The reference of Uttarakhand has been found in early Hindu scriptures. In fact the name Uttarakhand was coined in ancient times, to identify the central stretch of mountains in Great Himalayas. The state was originally inhabited by Kols who were of Austro-Asiatic type. Later on they were joined by Indo-Aryan tribes. It is believed that the famous Indian epic has been written by Vyasa in Uttarakhand. The religious scholarship in the state is defined in detail during the ancient history of the state.

The state was washed by the wave of Buddhism as it was a part of Mauryan Empire. After the fall of Mmauryan dynasty, the state was under the rule of Katyuri dynasty. It is during the reign of this dynasty that the famous Temple Jageshawari was constructed.

During the medieval times Uttarakhand was divided among two prominent kingdoms. The western part of Uttarakhand was a part of Garhwal Kingdom and the eastern part went under Kumaon Kingdom. Although several rulers came to rule this place, yet, these two kingdoms stayed persistently.

In the post-independent ear that state was composed under Uttar Pradesh. After a series of agitation in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand was finally culled out by Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2000.