Explanation:

Kumaon is believed to have been derived from Kurmanchal, meaning land of the Kurmavatar (the tortoise incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver according to Hinduism). The region of Kumaon is named after as such. According to another theory the word Kumaon can be traced back to the 5th century BC. The Kassite Assyrians left their homeland 'Kummah', on the banks of river Euphrates, and settled in the northern part of India. During the time of the British control of the region, between 1815 and 1857 it was also known as Kemaon.