Haryana became an independent state on 1st November 1966, initially comprising seven districts: Ambala, Jind, Karnal, Hisar, Rohtak, Gurugram (Gurgaon), and Mahendragarh. Over time, the state was reorganized, adding 15 more districts to better manage its growing population and resources. The formation of these districts occurred over various years, which are crucial milestones in the state’s administrative history.
Learning outcomes:
- Understand the chronological formation of Haryana’s districts.
- Recognize the significance of each district’s historical and cultural roots.
- Analyze Haryana’s industrial, agricultural, and educational landmarks.
Presently, Haryana consists of 22 districts, structured into six administrative divisions, which include tehsils, subdivisions, and blocks.
To efficiently manage its population and resources, Haryana has been divided into six administrative divisions:
Ambala is situated in northern Haryana, bordered by Yamunanagar, Panchkula, and the Punjab districts of Mohali and Patiala. The origin of Ambala’s name is subject to several theories:
Key Historical Points:
Significance:
Ambala has emerged as a prominent military hub in India and is dubbed the “Scientific City”, with 35% of scientific instruments manufactured here. The city’s mixi industry, glass production, and Dari (carpet) industry have significant historical and economic importance. It houses the Northern Railway Zone headquarters and other key industries, including metal casting and food processing.
Kurukshetra, located in Northern Haryana, is deeply embedded in Indian religious and historical narratives:
Kurukshetra holds the Mahabharata war as one of its most significant events, attracting pilgrims to its numerous 360 sacred sites, including the Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth, one of India’s 51 Shaktipeeths. The region has extensive rice cultivation, especially basmati rice, making it a key player in Haryana’s agricultural economy.
Major Attractions:
Yamunanagar is rich in natural beauty, bordered by the Shivalik Hills and rivers like the Saraswati and Somb. It is a vital industrial city, producing hydraulic jack parts, copper and aluminum utensils, and boasts Asia’s largest sugar mill, the Saraswati Sugar Mill.
Key historical insights show that during the Mahabharata era, Yamunanagar (then Jagadhri) was known as Yogendra. The city’s former name was Abdullapur, and its timber market, established in 1947, continues to be one of the largest in India. Yamunanagar is also known for its plywood clusters and fruit and vegetable production.
Panchkula was formed in 1995, making it the second smallest district by area. Its name derives from the five irrigation canals (Panch meaning five, Kul meaning canal). The district is a part of the Tricity, including Chandigarh and Mohali. Panchkula boasts several tourist attractions:
Panchkula has developed rapidly with a focus on electronics, IT parks, and is a key military area with the Western Command headquarters located here.
Important Note: Panchkula, being in a fault zone, is highly earthquake-prone, posing risks to its urban development.
Located in the south, Faridabad is known for its industrial prominence. Established in 1979 to rehabilitate migrants after partition, Faridabad has since grown into Haryana’s most populated district. It is famous for its henna production and industries like Cera Sanitary Ware, Escort Limited, and JCB India Limited.
Faridabad also houses significant landmarks such as the Nahar Singh Base, Environmental Court, and Nahar Singh Stadium, where the first international cricket match was held in 1988.
Nuh (formerly Mewat), established in 2005, lies in southern Haryana and is bordered by Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. It holds the Country’s first mobile court and is recognized for its tourist attractions such as the Classic Golf Resort and Chuhimal Pond. This district also has a unique demographic, recording the highest sex-ratio in Haryana.
Palwal, located in the southern part of the state, is known as the City of Cotton. It boasts deep historical ties with the Pandavas from the Mahabharata period. The Mahatma Gandhi Ashram, founded in 1938, and the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose foundation, highlight the region’s contribution to India’s freedom movement. Palwal is also significant for its cycle and sugar industries.
