Haryana GK: Exam-Focused Detailed Notes#
These topics summarize essential facts, figures, and concepts about Haryana that are frequently asked in competitive exams such as Haryana CET, HSSC, and other state recruitment tests.
1. History of Haryana#
- Ancient Period: Part of Vedic Civilization; mentioned in Rigveda as the land of Kurus and Panchala; Kurukshetra is the legendary battlefield of Mahabharata.
- Medieval Period: Became a battleground due to its location between Delhi and Punjab.
- The three famous Battles of Panipat (1526, 1556, 1761) changed Indian history.
- Under Mughal and later Maratha influence.
- Modern Period:
- Important during 1857’s First War of Independence.
- Haryana was part of Punjab province during British rule.
- Became a separate state on 1 November 1966.
- Key Events/Movements:
- Arya Samaj Movement, Freedom Struggle, Punjabi Suba Movement led to statehood.
2. Geography#
- Location: Northern India; shares borders with Punjab, Rajasthan, UP, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi.
- Area: 44,212sq.km (approx. 1.4% of India’s area).
- Districts: 22 districts (latest – Charkhi Dadri, 2016).
- Rivers:
- Main: Yamuna (east boundary), Ghaggar-Hakra (seasonal).
- Others: Markanda, Sarasvati (mythical).
- Climate:
- Subtropical, hot summers, cold winters, monsoon (July-September), semi-arid west, fertile east.
- Soils: Alluvial in north/east; sandy in west/southwest.
- Natural Resources: Salt, gypsum, and limestone.
- Major Cities: Chandigarh (capital), Gurugram (IT hub), Faridabad, Karnal, Hisar.
3. Politics & Administration#
- State Formation: Formed on 1 Nov 1966 (from Punjab) based on language.
- State Capital: Chandigarh (shared with Punjab).
- Legislative Assembly: Unicameral, 90 members.
- Parliament Seats: Lok Sabha – 10, Rajya Sabha – 5.
- Current Key Leaders (2025):
- Governor, Chief Minister, Leader of Opposition (Check latest updates for names).
- Administrative Divisions: 6 divisions – Ambala, Hisar, Rohtak, Gurgaon, Karnal, Faridabad.
- Notable CMs: Bhagwat Dayal Sharma (1st), Bansi Lal, Devi Lal, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Manohar Lal Khattar.
- Important Initiatives: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (launched in Panipat), e-governance projects, sports promotion.
4. Economy & Agriculture#
- Economy: Among top GDP contributors (main engine: industries, agriculture, services).
- Agriculture:
- Wheat and Rice: Major crops; part of India’s “Green Revolution” belt.
- Other crops: Millet, sugarcane, cotton, oilseeds, barley.
- Irrigation: Western Yamuna Canal, Bhakra Nangal, tube wells.
- Industries:
- Automobile hub (Maruti Suzuki in Gurugram/Manesar).
- IT/BPO (esp. in Gurugram).
- Textile, Sugar, Dairy, Cement.
- Livestock: High livestock population; noted for Murrah buffaloes, dairy products.
- Schemes: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Mera Pani Meri Virasat, Bhavantar Bharpai.
5. Culture & Festivals#
- Folk Dances: Ghoomar, Dhamal, Phag, Loor, Gugga, Khoria.
- Music/Art: Ragini, Swang, folk tales.
- Traditional Attire:
- Men: Dhoti, kurta, pagdi.
- Women: Ghagra, choli, odhni.
- Cuisine: Bajra khichdi, churma, kachri, lassi, butter/ghee, saag.
- Festivals:
- Teej, Holi, Diwali, Lohri, Basant Panchami.
- Gita Jayanti Mahotsav (Kurukshetra), Surajkund Crafts Mela (Faridabad).
- Customs: Joint family, panchayat system, Jat culture.
6. Important Personalities & Contributions#
- Freedom Fighters: Lala Lajpat Rai, Rao Tula Ram, Pandit Neki Ram Sharma.
- Political Leaders: Devi Lal, Bansi Lal, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Manohar Lal Khattar.
- Sports: Olympic medalists like Neeraj Chopra (javelin), Yogeshwar Dutt, Sakshi Malik (wrestling).
- Literature/Culture: Uday Bhanu Hans (poet), Phoolan Devi (folk singer).
- Industrialists: O.P. Jindal (Jindal Group).
- Other Fields: Saina Nehwal (badminton), Kapil Dev (cricket), Vijender Singh (boxing).
7. Important Places & Monuments#
| Place | Importance |
|---|---|
| Kurukshetra | Mahabharata battlefield, Brahma Sarovar |
| Panipat | Three historic battles |
| Sultanpur National Park | Bird sanctuary, ecotourism |
| Hisar (Rakhigarhi) | Harappan/Indus Valley civilization site |
| Gurugram | Modern IT hub, corporate city |
| Thanesar | Religious pilgrimage, Sthaneshwar Mahadev |
| Agroha | Birthplace of Agrasen Maharaj |
| Pehowa | Ancient town referred in Mahabharata |
| Brahma Sarovar | Sacred pond in Kurukshetra |
| Jyotisar | Krishna delivered Bhagavad Gita here |
| Bhakra Nangal Dam | Major irrigation source (though in Punjab) |
| Shekh Chilli’s Tomb | Mughal-era monument in Kurukshetra |
8. State Symbols#
| Symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| State Animal | Black Buck (Kala Hiran) |
| State Bird | Black Francolin (Kala Teetar) |
| State Tree | Peepal |
| State Flower | Lotus |
| State Sport | Wrestling (Kushti) |
| State Dance | Ghoomar |
| State Dress | Daman (for women) |
Quick Exam Revision Points#
- Haryana formed: 1 Nov 1966
- Largest district (area): Bhiwani
- Capital: Chandigarh (shared)
- Major rivers: Yamuna, Ghaggar
- Famous battles: Panipat (3), Battle of Karnal
- Famous personalities: Lala Lajpat Rai, Kapil Dev, Neeraj Chopra
- Sports: Maximum contribution to Indian Olympic contingent
- Economy: Agriculture and industry are both strong contributors
- Cultural highlight: Surajkund Crafts Mela
These points capture the most probable, exam-oriented facts for Haryana General Knowledge.