Uttarakhand was formed on the 9th November 2000 as the _______ State of India, when it was carved out of northern Uttar Pradesh.

The correct answer is 27th.

Key Points

• Uttarakhand was formed on 9th November 2000 as the 27th state of India.
• It was carved out of the northern part of Uttar Pradesh due to long-standing demands for a separate hill state.
• The state was initially named Uttaranchal but was officially renamed Uttarakhand in 2007.
• Uttarakhand comprises two distinct regions: Garhwal and Kumaon.
• The state is known as the "Land of Gods (Devbhoomi)" due to its numerous Hindu pilgrimage sites such as Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Haridwar.

Additional Information

• Formation of Uttarakhand:
  • The demand for a separate state began in the 1930s during the British era, intensifying in the 1990s.
  • The primary reasons for the demand were cultural differences, geographical isolation, and economic backwardness of the hill regions in Uttar Pradesh.
• Renaming to Uttarakhand:
  • The name Uttaranchal was changed to Uttarakhand in January 2007 to reflect the state's historical and cultural identity.
• Geographical Features:
  • The state is characterized by the Himalayan mountain ranges, dense forests, and major rivers such as the Ganga and Yamuna.
  • It shares international borders with China (Tibet) and Nepal.
• Capital of Uttarakhand:
  • The temporary capital of Uttarakhand is Dehradun, while Gairsain has been declared its summer capital since 2020.
• Significance:
  • Uttarakhand is known for its natural beauty, adventure tourism, and significant religious tourism.
  • It is home to the Jim Corbett National Park, India's oldest national park, and the Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.