Who is Known as the Encyclopedia of Uttarakhand? Know the Name

Many people have made significant contributions to studying and preserving the history and culture of Uttarakhand. Some individuals have dedicated their lives to researching the traditions, customs and heritage of the state. One such person gained so much knowledge about Uttarakhand that people started calling him the “Encyclopedia of Uttarakhand.” His work continues to be an important source of information for researchers and historians.

Encyclopedia of Uttarakhand

Major scholars have contributed to the history and culture of Uttarakhand, but one man is especially known for his deep research and writings. He is Shiva Prasad Dabral, also known as ‘Charan.’ Due to his vast knowledge and detailed documentation of Uttarakhand’s history, he is called the “Encyclopedia of Uttarakhand.” His work is still widely used by scholars and researchers.

Why is Shiv Prasad Dabral Known as the Encyclopedia of Uttarakhand?

Shiv Prasad Dabral earned this title because of his detailed research and writings about Uttarakhand. He wrote an 18-volume history of Uttarakhand, along with books on geography, archaeology and culture. His work covered ancient history, migration patterns, temple architecture and old manuscripts. His books provide deep insights into the region, making him the most respected historian of Uttarakhand.

Who was Shiv Parsad Dabral?

Shiv Prasad Dabral was born on 12 November 1912 in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. His father, Krishna Datt Dabral, was a school headmaster. He completed his education in Meerut, Allahabad and Agra, earning a Ph.D. in Geography. He worked as a principal at D.A.B. College, Dugadda, from 1948 to 1975. He was deeply interested in history and spent his life studying Uttarakhand’s past.

Major Research and Works by Shiv Prasad Dabral

Dabral’s research covered a wide range of topics, including:

• Migration of pastoralists in Uttarakhand
• Archaeological remains of ancient temples and forts
• Rare manuscripts and coins
• Gorkha rule and British colonial period in Uttarakhand

His doctoral thesis on the Alaknanda Basin studied the lives of nomadic people and was later published as three books.

Some of his famous works include:

• “Uttarakhand ka Itihaas” – 18 volumes
• “Uttaranchal ke Abhilekh evam Mudra”
• “Alaknanda Upataka”
• “Uttarakhand ke Pashucharaka”
• “Garhwal ka Padyamaya Itihasa”
• Plays and Poems in Hindi and Garhwali