Doti District is one of Nepal's 77 districts and is located in Sudurpashchim Province. This district, which has Silgadhi as its capital, spans 2,025 square kilometres (782 square miles), with a population density of 207,066 in 2001 and 211,746 in 2011.
Etymology
Doti is thought to be derived from the term "Dovati," which means "land between two rivers." It also has many magical mythology and old legends, making it even more appealing to travellers.
History of Doti District
Doti was a Kumaon medieval kingdom. It was created by Niranjan Malla Dev, the Katyuri dynasty's final son and Abhay Pal of Askot's younger brother. Previously, the Raikas controlled the Ramganga River in the west and the Karnali River in the east.
Doti was once a part of the Kumaon Kingdom; now, the remaining Kumaon area is part of Uttrakhand, a state in modern-day India, Nepal's neighbour. During the expansion of the Nepal Kingdom in 1790, the Kingdom of Kumaon lost Doti.
It arose from the breakup of the Katyuri Kingdom in the 13th century. Doti was one of eight princely kingdoms created during the separation, all of which claim Katyuri ancestry.
The following are the other seven known states:
- Dwarahat
- Askot
- Bajinath-Katyuri
- Sira
- Sui
- Sora
- Baramandal
The invasions of Khas Kings Ashoka Challa and Krachalla from the Karnali zone (Dullu) in 1191 and 1223, respectively, are blamed for the Katyuri Kingdom's demise.
After the foundation of the Katyuri's dynasty Raikas Doti, the entire territory between the Ramganga in the west (Uttarakhand) and the Karnali in the east (which divides the far western region from other parts of Nepal) fell under the Raikas' dominion. Katyuri King Brahma Dev founded Brahma Dev Mandi in Kanchanpur, a district inside Mahakali.
Conflict with Gorkha
Nari-Dang, which sits on the bank of the Seti River, was the historic site of conflict between the Doti Kingdom and the Gorkha Kingdom during the era of the Expanding Kingdom of Nepal in 1790 Dumrakot was the Doti Kingdom's base during the warfare against the Gorkhalis.
Doti was conquered by Gorkha troops, who then destroyed many historical landmarks in Doti to obscure the town's famous courage and resilience. Ethnic discrimination plagued the Dotyali people, who were regularly barred from government employment and positions of power.
In 1950, a few Dotyalis managed to be national heroes based on their bravery, boldness, and contribution to their country.
Martyr Dashrath Chand of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Martyr Bhim Dutta Pant of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and K.I. Singh, a revolutionary who subsequently became Prime Minister, are among them.
Famous Dotyali language of Doti
Dotiyali is a native language spoken in Nepal's Doti area, in the far western part of the nation, related to Kumauni, a language spoken by people in Kumaon, a state in modern-day India, Nepal's neighbour.
According to Rahul Sankrityayan, Dotiyali is a Kumauni dialect brought to Doti by a branch of the Kumauni Katyuri family, which reigned over Doti until 1790.
After the Katyuri kingdom was divided into eight princely kingdoms representing different parts of the Katyuris, the Doti kingdom was created. Nonetheless, it is considered a Nepali dialect in Nepal; however, local intellectuals and Doti, who speak Dotiyali, are increasingly asking that their language be recognized as one of Nepal's national languages.
Nature in Doti
Doti is one of Nepal's lesser-known natural wonders. The district's natural beauty cannot be disputed. The district is home to two large rivers, the Seti and Mahakali, both historically and ecologically significant in Nepal.
The district includes hill valleys and the inner terai valleys. It's a fantastic place to go if you want to get away from the city and spend some time with nature. Alpine meadows, woods, hills, lakes, and creeks abound in the region, making it a fantastic spot to climb and travel while taking in the scenery.
Shaileshwar Temple at Doti
The Shaileshwari temple is located in Nepal's Doti district, in Silgadhi. It is a holy site and one of the few tourist sites in the extreme west. Goddess Shaileshwari is one of many manifestations of Bhagwati/Durga, and people have tremendous confidence in her, just as they do in any other form of Bhagwati/Durga.
According to legend, the goddess would fulfil their destiny. There is a frequent bus service from Dhangadhi, Kailali, to Dadeldhura, and then to Silgadhi, Doti in the highlands. Flights are also available from Silgadhi to Dipayal, the Far Western Development Region's headquarters.
Before undertaking any job, the people of Silgadhi pray to goddess Shaileshwari. Shaileshwari was one of seven sisters and a brother in a family of eight.
A Shiva lingam, Ganesh, Chaturbhuj Narayan, Masta, and Bhairab are among the deities in the temple complex. Masta Maharaj is the goddess Shaileshwari, and there is a temple dedicated to him in the Shaileshwari tourism area.
How can you reach the Doti district?
Both by air and by car, Doti is easily accessible. Flying to Silgadhi Airport is the most convenient method to get to Doti. Buses go from Kathmandu to Dhangadi and subsequently from Dhangadi to Dipayal. From Dhangadi to Doti, buses and taxis are available.