This study dives deep in the psyche, ethos, history and growth of Uttarakhand. British imperialism engulfed this region after defeating the Gurkhas in1815 for its strategic and economic importance. Their rule led to many administrative changes -developing of various services-Judiciary, police and medical. Selective urbanisation led to the conversion of serene, calm places into hill stations and cantonment centres-opening new avenues of jobs for local youth. British rule curtailed the traditional forest rights of its inhabitants and broke interdependence of forests and agriculture, leading to political dissent on regional issues manifested in forest movements which gradually widened as visible in Peshawar revolt of 1930 by 2/18 royal Garhwal rifles and large-scale participation of Garhwali soldiers in Azad Hind Fauz.