The Haryana Junction

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Haryana, a state in north India formed on 1 November 1966, has a very fertile land and is called the Green Land of India. The state of Delhi is landlocked on three sides by Haryana. The capital city of Haryana is Chandigarh, which is also the capital of Punjab. The largest city of Haryana is Faridabad. The state of Haryana is stretched over an area of 44, 212 sq. Haryana can be divided into two na

tural areas; sub-Himalayan Terai and Indo-Gangetic plain. The plain is fertile and slopes from north to south with a height above sea level, averaging between 700 and 900 ft. South-west of Haryana is dry, sandy and barren. Haryana has no perennial river. The Ghaggar river flows through Haryana and passes through northern fringes of the state. The region now known as Haryana - the Madhyama Dis (middle region) of the Later Vedic Period (c. 800-500 BC) - has been the birthplace of the Hindu religion. It was in this area that the first hymns of the Aryans were sung and the most ancient manuscripts were written. Urban settlements in Ghaggar Valley date from 3000 BC. From about 1500 BC, Aryan tribes became the first of many groups to invade the region. The area was the home of the legendary Bharata dynasty, which gave India its Hindi name, Bharat. The epic battle between the Kauravas and Pandavas, recorded in the Mahabharata, took place at Kurukshetra. In the 3rd century BC, the area was incorporated into the Mauryan Empire. It later became an important power base for the Mughals; the battle of Panipat in 1526 established Mughal rule in India. Hindus constitute about 90 percent of Haryana's population. Most of the state's Sikh population is located in the northeast and northwest; Muslims are concentrated in the south-eastern districts adjoining Delhi. Jats (a peasant caste) form the backbone of Haryana's agricultural economy. Although roughly 75 percent of the population is rural, cities have been growing rapidly as commercial, industrial, and agricultural marketing centres. Haryanvis are simple, straight-forward, enterprising and hard-working people. Preserving their old religious and social traditions, they celebrate festivals with traditional fervour. The region has its popular folklores, folksongs and musical instruments. The women are devoted and diligent and assist their men-folk on the farms. The people have simple food habits. They are known for their love for cattle and the abundance of milk and curd in their diet.

21/08/2026

Traditional Baniya Shop
In the villages of Haryana, traditional Baniya Shops have largely been replaced by modern establishments featuring contemporary lighting and glass display counters, designed to visually appeal to customers. However, just a few decades ago, a typical village relied entirely on a dimly lit merchant’s shop, usually situated in the outer room of an old haveli. These quintessential shops were densely packed with provisions stored in tins, gunny bags, and on wooden shelves.

Last week, while traveling from Meham to Gohana, I encountered one such traditional shop in a local village. Situated at the facade of a *haveli* constructed around 1870, the store was established seven generations ago by the ancestors of its current 76-year-old proprietor. Although a significant portion of the mansion has now collapsed or fallen into ruin, the site remains steeped in history. During my visit, the local elders gathered there shared fascinating insights about the village’s early settlement and its historical architecture. They noted that the timber used for the haveli’s intricate woodwork was originally imported from Burma. Furthermore, the unique design of its wooden brackets is a rare architectural element, seldom seen elsewhere in Haryana today.

25/06/2026

⚠️⚠️ SAVE Tohana Baoli ⚠️⚠️

23/06/2026

Haryana through Minimal Layered Illustration.

14/06/2026

हरियाणा के गांव अपनी ठेठ ग्रामीण जीवन शैली, पौष्टिक खान-पान, गहरी पैठी हुई परंपराओं और जीवंत लोक संस्कृति के लिए लंबे समय से विख्यात रहे हैं। यहाँ की मिट्टी में एक अद्वितीय और सौंधी महक है—एक ऐसी सुगंध जो आज भी गर्व और अपनेपन की एक असीम भावना को जागृत करती है। यद्यपि आधुनिकीकरण की निरंतर बढ़ती गति ने व्यापक ग्रामीण परिदृश्य को निस्संदेह परिवर्तित कर दिया है, फिर भी रोहतक, हिसार, भिवानी, महेंद्रगढ़, रेवाड़ी और जींद जैसे जिलों के सुदूर भीतरी इलाके आज भी अपनी प्राचीनता से दृढ़तापूर्वक जुड़े हुए हैं, जो बीते युगों के विशुद्ध आकर्षण और स्थापत्य कला की गूंज को सहेजे हुए हैं।

इन कृषि प्रधान हृदय स्थलों में, हर बदलता मौसम गांव को एक बिल्कुल नए रंग में रंग देता है, लेकिन ज्येष्ठ का प्रचंड महीना एक विशेष रूप से उल्लेखनीय और परिवर्तनकारी प्रभाव लेकर आता है। कठोर जलवायु परिस्थितियों के कारण, दैनिक जीवन की मूलभूत लय में एक नाटकीय और व्यावहारिक बदलाव देखने को मिलता है। समय के सदुपयोग की प्राचीन कहावतों को चरितार्थ करते हुए, भोर की पहली किरण फूटने से बहुत पहले ही ग्रामीणों का दैनिक परिश्रम आरंभ हो जाता है। पशुओं के लिए चारे का प्रबंध करना, सुबह-सुबह मवेशियों का दूध दुहना, पारंपरिक चूल्हों को तपाना और खेतों में महत्वपूर्ण कृषि कार्यों को निपटाना—ये सभी आवश्यक कृषि और घरेलू कार्य अलसुबह के ठंडे और अनुकूल प्रहर में ही पूरी तत्परता से संपन्न कर लिए जाते हैं।

