About This Site

My forefathers migrated from the Konkan Region of Maharashtra to Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh somewhere at the end of the fourteenth century. In the early part of the sixteenth century, due to the ever-changing political scenario, they again migrated to Kumaon Hills. In the late 1930s, my Grandfather took up a government job and left for Sikkim. With the passage of time, my family gradually lost contact with Kumaon. Later my father’s generation took up jobs and moved out of Sikkim.

In mid-1950’s due to medical reasons my family once again moved and came to Dehra Dun. In Dehra Dun most of our neighbours were either Punjabi or Garhwali, the nearest Kumaoni family being some 10 kilometres away. Hence, I grew up under the shadow of Punjabi and Garhwali cultures.

I joined the Army in 1970 and never got a chance to visit Kumaon. I only managed fleeting visits to an Army cantonment for a day or two. This never gave me adequate time to interact with the locals.

I remember once, during a visit to a unit of The KUMAON REGIMENT, I tried to converse in Kumaoni, much to the amusement of the men. That day I resolved to learn Kumaoni and asked my wife to teach me all about Kumaoni language and culture. My learning process started in real earnest during my frequent visits to Almora.

There is another incidence I remember vividly. It was a typical summer day in 1991. I was spending my leave-in Almora. We were watching the TV serial BUNIYAD. I casually remarked to my daughter that we are related to the author of BUNIYAD, Manohar Shyam Joshi. A few days later, Dr Murli Manohar Joshi, then a cabinet minister, was in news and I again told my daughter that Dr Joshi to is our ‘BIRADER’ (a distant relative who belongs to the same GOTRA (or clan) in Kumaoni). My daughter remarked, “Papa you are very smart, you claim all prominent Joshi’s as relatives, whereas I have never seen you interacting with these people”.

A few days later, I was visiting Mr Ram Joshi, a Prominent Lawyer of Almora, and a relative of mine. I narrated the incidence to him. He remarked that he has a book, titled “Angrish Joshi’s of Almora“, It had been compiled by one Mr PC Joshi from New Delhi. Mr Ram Joshi very graciously presented his personal copy to me. This book contains the history of Joshi’s of Galli, and also has the family tree of the entire Joshi’s of Galli. With the help of this book, I was able to prove my point to my daughter. This one incidence prodded me to learn more about my community and hence this site.

Later during my visits to Almora I came across a book ( in two volumes) HISTORY OF KUMAON written by Mr Badri Datt Pande and translated into English by Mr CM Agrawal. This book has taught me a lot about the history of Kumaon.

It had always been my desire, to work on a site which enables me clear misconceptions that people from plains have about Kumaon. Most of them are oblivious to the rich cultural heritage of the region. I am happy I have a platform wherein I can make an effort to write about Kumaon Hills, it’s people and cultural heritage and some details on the Brahmin Community from Kumaon.

I also wish to acknowledge my gratitude to Mr Ram Joshi and Mr PC Joshi, without whose direct and indirect help, this site would never have been possible.

This site is dedicated to my wife and kids. My wife has been instrumental in prodding me to learn the Kumaoni language which opened my eyes to the rich heritage and culture of the Kumaon Region. I also dedicate this site to my AAMA ( grandmother in Kumaoni) who used to regale us with many stories about Kumaon, its people, language, songs, music and above all the rich cultural heritage.

During his visit to Almora, Kumaon, Swami Vivekananda said: "These mountains are associated with the best memories of our race: Here, therefore, must be one of Centers, not merely of activity, but more of calmness of meditation, and of peace and I hope someone to realise it".

Mahatama Gandhi wrote in Young India “Having been in the serene hills of Almora for almost a fortnight I wonder why people of India wish to visit Europe in search of health and peace.”

Wishing the reader all the best. I hope you learn from this site as much as I did during its making.