal to the cast of Champawat.

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2.6 HISTORY OF PITHORAGARH

The district is named after its headquarters town, Pithoragarh. Tradition

has it that during the reign of the Chand Rajas of Kumaon, One Piru, also

called Prithvi Gosain built a fort here and named it Prithvigarh which in course

of time, got change into Pithoragarh. According to another local legend,

Pithora, a Gurkha Raja, constructed a fort here and called the place

Pithoragarh.17

2.7 GEOGRAPHY OF PITHORAGARH

The district forms the north-eastern part of the Kumaon division and lies

between latitude 29027'N and 30

049'N and longitude 79

050'E to 81

03' E.

District has an area 7090 square km.18

It borders with Nepal & China (Tibet)

Earlier Pithoragarh was a part of Almora district on 1st February, 1960 it was

given the status of a separate district. Earlier Pithoragarh had five tehsils i.e.

Didihat, Dharchula, Munsiyari, Pithoragarh and Champawat (carved out from

Pithoragarh as a separate district in mid ninety). Munsiyari is the biggest tehsil

having area 2784 square kilometers and Didihat is the smallest. Due to the

physical diversities of the region the climate of the district is excessively

diversified. The elevation of the district ranges from 3,000 feet to 5500 feet the

climate, therefore, largely depends on altitude and varies according to the

aspect and elevation. Here monsoon period is from August to October, Cold

from October to January. The average rainfall of the region ranges 1000-1500

17 S. P. Agrawal, et al., Uttarakhand Past, Present and Future, New Delhi: Concept Publishing

Company, 1995, P. 330. 18

www.uk.gov.in, accessed on 23.11.2012.

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mm. Pithoragarh lies in the youngest mountains of the world i.e. Himalayas.

The geological formation of the district may be divided into four broad belts

i.e. the innermost Siwalik hill ranges, the lesser and middle Himalayas, the

inner Himalayas and the thin belt bordering the Tibetan Himalayas the larger

part of the district lies under perpetual snow and other area is barren and rocky.

The major rivers of the district are Saryu, Ramganga, Gowai, Kali, Dhauli,

Kuti etc. The landscape and soil of the district varies so it is natural that flora

and fauna too vary. Dharchula and Munsyari tehsils have high mountains and

ridges are rocky and covered with snow. The forests are confined to the river

valleys and the southern part. The flora can be divided into four parts-

(1) The Sal forests

(2) The Oak forests

(3) The Chir forests

(4) The Coniferous forests

Map 2.1 : The Location of Pithoragarh and its Tehsils

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In the Sal forests the main vegetation is Sal tree, it is found up to a

height of 1220 meter. These logs are mainly used for building purposes. In this

type of forest Haldu, Kharik, Sain and Tun also grow. In the Chir forest main

tree are Chir tree. It is found up to a height of 6,000 feet. Chir is the staple

building timber in the hills. Torches are cut out of the living tree. Resin is also

extracted from the tree. Its seeds are eaten with delight.

In the Oak forest, Oak tree is prevalent other are Banj, Tilonj, Kharsu

etc. This forest is found at the altitude of 4000 feet to 11,000 feet. However, the

coniferous forests are rich in Himalayan Silver, Blue pine, Surain, Thaner,

Birth rhododendron etc. This forest is found at the height 10700 feet to 13,000

feet.

The district has a variety of landscape so varieties of animals are found

here. Sambhar (Jarau), Leopards, Red fox, Wolf, Jackal, Bear, Wild Cat,

monkey, Gaur, Antelopes, Deer, Mongoose, Kakar (barking deer), goral

(Himalayan Thar), Bharal (wild blue sheep), Pig, langurs are found in dense

forest. Like animals varieties of birds like Parrot, Hoop, Hawk, Pigeons, Eagle

etc. are found in the forest.

2.8 HISTORY OF ASKOT

The name Askot is originated from Assi Kot (Eighty Forts) many of

these forts were in Dharchula District of Nepal. Previously Askot was under

the Doti of Nepal. Later on, Askot was ruled by a branch of Katyuri kings.

After the breakdown of Katyuri Dynasty, King Abhay Pal, the grandson of

Katyuri king, Brahm Deo, brought a branch of Katyuri Dynasty, here as the

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Rajbars, and established the state of Askot, by taking it as a grant from Kings

of Doti in 1279 AD. Later on they came under Chand rulers.

