Haryana India

Haryana
Wikipedia Article: Haryana

Haryana is a state located in the northern part of India. It was carved out after the linguistic reorganisation of Punjab on 1 November 1966. The state capital is Chandigarh, which it shares with the neighbouring state of Punjab; the most populous city is Faridabad, a part of the National Capital Region. The city of Gurgaon is among India's largest financial and technology hubs. (Wikipedia)

Overview

Haryana, situated in northern India, was established on November 1, 1966, following the linguistic reorganization of Punjab. The state shares its capital, Chandigarh, with Punjab and is bordered by Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, while enveloping Delhi on three sides. Despite covering less than 1.4% of India's land area, Haryana plays a pivotal role in the nation's agriculture and industrial sectors.

History

Haryana's history is rich and ancient, with evidence of pre-Harappan settlements found at sites like Rakhigarhi, which is one of the largest Indus Valley Civilization sites in India. The region has seen the rise and fall of various empires, including the Mauryas, Guptas, and Mughals. In the medieval period, it was part of the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire. The British annexed the area in the 19th century, and it became part of the Punjab Province until Haryana was carved out as a separate state in 1966.

Culture and Ethnicity

Haryana's culture is a blend of traditional and modern influences. The state is known for its folk music, dances like Ghoomar and Saang, and festivals such as Teej and Holi. The people of Haryana, referred to as Haryanvis, are known for their valor and have a significant presence in the Indian armed forces. The society is composed of various communities, including Jats, Brahmins, Rajputs, and others, each contributing to the state's rich cultural tapestry.

Major Cities

• Chandigarh: The shared capital of Haryana and Punjab, known for its modern architecture and urban planning.
• Gurgaon (Gurugram): A leading financial and industrial hub, home to numerous multinational companies and IT firms.
• Faridabad: An industrial city and the most populous in the state, part of the National Capital Region.
• Hisar: Known for its historical significance and as a center for steel and textile industries.
• Panipat: Historically significant for the three major battles fought here; now a center for textile production.
• Ambala: A strategic city with a significant military presence and a major railway junction.

Temples and Palaces

Haryana is home to several ancient temples and historical structures:

• Bhima Devi Temple Complex: Located in Pinjore, this temple dates back to the 8th century and showcases intricate sculptures.
• Kalayat Ancient Bricks Temple Complex: Situated in Kalayat, these temples are significant for their architectural style.
• Adi Badri: Believed to be the origin of the Saraswati River, this site holds religious importance.
• Firoz Shah Palace Complex: Built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in Hisar, this complex includes a mosque, a palace, and a bath.
• Asigarh Fort: Located in Hansi, this fort has historical significance dating back to the 12th century.

Geography

Haryana's terrain is primarily composed of the flat alluvial plains, with the Shivalik Hills in the northeast and the Aravalli Range in the south. The Yamuna River forms the eastern boundary, while the Ghaggar River flows through the northern part of the state. The soil is fertile, supporting extensive agriculture.

People and Ethnicity

The state's population comprises various ethnic groups, including Jats, Brahmins, Rajputs, Gujjars, and others. Each community has its own customs and traditions, contributing to the state's diverse cultural landscape.

Cuisine

Haryanvi cuisine is characterized by its simplicity and use of fresh ingredients. Staples include wheat-based breads like roti and paratha, along with dishes such as kadhi, saag, and churma. Dairy products like milk, ghee, and buttermilk are integral to the diet.

Healthcare

Haryana has made significant strides in healthcare, with institutions like Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences in Rohtak and several private hospitals such as Medanta and Fortis in Gurgaon. The state has also implemented various health programs to improve maternal and child health.

Religions

Hinduism is the predominant religion in Haryana, followed by Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Jainism, and Buddhism. The state is known for its religious harmony and hosts various religious sites and festivals.

Tourism

Haryana offers a mix of historical, cultural, and natural attractions:

• Kurukshetra: A sacred city associated with the Mahabharata, featuring sites like Brahma Sarovar and Jyotisar.
• Sultanpur National Park: A bird sanctuary near Gurgaon, attracting migratory birds.
• Pinjore Gardens: Also known as Yadavindra Gardens, these Mughal-era gardens are a popular tourist spot.
• Morni Hills: The only hill station in Haryana, offering scenic views and trekking opportunities.
• Damdama Lake: A natural lake near Sohna, ideal for boating and picnics.

Politics and Government

Haryana operates under a parliamentary system with a unicameral legislature. The state has 90 assembly constituencies and sends 10 members to the Lok Sabha. The political landscape has been dominated by parties like the Indian National Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, and regional parties.

Transportation

Roads

Haryana boasts a well-developed road network, including national highways like NH-44 and NH-48. The state is part of the Golden Quadrilateral project and has several expressways, such as the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway and the Western Peripheral Expressway.

Airports

The state has several airports:

• Chandigarh Airport: Serving the capital region.
• Hisar Airport: Being developed as an aviation hub.
• Karnal, Bhiwani, Narnaul, and Pinjore Airports: Primarily used for pilot training and regional connectivity. (Wikipedia)

Rail Services

Haryana is well-connected by rail, with major stations in Ambala, Hisar, and Rohtak. The state is part of the Northern Railway zone and features both passenger and freight services. The Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, starts from Kalka in Haryana.

Pilgrimages

Haryana is home to several pilgrimage sites:

• Kurukshetra: Associated with the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita.
• Jyotisar: Believed to be the place where Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita.
• Kapal Mochan: A sacred site for Hindus and Sikhs.
• Nada Sahib: A Sikh gurdwara near Panchkula.

IT Industry

Gurgaon has emerged as a major IT and financial hub, hosting numerous multinational companies and startups. The city offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, making it a preferred destination for the IT industry.

Hospitals

Haryana has a mix of government and private hospitals providing quality healthcare: