About Haryana, India

• Haryana, located in northern India, was established on November 1, 1966.
• It was carved out of the former state of Punjab on linguistic grounds.
• Chandigarh serves as the capital of both Haryana and Punjab.
• The state is bordered by Punjab and Himachal Pradesh to the north, Rajasthan to the west and south, and Uttar Pradesh and Delhi to the east.
• Haryana is the 17th largest state in India by area, covering approximately 44,212 square kilometers.
• As of the 2011 census, Haryana has a population of about 25.3 million.
• Hindi is the official language of Haryana.
• Haryanvi, a dialect of Hindi, is widely spoken throughout the state.
• The state is divided into six administrative divisions: Ambala, Faridabad, Gurugram, Hisar, Rohtak, and Karnal.
• These divisions are further divided into 22 districts.
• Haryana's geography is largely characterized by the Indo-Gangetic plain.
• The Sutlej, Yamuna, and Ghaggar are the major rivers flowing through the state.

History

• The region has a rich history dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization.
• Evidence of settlements from this period has been found at sites like Rakhigarhi and Kunal.
• Haryana was the site of the epic Battle of Kurukshetra, as mentioned in the Mahabharata.
• The state has been ruled by various empires, including the Mauryas, the Guptas, and the Mughals.
• Panipat, in Haryana, was the site of three significant battles in Indian history.
• The first Battle of Panipat (1526) marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India.
• The second Battle of Panipat (1556) solidified Mughal power.
• The third Battle of Panipat (1761) saw the defeat of the Maratha Empire by the Afghan forces.
• During British rule, Haryana was part of the Punjab province.
• The demand for a separate Haryana state gained momentum in the mid-20th century.
• This culminated in the formation of Haryana in 1966.

Economy

• Haryana has a significant agricultural sector, contributing substantially to India's food production.
• Wheat and rice are the major crops grown in the state.
• Haryana is known as the "Grain Bowl of India".
• The state has a well-developed industrial sector, particularly in the areas around Gurugram and Faridabad.
• The automotive, IT, and textile industries are prominent in Haryana.
• Gurugram is a major hub for multinational corporations and IT companies.
• Haryana has a high per capita income compared to other states in India.

Culture

• Haryana has a vibrant culture with a mix of traditional customs and modern influences.
• Haryanvi folk music and dance forms are popular in the rural areas.
• Ragini, a form of folk poetry, is a distinctive feature of Haryanvi culture.
• Traditional Haryanvi cuisine includes dishes like Bajra Khichdi, Kadhi Pakora, and Lassi.
• The Surajkund International Crafts Mela is an annual event that showcases arts and crafts from around the world.

Tourism

• Haryana has several historical and religious sites that attract tourists.
• Kurukshetra, the site of the Mahabharata battle, is a major pilgrimage destination.
• Brahma Sarovar is a sacred water tank in Kurukshetra.
• Jyotisar is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna.
• Sultanpur National Park is a bird sanctuary near Gurugram.
• Pinjore Gardens, also known as Yadavindra Gardens, is a Mughal-style garden located in Pinjore.

Key Facts

• Haryana Day is celebrated on November 1st each year.
• The state animal of Haryana is the Blackbuck.
• The state bird is the Black Francolin.
• The state tree is the Peepal.
• The state flower is the Lotus.
• Haryana has a unicameral legislature.
• The Haryana Legislative Assembly has 90 seats.
• The state sends 10 representatives to the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian Parliament).
• Haryana sends 5 representatives to the Rajya Sabha (upper house of the Indian Parliament).
• The High Court of Punjab and Haryana is located in Chandigarh.

Education

• Haryana has a growing education sector with numerous universities and colleges.
• Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) in Rohtak is one of the oldest and largest universities in the state.
• Kurukshetra University is another prominent institution known for its academic programs.
• The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Kurukshetra is a leading engineering college.
• Ashoka University, located in Sonipat, is a well-regarded private university focusing on liberal arts.
• Haryana has made significant strides in improving literacy rates in recent years.

Government and Administration

• The Governor is the constitutional head of the state, appointed by the President of India.
• The Chief Minister is the head of the state government and is elected by the Members of the Legislative Assembly.
• The state government is responsible for maintaining law and order, implementing development programs, and providing public services.

Recent Developments

• Haryana has been focusing on improving its infrastructure, including roads, railways, and power generation.
• The Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway has improved connectivity in the state.
• The state government has been promoting investments in various sectors through investor-friendly policies.
• Haryana is actively promoting sports and has produced many successful athletes in recent years.
• The state has implemented various social welfare programs to improve the living standards of its citizens.