History of Haryana
Overview
History of Haryana is a crucial component of the Haryana General Knowledge section in HTET. This topic spans from the Indus Valley Civilization to the formation of the modern state in 1966, covering approximately 5,000 years of human settlement and historical events. Questions typically focus on archaeological sites, major battles fought on Haryana's soil, freedom fighters, and the circumstances leading to state formation.
Haryana's geographical position—the land between the Yamuna and Sutlej rivers—made it a gateway to the Indian subcontinent. This strategic location meant that nearly every invader and empire passed through or fought decisive battles here. Understanding this history helps explain not just exam questions but also the cultural identity of the region.
Key Concepts
- Haryana as a Cradle of Civilisation: The region contains some of the largest and oldest Indus Valley Civilisation sites, predating even Mohenjo-Daro in certain aspects. Rakhigarhi is now considered one of the biggest IVC sites globally.
- Land of Mahabharata: The Kurukshetra region is traditionally associated with the Mahabharata war. The name "Haryana" itself may derive from "Hari" (referring to Lord Vishnu/Krishna) or "Hariyana" meaning the abode of God.
- Battlefield of India: Three Battles of Panipat and two Battles of Tarain were fought here, each changing the course of Indian history and determining who would rule Delhi.
- 1857 Rebellion Leadership: Haryana contributed significantly to the First War of Independence, with leaders like Rao Tula Ram becoming symbols of resistance against British rule.
- Late State Formation: Unlike other linguistic states, Haryana was carved out of Punjab only in 1966, making it one of India's younger states. The demand was based on linguistic and cultural identity rather than princely state boundaries.
- Vedic Connections: The region is mentioned in Vedic literature as Brahmavarta (land of Brahma) and was a centre of early Aryan settlement where many Vedic hymns were composed.
Key Facts
| Period | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| Ancient | Rakhigarhi (Hisar) – largest IVC site in India, spread over 350+ hectares |
| Mitathal (Bhiwani) – two cultural phases, pre-Harappan and Harappan | |
| Banawali (Fatehabad) – unique oval-shaped settlement, ploughed field discovery | |
| Bhagwanpura (Kurukshetra) – PGW (Painted Grey Ware) culture site | |
| Agroha (Hisar) – ancient city associated with Agrawal community and Maharaja Agrasena | |
| Medieval | First Battle of Tarain (1191) – Prithviraj Chauhan defeated Muhammad Ghori |
| Second Battle of Tarain (1192) – Ghori defeated Prithviraj, beginning of Muslim rule in India | |
| First Battle of Panipat (1526) – Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi, Mughal Empire founded | |
| Second Battle of Panipat (1556) – Akbar's general Bairam Khan defeated Hemu | |
| Third Battle of Panipat (1761) – Ahmad Shah Abdali defeated Marathas | |
| Modern | 1857 – Rao Tula Ram led uprising from Rewari; Jhajjar Nawab supported rebels |
| 1858 – British suppressed rebellion; Haryana remained part of Punjab | |
| 1966 – Punjab Reorganisation Act; Haryana formed on 1st November 1966 |
Important Freedom Fighters from Haryana:
- Rao Tula Ram (Rewari) – Led 1857 rebellion, died in Afghanistan in 1863
- Lala Lajpat Rai (born in Punjab, active in Haryana region) – "Punjab Kesari"
- Chhotu Ram (Rohtak) – Peasant leader, Unionist Party
- Babu Dayal Sharma – First Chief Minister of Haryana
Worked Examples
Example 1: Which Indus Valley site in Haryana is famous for the discovery of a ploughed field and fire altars?
Solution: Banawali (Fatehabad district). The site revealed a unique oval-shaped town plan, terracotta plough, and evidence of pre-Harappan fire altars. The ploughed field discovery indicates advanced agricultural practices.
Example 2: Arrange the Battles of Panipat in chronological order and identify the victors:
- First (1526): Babur vs Ibrahim Lodi → Babur won (used artillery effectively)
- Second (1556): Akbar (Bairam Khan) vs Hemu → Akbar won (Hemu killed by arrow)
- Third (1761): Ahmad Shah Abdali vs Marathas → Abdali won (Marathas suffered massive losses)
Memory trick: "BAA" – Babur, Akbar, Abdali won the three battles respectively.
Example 3: On what constitutional provision was Haryana formed?
Solution: Haryana was created under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, passed by Parliament. The Shah Commission (headed by Justice J.C. Shah) recommended the division of Punjab into Punjab (Punjabi-speaking), Haryana (Hindi-speaking), and transfer of hill areas to Himachal Pradesh. Chandigarh became a Union Territory and joint capital.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing Tarain and Panipat battles: Tarain (near Karnal) saw Ghori vs Prithviraj. Panipat battles came later and involved Mughals/Afghans. Fix: Remember "Tarain = Twelve century, Panipat = Post-1500."
- Wrong site-district matching: Students often place Rakhigarhi in Fatehabad or Banawali in Hisar. Fix: Use mnemonic "RHi-MiBhi-BaFa" → Rakhigarhi-Hisar, Mitathal-Bhiwani, Banawali-Fatehabad.
- Assuming Haryana existed before 1966: Haryana was part of Punjab under British and post-Independence India until 1966. There was no separate "Haryana" administrative unit earlier. Fix: Always mention "carved out of Punjab in 1966."
- Mixing up Rao Tula Ram with other leaders: He specifically led the 1857 rebellion from Rewari and died in exile in Kabul (1863), not in battle. Fix: Remember "Tula-Rewari-1857."
- Ignoring Vedic-period significance: Many students focus only on IVC and medieval battles, forgetting that Kurukshetra region is mentioned in Rigveda as Brahmavarta. This appears in questions about ancient cultural importance.
Quick Reference
- Rakhigarhi = Largest IVC site in India (Hisar district)
- 1192 = Second Battle of Tarain = Beginning of Muslim rule in India
- Three Panipat Battles: 1526 (Babur), 1556 (Akbar), 1761 (Abdali)
- Rao Tula Ram = 1857 hero from Rewari
- 1st November 1966 = Haryana formation day
- Shah Commission = Recommended Punjab's reorganisation