Atkinson mentions that For the Askot pedigree we have a list from the

present Rajbar of Askot recounting his descent in 221 generations from Sri

Uttapannapatra, the founder of the solar dynasty, through Brahma, Mrachi

(sic), Kasyapa, & opposite the name Salivahan is the note that he came from

Ayodhya and established himself in Katyur. Connecting with him the following

names are recorded.19

In this list he provides a long list of one hundred four

ruler from Salivahana deva to Pushkarpala. Further, Atkinson says that

Opposite (49) Abhayapala is the note that he left Katyur for Askot in 1279

A.D. and after (53) Bhupala the note that twenty-eight generations, regarding

whom there is no record available, intervene between him and Ratanapala.

Rudradatta gives a list from (46) Dham deva, which will assist in applying the

necessary corrections to the Rajbar‟s list:

1. Dham deva 2. Brahm deva

3. Asana deva Abhaya deva 4. Nirbhaya pala

5. Bharati pala 6. Bhairava pala

7. Ratana pala 8. Syama pala

9. Sah pala 10. Suraj pala

11. Bhoj pala 12. Bhadra pala

13. Siuratan pala 14. Achha pala

15. Trailokya pala 16. Sundara pala

17. Jagati pala 18. Piroja pala

19. Raipala 20. Mahendra pala

19

E. T. Atkinson, Op. Cit., P. 531.

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21. Jaintha pala 22. Birbala pala

23. Amara Sinha pala 24. Abhaya pala

25. Uchchhava pala 26. Vijaya pala

27. Mahendra pala 28. Himmat pala

29. Daljit pala

Next follows Bahadurpala as in the previous list. There is nothing to

lead one to suppose that there should be such a large interpolation as 28

generations necessary in this list. The title Rajbar was, as we have already

suggested, that of the junior princes of the Katyuri family, and we have seen

that it was early used, for in 1202 A.D. there is a grant by Indradeva Rajbar of

lands in the Katyur valley. Abhaya Deva was the first to leave the valley for

Askot, and the date fits in well with the time of uncertainty and revolution

which marked the decline of the Katyuri power. He changed his title from

„deva‟ to „pala‟ because the first belonged to the branch ruling in Katyur. The

title Rajbar now belongs solely to the head of the Askot house, whilst the eldest

son is called Lala and the younger son Gosain.20

2.9 GEOGRAPHY OF ASKOT

Askot or Askote is a small Himalayan town in Pithoragarh district of

Uttarakhand in India. It is a part of Kanalichhina development Block and

Didihat Tehsil. The place is also famous for the Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary

dedicated to the conservation of Musk deer. Askot lies midway between

Pithoragarh to Dharchula road and located on a ridge. „Kailash-Mansarovar

20

Ibid. P. 531-532.

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Pilgrimage route from Delhi - Kathgodam - Didihat - Dharchula, passes

through Askot. This located at 29.77°N 80.35°E. It has an average elevation of

1,106 metres (3,629 feet). It is located on Gori Ganga. Kali river geographical

divides. Under beautiful natural setting of trees like Pinus, Quercus and

Rhododendron, etc., are at the backdrop of Chhiplakot and Panchachuli. The

Fertile slopes of Garkha are situated on the front side, and Kali river and

mountains of Nepal on its left. The area around is under heavy underground

tunnel mining operations. There are polymetallic mines of copper, zinc, gold,

silver and lead deposits.

2.10 HISTORY OF CHAMPAWAT

The district owes its name to Champawati daughter of King Arjun Deo.

Earlier this district was a part of district Almora. In 1972 the Champawat

Tehsil of Almora district was transferred to Pithoragarh. On 15th Sep, 1997

Champawat district was given an independent identity. It is believed that

Champawat district is the source and origin of religion and culture of

Uttarakhand. In the ancient time this region was the origin of Naga, Kinnar and

Khas Raja‟s. The available historical pillars, manuscripts, archaeological

collection and folklore describe the greatness of the area during the period of

Maha Bharata. Barahi Temple of Devidhura, Tarkeshwar Mandir of

Champawat, Vanasur Fort of Vishung, Baleshwar Mandir of Champawat,

Sapteshwar Mandir of Sipti and Ghatotkasha temples are believed to be of the

great period of Maha Bharat. The ample evidence is also available about the

Katiyur dynasty and its prosperity in ancient times. There is a belief that the

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king Brahma Deo was having his capital at Suie and his contemporary King

Raja Arjun Deo was having his capital at Daman Kot. The marriage of the

daughter of the King Arjun Deo with Sam Deo opened a door for the Chandra

dynasty in this region. In around 1790, with the establishment of the Gorkha

rule, the Chandra Vansha came to its end. In 1814, the Britishers forced the

Gorkhas to leave the place.

