History of Garhwal (Uttarakhand) Garhwal was also known as Gadhdesh. In ancient times, 52 bastions are reported here. The residents of Garhwal are very brave, healthy, beautiful and straightforward since ancient times. The Garhwalis have a lot of power in the Indian Army by the name of Garhwal Regiment. At present there are two divisions in Garhwal. One Kumaon Mandal and one Garhwal Mandal. At present there are 13 districts in Uttarakhand. There are seven districts in Garhwal division and 6 districts in Kumaon division. In ancient times, Garhwal was a kingdom.And Kumaon also used to be a state. So