Haryana

Haryana is a state in northern India. It shares borders with Punjab to the west, Himachal Pradesh to the north, the union territories of Chandigarh and Delhi to the south, and the states of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to the east and southwest. The state capital is Chandigarh, which is a union territory that also serves as the capital of Punjab and Haryana. The region lies in the fertile north Indian plain and has a diversified economy that combines agriculture with growing industry and services.

The name Haryana is believed to derive from Sanskrit, typically interpreted as the land of Hari or the abode of God. The modern state was created on November 1, 1966, when Punjab was reorganized to form Haryana. Historical evidence in the region includes ancient and medieval settlements, with sites from the Indus Valley civilization to later periods.

Hindi is the official language of Haryana, and Haryanvi is widely spoken as a regional language. As of the 2011 census, the population was about 25 million, with a growing urban share concentrated in major towns and cities such as Gurugram (Gurgaon) and Faridabad.

Economy and culture: Haryana has a diversified economy. Agriculture remains important, with crops such as wheat, rice, and sugarcane. The state also hosts a substantial industrial and services sector, particularly in Gurugram and nearby areas within the National Capital Region, including information technology, manufacturing, and logistics. Transportation infrastructure is robust, with extensive road and rail networks. Cultural traditions include folk music and dance, wrestling and traditional sports, and fairs such as the Surajkund Mela. The Rakhigarhi site in Hisar district reflects the region’s ancient archaeological heritage.