Haryana, located in the northern part of India, emerged as a separate state on November 1, 1966, following its linguistic division from East Punjab. With an area spanning 44,212 square kilometres, it ranks 21st in terms of size within the country.
Its capital is Chandigarh, which it shares with Punjab, while Faridabad serves as its most populous city, forming an integral part of the National Capital Region. Notably, Gurgaon stands out as a major financial and technological hub in India.
Haryana boasts 32 special economic zones primarily focused on industrial corridor projects, contributing to its economic prosperity. It ranks 13th in the country with a GDP of 7.65 trillion. The state is also celebrated for its historical richness, monuments, and vibrant tourism.
It shares borders with Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh while surrounding Delhi on three sides, making it an essential component of the National Capital Region for developmental purposes.
This article will explore the diverse aspects of Haryana, including its rich history, cultural heritage, economic significance, and pivotal role within the National Capital Region of India.
Haryana, a state in northern India, derives its name from the ancient Abhira community renowned for its agricultural expertise. Anthropologists suggest that the name evolved from Abhirayana to Ahirayana to Hirayana, finally becoming Haryana.
Its history dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization, evidenced by sites like Rakhigarhi and Bhirrana. During the Vedic era, it was part of the Kuru Kingdom and the supposed location of Manu's Brahmavarta.
Medieval Haryana saw the reign of dynasties like the Pushyabhuti and Tomara, and later, it became a battleground for various empires, including battles led by Hem Chandra Vikramaditya against the Mughals and Afghans. Under British rule, it was part of Punjab province.
After Partition, it became East Punjab, and eventually, on November 1, 1966, Haryana was established as a separate state under the Punjab Reorganisation Act. Bhagwat Dayal Sharma served as its first Chief Minister.
In Haryana, according to the 2011 census, Hindus comprise the majority of the population at 87.46%, followed by Muslims at 7.03% and Sikhs at 4.91%. The Muslim community, mainly the Meos, predominantly resides in the Nuh district.
Haryana boasts the second largest Sikh population in India after Punjab, with concentrations in districts bordering Punjab like Sirsa, Jind, Fatehabad, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Ambala, and Panchkula.
Language diversity adds another layer to the state's demographics. While Hindi serves as the official language, Haryanvi (also known as Bangru) dominates central and eastern regions.
In the northeast, Hindi and Punjabi are prevalent, Bagri in the west, Deshwali in the east, and Ahirwati, Mewati, and Braj Bhasha in the south. Urdu and Punjabi are also spoken, with Punjabi recognised as the second official language for government and administrative use since 2010.
Additionally, Haryana has a mix of speakers from neighbouring states and other parts of the subcontinent, including languages like Bengali, Bhojpuri, Marwari, Mewari, and Nepali, as well as smaller communities speaking languages like Bauria, Bazigar, Gujari, Gade Lohar, Oadki, and Sansi.
Haryana boasts a rich cultural tapestry, with its own distinctive music, dance, and arts. Traditional folk music and dances play a vital role in satisfying the cultural needs of the predominantly agrarian and martial communities of Haryana.
The state's musical folk theatre, including Saang and Ragini, has gained popularity over time. Haryanvi folk dances are characterised by fast and energetic movements categorised into festive-seasonal, devotional, and ceremonial-recreational genres.
Folk music, marked by its day-to-day themes and earthy humour, takes forms like Classical and Desi Folk music, reflecting various aspects of life, from love and valour to harvest celebrations.
Music and dance serve as unifying forces, bridging societal differences, and fostering inclusivity among the diverse communities of Haryana. Moreover, with the rise of urbanisation, there's a growing trend of community participation in public arts, showcasing the state's cultural cohesion through murals and graffiti.
Alongside its vibrant culture, Haryana's cuisine, predominantly vegetarian, reflects its agricultural heritage, with staples like roti, saag, and milk products. The societal fabric of Haryana is woven with the concept of an inclusive society, embracing the diversity of its "36 Jātis" or communities, exemplifying unity in diversity.
