Haryana- Past and Present

About the Book Haryana, the land of great Epic Mahabharata fame, has had a glorious history. A small state of India, Haryana played vital role in India's freedom struggle. The modem Haryana has made great strides in the field of agricultural production and dairy development.

Of late, Haryana is also emerging as an industrial state exploiting its resource potential and proximity with the seat of national capital, Delhi.

The present book encompasses authoritative information on the past history, society, culture and economy. These topics are categorically discussed in modem context too.

Students, scholars, policy planners and others will find this book a dependable reference tool.

About the Author Dr. Jaiveer S. Dhankhar, is currently teaching in the Department of History, M.D. University, Rohatak (Haryana). He was awarded with Acharya Ram Dev award for his top rank in the M.A. History Examination of M.D. University in 1986.

Subsequently after completion of his M. Phil. in History he was awarded with University Research Fellowship for his Ph.D. programmed in 1988.

Preface Whatever may be origin of the name, Haryana, is the land having long history. The land of gods, as is evident from various mythologies and ancient great epics, Haryana remained the war theatre of Mahabharata as well as other decisive battles fought here later on.

Haryana was part of Punjab state. It became then 17th State of Indian Union on Nov. I, 1966 on bifurcation of bilingual state of Punjab under the Punjab State Reorganization Act, 1966 passed by the Parliament of India. Haryana is a small state with an area of 44212 sq. km., harboring around 1.5 per cent of India's total population. Administratively Haryana is divided into 19 districts.

A major contributor of food grains to the Central pool, Haryana has made tremendous success in dairy development, etc.

Of late Haryana has become conscious in exploiting the potential of industrial development. Proximity to national capital has provided Haryana special opportunities. As such Gorgon is emerging as a city of Information Technology, housing much multinational software and IT companies in India. Tourism, handicrafts and industrial development are other areas where Haryana is making great strides.

Combating unemployment. water scarcity in near future, diversion from agrarian to industrial economy, etc., will be major priorities of Haryana at grass-root level.

In the present multi-disciplinary work I have made efforts to put light on ancient history and glorious heritage of Haryana, profile of land and people, modern state, economic development and other major issues. For making the book more comprehensive and authoritative, I have consulted many authentic sources like Gazetteers, published works, Reports etc. As such no claim to originality. I am thankful to all those whose works I have cited.

. . I am thankful to my family members and colleagues for their inspiration, moral support and assistance. My publishers also deserve all appreciation for timely publication of this book.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages