Dehradun, Nov. 11 -- The hill state of Uttarakhand was created after a long struggle. The regions of Garhwal and Kumaon were taken out of Uttar Pradesh with some non-hilly terrain to form Uttaranchal in 2000. The name was later changed to Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand has always shared a distinct history, politics, geography and culture than the rest of Uttar Pradesh. Uttarakhand was ruled by Kunindas during Maurya times and later saw the rule of Kushans, Yaksh and Katyuris. In the mediaeval and modern period it was ruled by Panwars and Chand rulers. Uttarakhand is also known for its unique cultural practices that are seen nowhere in India. The dev doli, jagars, ghadiyala, achari, etc., are part of these unique and socio religious practices of t...