History of Dehradun
A journey through time
Overview
Dehradun's history stretches back thousands of years, with references in the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics. The name is believed to derive from Dera (camp) of Guru Ram Rai, or from Dron (Dronacharya) and Dun (valley). The Doon Valley has been ruled by various dynasties including the Garhwal kings, the Gurkhas, and the British. It became the capital of the newly formed state of Uttarakhand in 2000.
Historical Names
Ruling Dynasties
Historical Timeline
Dronacharya, the guru of Pandavas and Kauravas, is said to have meditated in this valley
Timur's armies pass through the Doon Valley on their march to Delhi
Guru Ram Rai, son of the 7th Sikh Guru, arrives and establishes his Dera (camp) in Dehradun
Dehradun city is formally established around Guru Ram Rai's Darbar
Gorkha invasion of the Doon Valley; Gorkha rule begins
British defeat the Gorkhas and annex the Doon Valley after the Anglo-Nepalese War
Survey of India headquarters established in Dehradun
Forest Research Institute established, later becoming a major centre of forestry research in Asia
Indian Military Academy (IMA) established at Clement Town
The Doon School established, becoming one of India's premier educational institutions
India gains independence; Dehradun becomes part of Uttar Pradesh
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) headquarters established in Dehradun
Uttarakhand (then Uttaranchal) is carved out of Uttar Pradesh on 9 November; Dehradun becomes the interim state capital
State renamed from Uttaranchal to Uttarakhand; Dehradun confirmed as the permanent capital