How a humble mountain plant gave its name to a Himalayan cultural capital
In short: Perched on a ridge in the Kumaon Himalayas, Almora is more than a scenic town. Founded in 1568, it served as the seat of the powerful Chand dynasty. Its name, however, traces back to a modest sorrel plant once used to scrub the vessels of an ancient sun temple.
Almora’s history is layered with the remnants of ancient tribes, including the Sakas, Nagas, and Khasas, long before it became the administrative heart of the Kumaon region. While human settlements in the area are referenced in the Mahabharata, the town as a formal seat of power was established in 1568 by King Kalyan Chand. Before this, the site was known as Rajapur, a name still preserved in a local neighborhood. The town’s current name is widely attributed to 'Bhilmora,' a local sorrel plant that early inhabitants, the Tewaris, gathered daily to cleanse the utensils at the sun temple in Katarmal.
The Chand dynasty transformed Almora into a formidable hill power, extending their influence across the districts of Almora and Nainital. This era of prosperity was marked by the construction of numerous temples, such as the Nanda Devi temple, originally erected by King Udyot Chand in 1688 to commemorate his military victories. Unlike many other hill stations in the region that were developed by the British, Almora’s core infrastructure—including the sites of the current collectorate and district hospital—was established by the Chand rulers centuries earlier.
The town’s strategic importance led to its invasion by the Gorkhas of Nepal in 1791, followed by a twenty-four-year occupation. This period ended after the Anglo-Gorkha War, which culminated in the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli and the subsequent British administration. Throughout the 20th century, Almora evolved into a intellectual hub, fostering a rich tradition of journalism and printing. Pioneers like Buddhiballav Pant launched the region’s first Hindi weekly, Almora Akhbar, in the late 19th century, while figures like Rabindranath Tagore sought refuge in the surrounding hills during the First World War. Today, the town remains a center for education and culture, maintaining its unique identity within the Himalayan landscape.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Almora
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