2.11 GEOGRAPHY OF CHAMPAWAT

The district of Champawat constituted in the year l997, it is situated

between 2905' and 29

030' in northern latitude and 79

059' and 80

03' in the centre

of eastern longitude. The Ram Ganga River acts as a border between

Champawat and Pithoragarh in the North, while Jabgura and Pannar rivers in

South and West act as a border between Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar and

Almora districts simultaneously. The long chain of mountain in the

southwestern region acts as a border between districts Champawat and

Nainital. It is important from the defense point of view as in the east Kali river

acts the international border between Nepal and India. The geographical

coverage of Champawat is about 1613 sq. km. It includes 4 Tehsil (1 Sub

Tehsil) and 4 development blocks. Estelar

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Map 2.2 : The Location of Champawat and its Tehsils

2.12 HISTORY OF UDHAM SINGH NAGAR

The district was named in memory of Late Shri Udham Singh who was

a great freedom fighter and who killed General Dyre after the brutal Jalianwala

Bagh massacre. One of its sub divisions, Kashipur was known as Govishan

during the time of Harsha (606-647 AD), when Yuan-Chwang (631-641AD)

visited this region. The ruins of the large settlement of those days are still to be

seen near the city.21

Earlier village Rudrapur was established by a devotee of

lord Rudra or by Hindu tribal chief called Rudra, which has passed through

phases of development to take the shape of city Rudrapur. During the reigns of

mughal emperor Akbar this land was handed over to king Rudra Chandra in

21

Udham Singh Nagar, A Baseline Survey of Minority Concentration Districts of India, Ministry of

Minority Affairs, Government of India and Indian Council of Social Science Research, 2008, P.1.

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1588. There is a saying that Rudrapur was named after King Rudra Chandra.

During the reign of Britishers, Nainital was made a district and in 1864-65 the

whole Tarai and Bhawar was put under “Tarai and Bhawar Government Act”

which was governed directly by the British crown.

2.13 GEOGRAPHY OF UDHAM SINGH NAGAR

In the vicinity of the spectacular Kumaon lies the district of Udham

Singh Nagar, which was a part of district Nainital before it gained the identity

of a separate district in October 1995. The district comprises three main sub

divisions -- Rudrapur, Kashipur and Khatima, and is surrounded by the exotic

Himalayan ranges. The district is situated at 28 south east, 30 north latitude,

78 and 81 east longitude of Kumaon. Nainital is to the north, Bijnour,

Moradabad, Rampur to west, Bareilly and Pilibhit to south and district

Champawat is in the east. Reserved forest area lies at the borders of district

Nainital and Champawat. The total district is Tarai. Due to its special

geographical features, the district is a leader in agriculture in the country. The

total area of the district is 3055 sq km. It has an altitude of 550 km. There are

seven blocks namely Jaspur, Kashipur, Baipur, Gadarpur, Rudrapur, Khatima,

and Sitarganj in the district.22

In the past, this land which is full of forest land

was neglected till 1948 due to difficult climate. Marshy lands, extreme heat,

rains which lasted months, a place full of wild animals, diseases and no means

of transportation prevented the human race to form a colony here.

22

Ibid., P.1.

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Map 2.3 : The Locationof Udham Singh Nagar and its Tehsils

2.14 THE RAJI VILLAGES

(i) Villages in Pithoragarh District

There are ten villages Kimkhola, Ganagaon, Bhoktirawa, Chifaltara,

Salyabagad (Kulekh), Jamtari, Madanpuri, Kutachaurani, Altari and Kataula in

three tehsils namely Dharchula, Didihat and Kanalichhina of this district.

