‘Hill-Jatra’ was introduced by :

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Gurkhas

Hill-Jatra is a traditional festival of Uttarakhand, particularly celebrated in the Kumaon region. It was introduced by the Gurkhas during their rule in the region in the 18th century.

Key Highlights:

Introduction by Gurkhas:

• The Gurkhas brought Hill-Jatra to the Kumaon region, especially during their reign in the early 1800s.
• It is believed to have originated as a harvest festival that celebrated agriculture and rural life.

Festival Significance:

• The Hill-Jatra involves rituals, songs, dances, and plays that depict agricultural activities and local deities.
• Farmers worship tools, cattle, and nature, seeking blessings for a good harvest.

Celebration:

• This festival is celebrated with performances such as masked dances depicting animals like cows and buffaloes.
• It is particularly popular in Pithoragarh and other areas of Kumaon.

Additional Information:

The Gurkhas:

• Renowned warriors from the Gorkha region of Nepal, admired for their bravery, loyalty, and exceptional combat skills.

Historical Highlights of Gurkhas:

• Origin: Descendants of warriors from the Gorkha Kingdom unified by Prithvi Narayan Shah in the 18th century.
• Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816): Their valor impressed the British during the war, leading to the Sugauli Treaty (1816) and recruitment into the British Army.
• Role in India:
  • The Gurkhas ruled parts of Kumaon and Garhwal (Uttarakhand) before British annexation.
  • Introduced cultural practices like the Hill-Jatra festival.
• Military Service:
  • British Army: Joined in 1815, serving in both World Wars; awarded numerous Victoria Crosses.
  • Indian Army: Post-1947, several Gorkha regiments became part of the Indian Army.