Located in northern India, Haryana is a landlocked state renowned for its diverse geographical features and abundant hydrography. Encompassing an area between 27°39' to 30°35' N latitude and 74°28' to 77°36' E longitude, it covers 1.4% of the nation's landmass.
Haryana's elevation varies from 200 to 1200 meters above sea level, offering a tapestry of landscapes ranging from the fertile Ghaggar Plain to the majestic Karoh Peak in the Sivalik Hills, which stands as the state's highest point.
Its borders connect with four states and two union territories, fostering a rich cultural and economic tapestry. The state is intersected by numerous rivers and seasonal rivulets originating from the Himalayas and the Aravalli Range, while its climate transitions between scorching summers, temperate winters, and monsoon showers.
Despite grappling with environmental challenges such as pollution and deforestation, Haryana sustains remarkable biodiversity, with a plethora of flora and fauna thriving in its forests, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries.
The thorny, arid deciduous forests and shrublands provide a habitat for diverse species, including mulberry, eucalyptus, pine, kikar, shisham, and babul. Haryana's wildlife encompasses iconic creatures like the blackbuck, nilgai, panther, fox, mongoose, jackal, and wild dog, complemented by a vibrant bird population boasting over 450 species.
The state demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental conservation through initiatives spearheaded by the Haryana Forest Department, dedicated to safeguarding its natural heritage for posterity.
Haryana's administration is streamlined into divisions and districts for efficient governance and law enforcement. It comprises six revenue divisions - Ambala, Rohtak, Gurgaon, Hisar, Karnal, and Faridabad - ensuring effective control.
Additionally, there are 11 municipal corporations and various councils catering to urban areas. With 22 districts, each equipped with subdivisions, tehsils, and municipalities, the state ensures comprehensive coverage.
Law and order are maintained by the Haryana Police, organised into five ranges and four commissionerates.
Notably, Haryana prioritises e-governance, providing citizens with online services through Common Service Centres (CSCs) and the UMANG app. Initiatives like Aadhaar-enabled birth registration underscore the state's progressive approach to governance.
Haryana's economy has showcased remarkable growth, registering a 12.96% increase from 2012 to 2017. By 2017-18, it boasted a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of US$95 billion, with services accounting for 52%, industries for 30%, and agriculture for 18%.
Notably, Gurgaon stands out as a hub for IT services, while the state leads in manufacturing, notably in the production of automobiles and appliances, contributing significantly to India's industrial output. Haryana's agricultural sector remains robust, characterised by high-yield crops and fruits.
In terms of infrastructure, the state has made substantial investments, boasting extensive road networks, widespread electrification, and diverse power sources.
Additionally, well-connected transportation networks facilitate seamless connectivity across the region. Telecommunication facilities and media channels further augment connectivity, aiding in the state's overall development endeavours.
Haryana's healthcare system prioritises maternal and infant health, evident in its total fertility rate of 2.3 and infant mortality rate of 41. The state is home to renowned medical institutions like Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences and prominent private facilities such as Medanta and Max Hospital.
In the realm of education, Haryana has made significant strides, with a literacy rate of 76.64% showing marked improvement since 2001.
The state boasts a vast educational network comprising over 20,000 schools, including both government and private institutions, as well as a robust university system featuring 48 universities and over 1,000 colleges.
Initiatives like the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology in Kurukshetra underscore Haryana's dedication to technical education.
In terms of sports, Haryana has emerged as a powerhouse, making substantial contributions to India's medal tally in prestigious events like the Commonwealth Games and the National Games.
Notable athletes such as Sakshi Malik, Neeraj Chopra, and Saina Nehwal hail from the state, epitomising its rich sporting culture and global achievements.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Haryana is committed to furthering its reputation as a sports hub, prioritising the development of athletic talent and promoting physical fitness among its populace.
In conclusion, Haryana, born out of linguistic division in 1966, has evolved into a thriving state, blending rich history, diverse demographics, and a robust economy.
From its ancient roots to its modern-day prominence, Haryana epitomises progress, resilience, and cultural richness. With its vibrant culture, booming economy, and commitment to advancement, Haryana stands as a shining example of unity in diversity, enriching the fabric of India.