Haryana

Haryana is a landlocked state in northern India. It is bordered by Punjab and Himachal Pradesh to the north and Rajasthan to the south and west. The state surrounds Delhi on three sides. Its capital is Chandigarh, which is a union territory of India.

Haryana was a part of Kuru region. The state cradled the Indus Valley (Banawali and Rakhigarhi) and Vedic Civilisation flourishing on the bank of the Saraswati River (now lost its existence). Many decisive wars were fought, including the great war of Mahabharata and the three battles of Panipat, here in Haryana.

Harshavardhan, an Indian emperor and son of Prabhakarvardhan, established his capital at Thaneshwar near Kurushetra.

Vibudh Shridhar, an apabhramsha writer, founded Haryana in 12th century AD.

British administered Haryana as part of the Punjab Province.

Haryana was craved out as India’s 17th state on linguistic basis on 1st November, 1966 by Sardar Hukum Chandra Parliamentary Committee. The state comprises 20 districts and 127 blocks. There are four administrative divisions, including Ambala, Rohtak, Gurgaon and Hissar.

Haryana is India’s major contributor of milk and foodgrain. It is self-sufficient in food production. The state manufactures India’s largest manufacturer of cars, two-wheelers and tractors. The state has the third highest per capita income in India.

Haryana’s major seasonal river is Ghaggar, rises in the outer Himalaya between the Yammuna and the Sutlej River and enters Haryana near Pinjore in Panchkula district.

Major ethnic groups of Haryana are Jat and Yaduvanshi Ahir.

Haryana experiences continental type of climate with hot summers and cold in winters. About 80% rainfall occurs in the monsoon season.

The state is rich in flora and fauna. There are thorny, dry, deciduous forests and thorny shrubs. Mulberry, pine, kikar, eucalyptus, shisham and babul are some tree found here. It is home to more than 300 bird species.

Haryana is well connected by rail, road and air. It is the main base of two out of 16 India’s airlines.