Rajaji Sanctuary was named after C. Rajagopalachari lovingly known as Rajaji, the first Governor General of independent India, as it was on his behest that the sanctuary was created. It is said that when Rajaji, the newly appointed Governor General, was invited for a hunt but he was so impressed by the biological diversity and plethora of wild animals in the area that instead of hunting, he suggested the creation of a wildlife sanctuary in the area. The intent notification of Rajaji National Park (henceforth also referred to as the park) was issued on 12th August 1983. The park extends over the Shivalik Range from the Dehradun-Saharanpur road in the north-west to the Rawasan River in the southeast, with the Ganges dividing it into two parts. Some of the basic features of the Shivalik hill formations are to be seen in the park, and it is rightly known as a veritable storehouse of Shivalik biodiversity and eco-system.