Land of promise

S.P. Gupta dwells on Haryana’s glorious past and vibrant present 

HARYANA has a rich cultural heritage and great traditions. Little wonder, then, that it is called the divine land. This is the land where many important battles that changed the course of Indian history were fought.

Aryan life and Vedic literature flourished and developed in Haryana. This area — between the mythical Sarswati and the Yamuna — has been testimony to the unfolding of Indian history and culture.

Haryana is a culturally rich state and all national festivals are celebrated here with great gusto. At Kurukshetra a solar eclipse fair is organised and people come from all over the world to have a holy dip in the Sarovar. Exhibitions, plays and cultural shows are also organised during the fair.

Pehowa, too, has a festival in March, where people donate in cash and kind to propitiate the spirits of their forefathers.

In Kalayat a fair is organised in the memory of Kapil Muni. At Ram Rai, festivals of Pooranmasi are held during Baisakhi and Kartik.

Remains of archaeological importance have been found in Kurukshetra, Agroha, Thanesar, Hansi and Tosham. At Tosham archaeological excavations prove that a Buddhist civilisation flourished there.

The state has been named Haryana because it is believed that Lord Krishna’s chariot passed through this land. Haryana is the birth place of the Vedas and Lord Krishna delivered the holy sermon of the Bhagvadgita here.

Many invaders attacked Haryana. Alexander’s forces refused to move towards this area because of legandary valour of the people. Among the valiant warriors of Haryana were Rao Tula Ram, Hamu and Raja Nahar Singh. Haryana also played a key role in India’s struggle for freedom. Mahatma Gandhi visited this area several times.

During the 1857 war of independence, people of this area revolted against the British Government. Raja Nahar Singh, the king of Ballabhgarh, fought bravely against the British.

The Nawab of Jhajjar was hanged to death during the freedom struggle. Many people were detained and their properties confiscated. Haryanvi soldiers also fought bravely in the wars with Pakistan and China.

Haryana’s past has been glorious and dynamic. And so is its present. It has made remarkable social and economic development within a short span of 36 years.

Delhi is surrounded on three sides by Haryana. In fact, Delhi is only five hours by road from the farthest point in Haryana. This locational advantage has placed Haryana on the national and international map. The proposed National Capital Region covers one-third of the area of Haryana, and one-fourth of its population. This region has good potential for industrial growth.

Since there is no hill station in Haryana, the government has promoted the concept of highway tourism, using the state’s strategic location advantageously. Pubs, cafeterias and rest houses have been opened along the highway. Haryana shares with Tamil Nadu the distinction of having the best highways in the country.

The battles of Panipat have marked important watersheds in Indian history. Panipat is now famous for its cottage industries and handloom products. Gurgaon and Faridabad are important industrial towns.

Sihi in Faridabad is the birth place of Surdas. The land is dotted with places of pilgrimage, antiquity and tradition, reminiscent of the days gone by when sages and philosophers compiled epics and sacred texts. Religion, philosophy and mythology coalesce in this land. 

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