2.14.1 Kimkhola

This village is within the territorial ambit of tehsil Dharchula of

Pithoragarh district. This village is bounded in the east by river Kali, in south

by village Bhoktirawa, in west by village Ganagaon and in south by

BaluwaKot. Kimkhola is the largest Raji village in terms of population and

development point of view among Rajis and is situated on the slope of a hilly

tract about 4 kilometers from Jauljibi besides the Pittoragarh-Dharchula motor

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road. The village is located at the elevation of approximation 1130 meter from

sea level. The Block and Tehsil head quarters Dharchula is at the distance of

25kilometers from the village. The village is inhabited only by the Rajis and

there are approximate thirty Raji households including Gagan Singh Rajwar the

Ex. M.L.A. who is working for upliftment of his people i.e. Rajis therefore

through his own and other Rajis efforts and financial assistance of other

institutions, they have started Carpentry Training Centre in this village

exclusively for Raji Males. Training alongwith stipened is provided to Raji

Males. The village had a primary school but it has been abandoned since 1992

and the Anganwadi centre is not functioning for last five years. Most of the

Rajis have been provided pucca houses under the Government rehabilitation

scheme consisting of two floors typically like houses of other Kumaonis, the

ground floor is used for cattle and first floor for Rajis. The major occupations

of the female folk are fire wood, food and grass collection and agriculture. The

females of the village are receiving training of handicrafts and handloom at

Jauljibi Handlooms Training Centre. Here, carpentry, cutting of woods, felling

of trees, wage and agricultural labour are the mode of occupations of the male

folk. There is a temple of Malkarjan; the village deity is the top of the hillocks.

Temple of Bhumia Dev has been established in the village.

2.14.2 Bhoktirawa

This is the smallest Raji village with only seven households. This village

is at a distance of one and half kilometer from Kimkhola village and at height

of approximate 4100 feet. Though the village is relatively old but the present

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inhabitants are new and are immigrants from Nepal. This village comes under

Kimkhola Gram Panchayat. The villagers live in small houses built up with

stone and thatched with the grass roof. However, now new cemented houses

are being made by Government efforts. The village has less land holding and

the major occupations of the villagers are labor intensive activites, agriculture,

grass and firewood collection. The villagers have to go very far for availing any

kind of other facilities like education, drinking water, health care etc.

2.14.3 Ganagaon

This village is approx three kilometers west to the Kimkhola village and

has approximate seventeen families. This village comes under Duti Bagad

Gram Panchayat. This village is locally known as Tham Dhura, which denotes

its forestry and more elevated location. The village is situated amidst the forest

region on the top of the hill at about 1370 meters above the sea level. There is a

small temple of the deity Balichand in the village. The families subsist on the

crude type of cultivation, food gathering, hunting, grass and firewood

collection, etc. Other facilities pertaining to education, employment,

transportation, market, medical etc. are so far from the village.

2.14.4 Chifaltara

This is a small size Raji village that comes under Toli Gramsabha and

Balware Gram Panchayat under Dharchula tehsil of Pithoragarh District. There

are approximate twelve families in the village. This can be approached from

Jauljibi towards Jauljibi-Baram motor road along with opposite direction of the

Gori river from Gori bridge at Jauljibi to Toli village. The village is situated

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about ten kilometers from Jauljibi and about forty kilometers from Dharchula.

The Raji families of here subsist on cultivation, food gathering, grass and

firewood collection, wage and agricultural labour etc.

2.14.5 Kulekh (Salyabagad)

This village is situated at the Gori river bank of Baram area in the

Jauljibi-Gorichhal route. This is a new settlement compare to other villages of

Rajis. There are only three households who have migrated from Kutachaurani

village of Didihat tehsil due to economic compulsion. Rajis have started here

cultivation as source of sustenance. Rajis families of here have better

production compare to their other neighbor Raji villages. Transportation

facility is near the village but other facilities like health, school, market etc. are

not available near the village.

2.14.6 Jamtari

This Raji settlement is within the territorial ambit of Kanalichhina block

of Didihat tehsil of Pithoragarh District. The village is situated at the distance

of three kilometers from the palace of the Askot king. This village can be

approached either from Askot bus stop or from Jauljibi. This is situated at the

bank of small tributary known as Raytis. This village is also known as Kantoli

because village Kantoli is a part of the Jamtari Village which is inhabited by

Rajputs, Brahmins, Scheduled castes and Rajis. There are approx twenty Raji

families. The village has Anganwadi centre, Primary School, Post Office and a

temple. The nearest health centre is Askot. The Raji children of this village

face discrimination and get ill behaviour from the village primary school meant

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for both Raji and other caste groups. The major source of subsistence of the

village is cultivation, wage labour, wood collection and fishing.