The district of Gurugram is a hub of modern industrial and corporate development. Historically linked to Guru Dronacharya, this district houses India’s first live entertainment theater at the Kingdom of Dreams. Gurugram, often dubbed Cyber City, is home to multinational corporations and offers a plethora of employment opportunities. The Maruti Udyog factory, established in 1983, played a pivotal role in its development.
Key Features:
h
Mahendragarh, located in the southern part of the state, holds significant historical importance, tracing its roots to King Anangpal and his cousin Naun Karan. The district is home to Dhosi Hills, the highest point in the Aravalli range, and is known for lac bangle production. Despite being rich in mineral resources, Mahendragarh stands out as the only district where the headquarters is Narnaul, not the namesake city.
Rewari, renowned for its brassware industry, also has historical significance dating back to the Mahabharata. The city’s Rezang La Memorial honors the valor of the Ahir Regiment, and its Hero Honda Motors factory is a major contributor to the local economy. Rewari also boasts the first cancer institute in Haryana.
Important Note: Rewari’s railway station is the largest and oldest in Haryana, dating back to 1873.
Founded by Feroz Shah Tughlaq in 1354 AD, Hisar stands as one of Haryana’s most industrially significant cities. It is also historically vital as the region contains Rakhigarhi, the largest Harappan civilization site. Hisar’s semi-arid climate makes it a primary center for cotton production. The city is also known for textile mills and the National Research Centre on Equines.
Major Industries:
Jind, known for its historical connection to Jayanti Devi, is one of Haryana’s oldest districts. It played a prominent role in the Indus Valley Civilization and was the capital of Raja Gajpat Singh’s kingdom. Its significant temples, including the Vijaya Devi Temple, and its vibrant leather cleaning industry, are notable features.
Important Note: Jind is recognized as Haryana’s heart and leads in buffalo rearing.
Sirsa is the largest district in Haryana, known for its cotton production and citrus fruits. The district has strong historical roots, with mentions in the Mahabharata and being a battlefield for Prithviraj Chauhan against Muhammad Ghori. Sirsa houses Chaudhary Devi Lal University and has the highest cow shed population in the state.
Important Note: Sirsa’s blood donation records are the highest in the world.
Formed in 1997, Fatehabad has a long history tracing back to Emperor Ashoka’s era. It holds significant archaeological sites like the Kunal and Banawali mounds, and its nuclear power plant in Gorakhpur contributes greatly to the state’s energy supply. The district is also known for cotton threads and leather products.
Rohtak, Haryana’s education city, plays a pivotal role in Haryana’s history, particularly during the Indus Valley Civilization. The district is home to Maharishi Dayanand University and significant war memorials. Rohtak also boasts Asia’s largest wholesale clothing market and is a hub for electrical goods, sugar, and hosiery production.
Established in 1972, Sonipat is known as the rice bowl of Northern India and leads the country in mushroom and sunflower production. Its bicycle industry is globally recognized, and the city houses India’s first Tourism University.
Bhiwani, known for its temples and charitable trusts, also gained fame as Mini Cuba of India for its boxing talent. The district houses Haryana’s Board of School Education and is an ancient trade center, with roots tracing back to the Harappan civilization.
Jhajjar was carved out of Rohtak in 1997 and is known for its rich freedom struggle history. The town of Beri is famed for its wealth, while Bahadurgarh is a thriving industrial hub. Jhajjar has been recognized as a major contributor to Haryana’s industrial growth, with plans for a nuclear university.
Charkhi-Dadri, formed in 2016, was named after its historical roots, derived from the Sanskrit word “Dadur”. Known for cement production, it is the only Indian district where flexible sandstone is found.
Karnal, believed to be founded by King Karna, has been pivotal in Haryana’s agricultural economy, often called the Rice Bowl. The National Dairy Research Institute is based here, and Liberty Shoes, produced in Karnal, are exported worldwide.
MCQ:
What is Kurukshetra known for?
Answer: It is famous for the Mahabharata War and the preaching of Srimad Bhagavad Gita.