Haryana State Information: Complete Guide to Haryana: History, Geography, Economy & Tourism

• Haryana is located in the northern part of the country.
• It is bordered by Punjab and Himachal Pradesh to the north, by Rajasthan to the west and south, while river Yamuna forms its eastern border with Uttar Pradesh.
• Haryana as a state came into existence on 1 November 1966 after being carved out of the former state of East Punjab on a linguistic basis.
• It is ranked 21st in terms of an area covering an area of 44,212 km².
• The state capital is Chandigarh, which it shares with the neighboring state of Punjab.
• The Faridabad city is a part of the National Capital Region.
• Haryana ranks 11th among Indian states in the human development index.
• The official language of Haryana is Hindi. Punjabi was recognized as the second official language of Haryana for government and administrative purposes in 2010. Several regional languages or dialects are spoken in the state like Haryanvi, Hindustani, Mewati, Braj Bhasha, etc.

State of Haryana: Comprehensive Guide

Brief History of Haryana

• Ancient Roots: Haryana’s history traces back to the Vedic period. The region finds mentions in ancient texts like the Rigveda and is associated with significant historical events, such as the Mahabharata war fought at Kurukshetra.
• Medieval Period: During the medieval period, Haryana was part of various kingdoms, including the Mauryan, Kushan, and Gupta Empires. The region later came under the control of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire.
• British Era: Haryana was part of Punjab Province under British rule. The state was active in the freedom struggle, and several uprisings against British rule took place here, especially during the Revolt of 1857.
• Formation of Haryana: Haryana was carved out of the larger Punjab state on November 1, 1966. The division was based on linguistic lines, with Hindi-speaking regions forming Haryana.

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Boundaries and Geographic Location

Haryana is strategically located in northern India, sharing boundaries with:

• North: Punjab and Himachal Pradesh
• West: Rajasthan
• South: Delhi and Uttar Pradesh
• East: Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh

Haryana also surrounds the national capital, Delhi, on three sides, which influences its economic and political significance.

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Geography of Haryana

Geographic Divisions

Haryana’s geography can be divided into four main regions:

• Yamuna-Ghaggar Plain: A fertile agricultural area in the eastern part of Haryana, rich in alluvial soil, ideal for farming.
• Shivalik Hills: Located in the northeastern parts, these low hills are the extension of the Shivalik range.
• Aravalli Range: The Aravalli hills extend into southern Haryana, primarily around districts like Gurgaon.
• Semi-Desert Sandy Plain: Found in the southwestern parts, this area has arid and semi-arid conditions.

Topography

The state has diverse topography, ranging from lowlands in the plains to hills in the northern and southern parts. The elevation varies, with Shivalik hills in the northeast and lower plains in the southwest.

Geology

Haryana’s geology is influenced by two major geological systems:

• Alluvial Plains: Formed by the deposits of rivers, these plains cover a significant part of Haryana.
• Aravalli System: The Aravallis, one of the oldest mountain ranges, enter Haryana from Rajasthan. The region around this range has a unique terrain and mineral composition, including quartzite and granite formations.

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Rivers of Haryana

The major rivers flowing through Haryana are:

• Yamuna River: The most prominent river in Haryana, flowing along the state’s eastern boundary, crucial for irrigation.
• Ghaggar River: Often considered the remnant of the mythical Saraswati river, Ghaggar flows through northern Haryana and is a seasonal river.
• Saraswati River: Although considered extinct, efforts are underway to revive the river based on its historical and cultural significance.
• Markanda and Tangri: These are seasonal rivers originating from the Shivalik Hills, contributing to Haryana’s agricultural irrigation.

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National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

Haryana, though relatively small, has several protected areas, including:

• Sultanpur National Park: Located in Gurgaon, it’s a famous bird sanctuary, attracting migratory birds from Europe and Siberia.
• Kalesar National Park: Situated in the Yamunanagar district, this park lies in the Shivalik range and is rich in biodiversity, including leopards, barking deer, and various bird species.
• Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in Jhajjar district, it is the largest wetland in Haryana and supports diverse migratory and resident bird populations.

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People and Demographics

Haryana has a diverse population with distinct cultural attributes.

• Languages: Hindi is the official language, with Haryanvi as the local dialect. Punjabi and Urdu are also spoken.
• Religion: Hinduism is the major religion, followed by Sikhism, Islam, and Christianity.
• Culture: Haryana’s culture is rooted in its agrarian lifestyle, reflected in its folk dances (e.g., Ghoomar and Jhumar), music, and traditional festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Teej.
• Literacy and Urbanization: Haryana has a literacy rate of around 76%, and cities like Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Panchkula have seen rapid urbanization and economic development.

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Economy of Haryana

Haryana has a robust economy with a focus on agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

Agriculture

• Known as the “Green Revolution” state, Haryana has made significant contributions to India’s food grain production, especially in wheat and rice.
• Crops: Key crops include wheat, rice, sugarcane, cotton, and mustard.
• Irrigation: The state’s extensive canal irrigation system, including the Western Yamuna Canal, supports its agricultural output.

Industrial Growth

• Haryana’s proximity to Delhi has fueled industrialization in areas like Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Sonipat.
• Automobile Hub: Gurgaon and Manesar are major automobile manufacturing centers, home to companies like Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp.
• Textiles and IT: Haryana is also known for textile and information technology (IT) industries, particularly in Gurgaon.

Service Sector

• IT and BPO: Gurgaon is a leading city for IT and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies.
• Real Estate: The demand for real estate has grown in areas around Delhi, especially Gurgaon.

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Tourism in Haryana

Haryana’s proximity to Delhi makes it a popular tourist destination, offering historical, religious, and natural attractions.

• Historical Sites:
• Kurukshetra: Famous for its association with the Mahabharata, Kurukshetra is a major pilgrimage center with sites like Brahma Sarovar and Jyotisar.
• Panipat: Known for the three battles that shaped Indian history, with memorials and the Panipat Museum.
• Religious Tourism:
• Jyotisar: Located in Kurukshetra, this is believed to be the site where Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna.
• Pehowa: A significant site for Hindu pilgrimage, especially for performing rituals for ancestors.
• Natural Attractions:
• Morni Hills: Haryana’s only hill station, located near Panchkula, offers scenic views and is popular for trekking.
• Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary: A paradise for bird watchers, with migratory birds arriving each winter.

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Conclusion

Haryana, with its vibrant history, strategic location, and thriving economy, holds a significant place in India’s cultural and economic landscape. Its development in agriculture, industry, and services, along with its commitment to preserving its rich history and natural beauty, makes Haryana an important state for UPSC and PSC students to understand thoroughly. From Kurukshetra’s historical importance to Gurgaon’s modern industrialization, Haryana represents a fusion of tradition and progress, making it a fascinating study in India’s journey.

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