2.14.7 Madanpuri

This village comes under Khetar Kanyal Gram Panchayat in Didihat

block of district Pithoragarh. It is situated at a distance of fourteen kilometers

from Dibihat and at the elevation of fifteen hundred meter from sea level.23

It

can also be approached by feet from Jamtari via Maruda, Sirtoli, Talla and

Malla Basora at a distance of seven kilometers. There are ten Raji families with

approx population of forty. The major source of subsistence, here are

agriculture, wood cutting, felling of trees, road construction and wage

labouring etc. The nearest market is Dersona which is approx two kilometers

from the village.

2.14.8 Kutachaurani

This village is at a distance of about sixteen kilometers from its tehsil

and block headquarter Didihat. This is situated on the highest elevation among

other Rajis settlements approx 1680 meters on Gangdhura ridge under Khetar-

Kanyal Gram Sabha and Dunakot Gram Panchayat in dense forest of Didihat.24

The village can be approached from Basora in a hilly and steep road in the

dense Gangdhura ridge. This is one of the oldest Raji settlements where

presently there are twenty families with approx population of eighty four. The

Rajis from this village have been migrated to Salya Bagad, Kataula, Kimkhola

23

H.S. Bora, The Rajis: Invisible Traders The Study of a Primitive Tribal Group in Uttarakhand,

U.S. Nagar: Himalaya Publication Khatima, Uttarakhand, P.16. 24

Ibid., P.16

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due to economic compulsions. A new metal road connecting Devsona, the

nearest market price, six kilometers from the village, is under construction.

Most of the houses are pucca. The main mode of subsistence are agriculture,

fire wood collection, felling of trees, road construction, wage labour and

collection of forest produces. Ganenath, the local God worshipped here in this

village.

2.14.9 Kasheula (Kataula)

This village is five kilometers away from Kutachaurani within the ambit

of Didihat tehsil of Pithoragarh district.25

This is relatively new settlement, the

villagers of this village are migrant from Kutachaurani village and Nepal.

There are six families. The main mode of subsistence of the village is

cultivation, felling of trees, cutting of woods, food gathering, collection of

grass and woods, labour intensive works, fishing and collection of forest

produces.

2.14.10 Altari

This village comes under Salani Grampanchayat under Kanalichhina

block of Didihat Tehsil. This village has multi caste population of kumaoni

Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Schedule castes and Rajis. The locality of Rajis is

situated at the distance of one kilometer from the Altari village in north-east

and is known as Rotura i.e. the place of Rajis (Rauta‟s) habitat. It can be

approached from Bhagichaura which is approx twelve kilometers from Ogla, a

bus-stop on the Pithoragarh-Dharchula motor road, from where a hilly track of

25

Ibid.

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five kilometers links the village. The village is located at the height of 3500 ft.

from sea level. There are fourteen Raji families. A primary school exists in the

village to where some Raji children go. The main occupations are agriculture,

food gathering, wood cutting, grass and firewood collection, wage labour etc.

(ii) Village in Champawat District

2.14.11 Khirdwari

Khirdwari is the only village situated in Champawat district. This

village is approx seventy kilometers away from the district headquarters and

around fifty kilometers from Tanakpur. This village is in a valley and quite far

away from other Raji settlements, situated on the bank of river Lodhiya. The

village can be approached from Chalthi bus stop on the Tanakpur-Pithoragarh

motor road. The village is located on a river valley at the elevation of seven

hundred meter from sea level.

This is a mixed village where other Kumaoni Hindu castes live along

with the Rajis. There are twenty five Raji families. Their mode of occupation is

agriculture. The main modes of subsistence of the villagers are agriculture,

felling of trees, wood cutting, wage laboury and collection of forest products.

The basic facilities like primary health centre, potable water, transportation,

education etc. are not available in the village.

(iii) Village in District Udham Singh Nagar

2.14.12 Bilhari (Julianala)

This is the only village in the Khatima tehsil of Udham Singh Nagar

district, which is comparatively a new settlement. The land mafias have

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motivated Rajis of Kutachaurani and Khirdwari to settle there because they

want to encroach the forest land for woods and poaching, as per the

constitutional safeguards and legal protections tribes have right to make houses

and acquire lands for agricultural activities where they reside, further, it was a

economic compulsion for the Rajis. There are only three Raji families. The

main occupations of them are agriculture, wage labourers, felling of trees,

wood cutting and collection of woods. Though the village is well connected

with motor able road but other modern facilities like health, education,

electricity etc. are not available in this settlement. The houses are here build up

with wood and mud. Therefore, they are frequently destroyed by heavy rain

and water.

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