Haryana  *

 

 

    Haryana traces its history to Vedic times. It was the homeland of the Bharat dynasty which has given its name to this country. It was at Kurukshetra in Haryana that the epic battle of Mahabharat was fought. It guarded the entry to Delhi and had to face the wrath of all the invaders. Panipat was devastated thrice by trials of strength between powers contesting for political supremacy. The people of Haryana rose in revolt against the British in 1857 and the Raja of Rewari and the Nawab of Jhajjar were deprived of their estates in retribution. Their territories were handed over to the rulers of Patiala, Jind and Nabha who had remained loyal to the British.

 

    Haryana is among the most progressive states in India – agricultural development has been tremendous. Haryana is also popularly known as the milk pail of India.

 

    Major industries are cement, sugar, cotton textiles, cycles, refrigerators, hand tools, sanitary ware, televisions, steel tubes, tractors and automobiles. Faridabad and Gurgaon are two prominent industrial districts. Haryana contributes 11.2 per cent of all the soldiers in the Indian Army.