Haryana GK for CET Exam

If you’re preparing for the Haryana Common Entrance Test (CET), it’s important to have a good understanding of the state of Haryana, as questions related to its geography, history, economy, culture, and politics may be asked. Below is a detailed overview of Haryana that can help you prepare for the exam:

Overview of Haryana

Formation: Haryana was carved out of Punjab on 1 November 1966 as a separate state.
Capital: Chandigarh (shared with Punjab).
Largest City: Faridabad.
Districts: 22 districts.
Official Language: Hindi.
State Animal: Blackbuck.
State Bird: Black Francolin.
State Tree: Peepal.
State Flower: Lotus.

Geography of Haryana

Location: Haryana is located in northern India and is part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
Boundaries:
- North: Punjab and Himachal Pradesh
- East: Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh
- South: Rajasthan
- West: Rajasthan and Punjab
Rivers: Yamuna, Ghaggar, and Markanda.
Climate: Haryana has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.
Soil: Fertile alluvial soil, suitable for agriculture.

History of Haryana

Ancient History:
- Haryana was part of the Indus Valley Civilization (sites like Rakhigarhi and Banawali).
- It was the birthplace of the Vedic Civilization (Saraswati River region).
- The epic Mahabharata was fought in Kurukshetra.
Medieval History:
- Haryana was ruled by the Mughals and later by the Marathas.
- The Battle of Panipat (1526, 1556, 1761) was fought in Haryana.
Modern History:
- Haryana played a significant role in the 1857 Revolt.
- It became a separate state in 1966 after the reorganization of Punjab.

Economy of Haryana

Agriculture:
- Known as the “Granary of India”.
- Major crops: Wheat, rice, sugarcane, cotton, and mustard.
- Haryana is a leading producer of basmati rice.
Industry:
- Major industrial hubs: Gurgaon (Gurugram), Faridabad, Panipat, and Sonipat.
- Key industries: Automobiles, textiles, IT, and pharmaceuticals.
Per Capita Income: One of the highest in India.

Culture of Haryana

Festivals:
- Teej, Gugga Naumi, and Baisakhi are widely celebrated.
Folk Music and Dance:
- Folk dances: Ghoomar, Jhumar, and Phag.
- Folk songs: Ragini and Saang.
Cuisine:
- Popular dishes: Kadhi Pakora, Bajra Khichdi, and Hara Dhania Cholia.
Traditional Dress:
- Men: Dhoti-Kurta with a turban.
- Women: Shirt-Lehenga with a dupatta.

Politics and Administration

Governor: The constitutional head of the state.
Chief Minister: The head of the government.
Legislature: Unicameral (Haryana Legislative Assembly with 90 seats).
Lok Sabha Seats: 10.
Rajya Sabha Seats: 5.

Tourist Places in Haryana

Kurukshetra: A holy city known for the Mahabharata and the Brahma Sarovar.
Panipat: Famous for the three historic battles.
Sultanpur National Park: A bird sanctuary near Gurgaon.
Pinjore Gardens: Mughal-style gardens in Panchkula.
Chandigarh: The capital city, known for its architecture and Rock Garden.

Education in Haryana

Universities:
- Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra.
- Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar.
- National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kurukshetra.
Literacy Rate: Approximately 75.55% (as per the 2011 Census).