Dehradun, the capital of the state of Uttarakhand, has a total population of 5,69,000 and ranks as the 30th largest Hindi speaking city of India. Highest employment in Dehradun district is in the government, in the tourism sector and in industry. The district has 76% of the workforce in these sectors, 20% in the agricultural sector and 4% household workers. Dehradun is located in the Doon Valley on the foothills of the Himalayas and is nestled between the River Ganga on the east and the river Yamuna on the west. The city is famous for its picturesque landscape, cooler climate and provides a gateway to the hill stations of the region. The Forest Reserve Institute of Dehradun is virtually synonymous with the evolution of scientific forestry in the Indian Subcontinent. The location of the city, the local traditions and literary texts indicate this regions links with the events of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Ancient temples and idols dating back to 2000 years have been found in the area surrounding Dehradun. Dehradun derives its name from the episode when Shri Ram Rai, the eldest son of the Seventh Sikh Guru Har Rai Ji, set up his "Dera" (camp) in the "Doon" (valley) in 1676. Dera Doon later became Dehradun. Dehradun was invaded by Mahmud of Ghazni during his campaigns into India followed by Taimooralang in 1368, Ruahela Njibuddulo in 1757 and Ghulam Qadir in 1785.
