Experience Haryana Along the Highways

History is Haryana’s most attractive feature — there is a lot of it around. From the site of the mythic Mahabharata war to several epoch-changing battles down the ages; from hundreds of monuments, pilgrimage centres and archeological sites, the state has plenty to sate the curiosity of the keen traveller.

Experience Haryana: Along the Highways is the complete illustrated guide to some better known cities and lesser visited small towns of Haryana, unveiling Mughal-era monuments, isolated tombs, historic temples and shrines, old havelis and archeological sites along the way.

Hit the highways to savour the simple joys of rural life and local cuisine or unwind at many of Haryana’s world-class hotels or golfing retreats. For the adventurous there is rock climbing, para-sailing, canoeing and river rafting in picturesque locations.

Refer to Where to Stay and Where to Eat for the most comprehensive listing of hotels and eating options in the state.

Administered as part of the Punjab province of British India, Haryana came into being with the reorganisation of the state of Punjab on November 1, 1966. The state is bordered by Uttar Pradesh in the east, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh in the north and Rajasthan and the National Capital Territory of Delhi in the south.

Haryana is seen primarily as an agricultural state with a growing economy, but the state has a significant past. It was part of the Kuru province in the north. It was in this region that many historic battles such as the epic battle of Mahabharata and the three battles of Panipat were fought. Historic evidence also suggests that Indus Valley and Vedic civilizations flourished on the banks of the Saraswati River, which reportedly once flowed through the region.

The first reference to the state can be found in ancient literature such as the Brahmanas and Atharva Veda. There are various views about the origin of the name, Haryana. The Mahabharata refers to the region as Bahudhanyaka, as “full of greenery and vegetation’ The Skanda Purana calls it Hariala, on account of its greenery. Some link its name to Hari or Lord Vishnu as the rulers of ancient Haryana belonged to Harivansham dynasty. Some associate the current name to King Harish Chandra of Oudh. A Jam poet Pushpadant, who lived near Rohtak, describes the region as “Haryanu” in his book Mahapurana. An inscription (1328 AD) in Delhi Museum also mentions this area that included Delhi (Dhillika) as founded by the Tomars.

Due to its geographical location in the north, it was in Haryana that many foreign invaders first arrived and took shelter. It was here that many important historic battles were fought that left a permanent mark on the social milieu and culture of the region.

Haryana is considered the abode of the Early Man who perhaps found the territories around the foothills of Aravalis and Shivaliks ideal for shelter. The fertile plains of the Indus attracted various early nomadic tribes to migrate from the north-west to settle in and around the present day Haryana. Certain discoveries in the Shivalik Hills have led to the conclusion that Early Man perhaps lived in the Pinjore region around Chandigarh about one and a half crore years ago. Traces of lndus Valley Civilization have also been found in some places in Haryana, though archaeologists and historians are divided on its era, some believing it to be the civilization of the Vedic Aryan while others of the prearyan era. Post Harappan period, most of the historic sites associated with the Mahabharata have yielded painted grey wares dating to circa 10th century BC In the early historic period that saw the advent of janapadas (16 great states), the Kuru Mahajanapada is said to fall in this part of the country. Again, the discovery of archaeological remains in Hisar and Fatehabad point to the presence of Mauryas in the region. In the 2nd century BC, Yaudheyas, Agreyas, Kunindas and Bhadras tribes established small kingdoms here till the arrival of Kushanas. Numerous sculptures, terracotta and coins found at Rohtak, Yamunanagar, Bhiwani, Jhajjar and Hisar districts and Kurukshetra bear testimony of Kushan period.

In fourth century AD, Haryana came under the rule of the Gupta Empire. In early sixth century, the Hunas invaded India and established their rule over north-eastern India, including Haryana. A Pehowa inscription, dated 882 AD, shows that Haryana was ruled by the famous Gurjara Pratihara King, Bhojdeva (837—885 AD), towards the close of seventh century AD. The region flourished during the reign of Pratiharas and Tomars. The towns of Panipat, Hisar, Thanesar, Hansi, Sohna, Kaithal and Farukhnagar rose to prominence during the Sultanate period.

Being close to Delhi, Haryana held immense attraction for all those who wished to establish their authority in the north. Of these, the Pathans, the Mughals, the Afghans, the Sikhs, the Marathas, and even the British, visited the region and built many monuments here, some of which have survived and make for an enjoyable visit.

Today, Haryana is making rapid progress in agriculture and industry. The state is the largest producer of passenger cars, tractors, motorcycles, bicycles and scientific instruments. It is also known for its bumper crop of rice, wheat, bajra and oil-seeds. The state is also associated with information technology industry; Gurgaon is ranked third in India in software exports.

A highway tourist destination, the state has a network of 46 tourist complexes across the highway routes offering accommodation and good eating options for travellers. Moving away from its image of a halt-spot the state also offers various adventure sports activities and is emerging as a golf destination with world class facilities.,

A colourful and vibrant state, festivals are an integral part of its culture. The Surajkund Crafts Mela is now a regular event bringing craftsmen not only from all over India but neighbouring countries as well. Adding to the state’s charmis the lively spirit of its people, who welcome visitors with their enduring light heartedness.