Utakamand

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Utakamand" by Madhavrav B. Karnik, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Utakamand (also commonly known as Ooty) Author: Madhavrav B. Karnik Publisher: Vidyarthi Vachanmala Series: Eighth Series, Part 15-15 (This is part of a larger series of books, likely biographical or geographical, for students).

Overall Purpose: The book "Utakamand" is a descriptive and celebratory account of the hill station of Ooty, located in South India. It aims to inform and inspire young readers about the natural beauty, history, and significance of this popular tourist destination. The text is written in Gujarati, reflecting its origin and intended audience.

Key Themes and Content:

• Introduction to Ooty's Location and Beauty: The text begins by situating Ooty within the context of India's beautiful mountain ranges, comparing it to the Himalayas in the North and the Satpura and Vindhyadri ranges in the Central part of the country. It highlights Ooty's location in the western part of the Madras Presidency, nestled in the Nilgiri Hills, and describes it as an exceptionally beautiful peak within the lush, verdant surroundings of the Nilgiris.

• Ooty's Name and Administration: It's mentioned that Ooty is a shortened form of Utakamand and that one of the districts in the Nilgiri district is also named Utakamand, with the city serving as its headquarters. The primary produce of the area, tea and Cinchona (from which Quinine is derived), is also noted.

• Ooty as a Tourist Destination: The book emphasizes Ooty's popularity as a hill station, attracting thousands of tourists annually from various parts of India. Visitors come to escape the summer heat and enjoy peace and tranquility.

• Geographical Details: The altitude of Ooty is stated as 7500 feet above sea level. Its distances from major cities like Madras (359 miles), Mumbai (1035 miles), and Kolkata (1374 miles) are provided. The journey to Ooty from Mumbai is described, involving travel through Maharashtra and Karnataka to reach Coonoor station, from where a paved road leads to the town. The past accessibility issues (requiring a trek from Mettupalayam) are contrasted with the current improved road connectivity.

• British Influence and Foundation: A significant portion of the text attributes the development of Ooty to the British. It explains that the British sought cooler climates in the mountains to escape the Indian summer, leading them to establish settlements like Ooty. The founding of Ooty is linked to 1818, when two civilians accidentally discovered the place while on a tobacco smuggling raid. Following their report, the then Collector of Nilgiris, Mr. John Sullivan, visited the site, was impressed, and conceived the idea of establishing a town. He built the first bungalow there, marking the beginning of Ooty.

• Development of Ooty: The Madras government took steps to develop the area, establishing a sanatorium for the Madras Presidency in 1827. Gradually, the town grew.

• Description of the Town's Layout: While the initial view of the town might not be striking, the text notes that venturing further reveals numerous bungalows, gardens, and recreational grounds. The permanent population is around 20,000, but it swells considerably during the summer, creating a more magnificent appearance.

• Key Natural Features and Peaks:

  • Dodabetta: The highest peak in the Nilgiris, standing at 8760 feet, is described as the "nose of the Nilgiris." It's poetically compared to the significant points of other mountain ranges. The text vividly describes the experience of being at Dodabetta during the monsoon, with heavy rain, lush green vegetation, and full rivers and lakes, creating an unforgettable vista.
  • Other Peaks: Nearby peaks like Snowdon (8380 ft), Hebbah (8090 ft), and Kalhatty are also mentioned, forming a grand circle when viewed from Dodabetta.

• Valleys and Plains:

  • Beautiful Valleys: The valleys below the peaks are described as equally charming and vast, stretching for 15 miles. The land is noted for its softness and is covered with trees and creepers. A stream flows through the valley, and its lower part has been converted into a lake.
  • Hobart Park: Located at the northern end of an upper plateau, this area has been leveled and is known as Hobart Park.
  • Polo Ground: A large and expansive ground used for polo matches, and also for bell-bet (likely a form of cricket or a local game) and cricket. It's considered one of the foremost grounds of its kind in India. Adjacent to it is a racetrack. The view from here, encompassing the stream, Hobart Park, and the expansive grounds extending to the horizon, evokes awe at the grandeur of creation.
  • Candle Valley: Situated in a lower-lying valley to the west, it's home to many local residents' houses.
  • Wenlock Downs: This vast area, covering 16 square miles, is described as a beautiful and enchanting plain with surrounding forests. Nature's beauty is abundant here, with dense trees and springs. The experience of being here is said to bring immense peace and joy, leaving a lasting impression. It's considered the heart of Ooty's scenic beauty.

• Wildlife and Sports:

  • Wild Animals: Packs of jackals roam in the mountains around Wenlock Downs.
  • Hunting: The "Ootacamund Hunt" was established in 1867 for hunting. The jackals here are noted for their strength, power, and speed, making them difficult to hunt. Skilled hunters often require hunting dogs, specially brought from England, to track them.

• Roads and Pathways: The area is crisscrossed with roads suitable for carriages, allowing people to explore and enjoy leisurely walks. The sloping terrain naturally provides exercise.

• Hills and Vegetation:

  • Rolling Hills: The land is interspersed with small and large hills, making walking an inherently invigorating activity. The hills of Ooty are described as more convenient, cleaner, and more enjoyable than those in the Himalayas.
  • Planted Trees: The flat areas on the hills are enhanced with various trees. Australian trees and a significant number of Eucalyptus trees have been planted. Eucalyptus oil, derived from these trees, is highly beneficial for various ailments like colds, coughs, fevers, and tuberculosis. The Eucalyptus trees are large, with dense, thick leaves, and their oil can be smelled even by crushing the leaves.
  • Other Trees: Khair and Babool trees are also present, which were initially planted and carefully nurtured, and have now proliferated throughout the region.
  • Exotic Trees: Clustered foreign trees have also thrived naturally, adding to the landscape's beauty. Small hedges, made of roses and other ornamental plants, create beautiful gardens.

• Climate and Flora: The region receives about 49 inches of rain during the monsoon, with very little rain in winter. This allows various flowers to bloom year-round, adorning the landscape with joy. Roses and dandelions are abundant.

• Ooty Municipality: The Ooty Municipality, established in 1866, is discussed. Its income in 1902 was ₹1.40 lakh, with expenses of ₹1.60 lakh. Major income sources include government grants, property tax, and water tax. The municipality has been instrumental in building main roads, drainage systems, and waterworks for public convenience, significantly improving sanitation and public welfare. The drainage system cost ₹3 lakh. Water is supplied to the town from a reservoir at Marlimund Tiger Hill.

• Notable Buildings and Institutions: The text mentions the Madras Bank building, a library, Christian churches, the District Club, the Gymkhana Club, the Government Botanical Garden, educational and medical schools, and various commercial establishments.

  • Library: Established in 1857, it houses over 15,000 books.
  • Churches: The oldest church is St. Stephen's.
  • Government Botanical Garden: Established in 1847 during the tenure of the Marquis of Tweeddale, it is located around the Government House and covers 51 acres.

• Languages: The local languages spoken are Tamil and Malayalam.

• Conclusion: The book concludes by encouraging readers to absorb the beauty of Ooty, its natural wonders, and its structures. It emphasizes experiencing Ooty not just as a developed city but as a place to cherish nature's gifts. The journey is presented as an experience to be remembered for a lifetime.

In essence, "Utakamand" is a richly descriptive and appreciative travelogue designed to introduce young readers to the allure of Ooty, highlighting its geographical features, historical development, natural beauty, and the overall enchanting experience it offers.