The Secret of Seven caves of Hathikhan, at Syunarakot, Almora (U.K.),India

 The Secret of Seven caves of Hathikhan, at Syunarakot, Almora (U.K.),India

Introduction:

The "Secret of 7 Caves," of Hathikhan hill, near the village Syunarakot and Kharaun, Uttarakhand, India is a local and lesser known site, involving historical and natural significance. The 7 caves are man- carved in the  vertical slope of Hathikhan hillock between the villages Syunarakot and Kharaun, Almora. Binsargarh river emerging from Binsar- Gananath flows at the foot hill of Hathikhan and joins Kosi River at Kamleshwar. While there isn't much detailed or widely known information available about these specific 7 Caves.

 But, the local people know about them well and predict these are built for shelter and hide in emergency, in Gorkha rule in Kumaon- Garhwal region for a short period or the arrival of British rule. For years these remained covered by grass and bushes as comoflozed covering a rock shell. Nobody can ascend the vertical slope as well as and easily find the spot in the hillock. This is one of the secret, physically unseen on ground but are in hidden form. I Would  like to share more information on the historical context of  this area, directions to these caves 

No Concern to Katyuri Period:

Syunarakot ka Naula of Katyuri period

The Katyuri rulers are well known for their love for art and construction of temples and water- store in form of Naula with stones carving them in Hindu- Mythological terms. The Syunarakot ka Naula is built in Katyuri period in 13th century.' Now, it is under Archaeological Survey of India. But these two monuments have no relation with the passage of time and history. All the Katyuri archaeological carvings and designs highlight the images of Hindu deities beautifully while the caves inside the hills are chiselled in rough form without finishing artistically. There are no images of deities. It seems the work is to be done hurriedly.

No Sign of Natural Caves:

The caves are artificial in structure, which are chiselled inside the rocks. the mouth of the caves are under the outcome of a rock-shield that saves it from rain and soil erosion and are in oval shape with 2-3 feet diameter. The flight of narrow steps made in rock lead to the bottom platforms. the inside space is like a room or cell where people can stay safe. The height of the cell is 8-9 feet and  bredth is 7-8 feet. Neither it is in square  nor rectangle shape but un-even shape. The sign of cutting is clearly noticed over your head when you enter the cave. It is important that the cell is completely inside the rock. There is no mud or soil wall inside the cell. The size of the step is less than one feet, almost these are in the size of our feet about 7-9 inches. The number of steps are 7-8 to approach the bottom or floor of the cell. The descending is not easy but demands caution.. The whole cutting is chiselled, so, these are not  natural caves at any cost.

Historical Facts about the Caves:

The cave

Why and when these caves were built in the past, is a question in the minds of the local people and the historians, who served in Kumaon University and predicted, these might be built during Gorkha rule in kumaon due to the fear of the Gorkha soldiers when entered the villages for taxes. They were cruel in dealing and undisciplined in private matters. Often, they looted the money, he-goats from the owners forcibly. Nobody could dare to oppose them. Even, they misbehaved to the young women folk. The entry of Gorkhas in villages, was like a terror, those days.  So, these caves could be the safe shelter for the villagers especially the renowned families.

The Gorkha Rule in Almora:

Rana Bahadur Shah was the first king of Gorkha Dynasty, who invaded kumaon and ruled by 5  years from 1794- 1799. He was a kind and just king. He ruled Nepal from (1777 - 1799).  After his death, Kazi Jagjit Pandey, Amarsingh Thapa and Sursingh Thapa ruled Kumaon. Officially, the commanders of the Nepal Army were responsible for taxes and administration. It was like an Army Rule in Kumaon. The beginning of the Gorkha rule was peaceful but the last 12 years were in hustle and bustle. The taxes were taken forcibly in form of coins, grains, he- goats and milk products like Ghee. The gorkha soldiers were hard  and rough in manners. It continued by 1815 when the Gorkha were defeated by the East India Company in Anglo-Nepalis War and were forced to hand over Kumaon to the British as part of the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816.

The Caves at Present Time:

There are only five caves exist at present time from top to bottom of the hill, named Hathikhan. The caves in form of cells are located at a distance of 8 meters in a straight line. It is said that the water from the river flowing at the bottom of the hillock was supplied to the next cell and reached to the last cell near the top of the hill. The peak of the hill has space to live in the fort. The ruins of the fort are still seen at the top of the hills. So, some people assume , the caves were built for the protection of the Clans of Chand Dynasty families at the time of invasion of Gorkhas. Latter they were shifted to Bhabar area and other safe areas. The caves or the cells are presently the habitats of the bats. Sometimes, the leopard make the cells its home. 

How to Reach the Cave Site, Syunarakot, Almora

The tourism department approached the bridle road from the Mamarchhina to Pokhari road to the Hathikhan hill,the abode of 7 caves. The link road from Patalibagarh to Odyura- Pokhari is now the easy approach by road from Almora, Ranikhet, Bageshwar and Kausani. The trek is only 500 meters pedestal by bridle path. The Hathikhan bearing 7 caves is only 28km away from Almora, 47 km from Ranikhet, 65 km from Bageshwar and 37 km from Kausani. You can reach by your own conveyance, or local taxis are available on this road. This is also a spot for adventure, as you enter the caves to look at the caves inside. 

The tourists and the nature lovers coming from Delhi easily approach the nearest railway station Kathgodam, and then approach to Almora or Ranikhet to reach the cave site,at Syunrakot- Kharaun by local taxis. Mostly the sharing Taxis run on this link-road from Almora. Mahendra Resort at Bhainsori-Basoli is only5 km from this place. Binsar Wildlife Century is at the distance of only 11 km from the cave site.

Conclusion:

The Secret of 7caves of Hathikhan, Syunarakot-Kharaun, (Almora), is a research venue for the students of S.S.J.University Almora, preferably the departments of History and Geography, as well as the Kumaon University. The research can reveal the secret of the seven caves, when and why these caves were chiselled in the past. The Sanskriti and Department of tourism can pla an important role to explore this site for the tourists of the country and abroad. Why this hill is named Hathikhan, the answer is that the hill slope looks like the trunk of an Elephant, the top looks like the head and the remaining portion seems to be the body of an elephant. 

One of the natural caves