जैसे-जैसे सूर्य आकाश में ऊपर चढ़ता है, पारा लगातार बढ़ता जाता है और झुलसाने वाली, शुष्क लू का प्रकोप शुरू हो जाता है। दोपहर होते-होते, संपूर्ण गांव एक प्रचंड और घुटन भरी गर्मी की चपेट में आ जाता है। गांव की कभी चहल-पहल से भरी रहने वाली भूलभुलैया जैसी सड़कें और संकरी पगडंडियां (गली, गोहर और गोरे) एक शांत, धूप से झुलसे हुए निर्जन स्थान में तब्दील हो जाती हैं। इस कष्टदायी ताप से राहत पाने के लिए पुरुष, महिलाएं, बच्चे और वयोवृद्ध जन अपने घरों में शरण लेते हैं। यहां तक कि स्थानीय जीव-जंतु भी—चहचहाते पक्षियों से लेकर आवारा पशुओं तक—धूप के इन खुले मैदानों से लुप्त होकर छायादार ठिकानों की तलाश में निकल जाते हैं।

इन झुलसाने वाले घंटों के दौरान जीवन के एकमात्र संकेत कुछ छिटपुट, छायादार सामुदायिक आश्रय स्थलों में ही दृष्टिगोचर होते हैं। पारंपरिक ग्राम्य सरोवरों (जोहड़ों) के निकट, वृद्ध पुरुषों को बरगद, पीपल और नीम के विशाल, प्राचीन वृक्षों की सघन छतरियों के नीचे सुकून तलाशते हुए देखा जा सकता है। वे यहां केवल गर्मी से बचने के लिए ही एकत्र नहीं होते, बल्कि अपने मवेशियों और भैंसों को शीतलता प्रदान करने के लिए जोहड़ के पानी में उतार देते हैं। दूसरी ओर, सामुदायिक चौपालों और नोहरों में, ग्रामीण भाईचारे की भावना पूरी तरह जीवंत हो उठती है। यहां, पारंपरिक हुक्के की लयबद्ध गड़गड़ाहट ताश के पत्तों के फेंटे जाने की ध्वनि के साथ एकाकार हो जाती है। जब सभी पुरुष इस तपती दोपहर को इत्मीनान से एक साथ बैठकर बिताते हैं, तो यह साझा संताप काफी कम बोझिल प्रतीत होने लगता है।

आवासीय बस्तियों से परे, पुरानी, ढहती हुई हवेलियां और दुर-दुर तक फैले खेत दोपहर के इस सन्नाटे को प्रतिबिंबित करते हैं। सुनहरी रबी की फसलों की कटाई चूंकि पहले ही हो चुकी होती है, जिसके चलते बंजर धरती जहां तक नज़र जाए वहां तक विस्तृत दिखाई देती है और खरीफ की बुवाई के लिए आवश्यक आगामी मानसूनी बौछारों की मौन प्रतीक्षा करती है। हालाँकि, जैसे ही यह उग्र दोपहर धीरे-धीरे ढलती है और सूर्य अस्ताचल की ओर प्रस्थान करता है, गांव में जीवन का एक स्पष्ट और नया स्पंदन फिर से हिलोरे मारने लगता है। शांत सड़कें कदमों की आहट, खेलते हुए बच्चों के कोलाहल और पड़ोसियों की बातचीत की सुखद गूंज के साथ फिर से जाग उठती हैं, जो अंततः शाम की गतिविधियों के एक जीवंत चरम में परिणत होती है। इस प्रकार हरियाणवी ग्रामीण जीवन की यह शाश्वत और चक्रीय लय अपना एक और दिन पूर्ण कर लेती है।

⚠️ Copyright Content

18/04/2026

An exhibition on the heritage of rural Haryana, organized by the district administration in Rohtak.

“This World Heritage Day, let’s celebrate the soul of Haryana, where history is carved in stone and woven in fabric. Our legacy stands in the echoing depths of ancient baolis and the intricate, fading facades of structures like Sirsa’s Ganeriwala Haveli. Yet, our heritage lives just as vibrantly in the intangible—the rhythmic spinning of sut, the bold swish of a traditional ghagra or dhaman, and the warmth of a hand-stitched razai made of reja. From Bagad to Mewat, let’s pledge to protect the monuments that anchor our past and the living traditions that color our everyday present.”

12/04/2026

Tucked away in the historic town of Narnaul, Haryana, lies a forgotten architectural marvel that effortlessly blends Mughal grandeur with brilliant ancient engineering. Known as Mirza Ali Jan ki Baoli, this 16th-century stepwell is far more than just a water reservoir; it is a stunning relic from the reign of Emperor Akbar. Built by the local governor, Nawab Mirza Ali Jan, the structure stands out not just for its depth, but for the majestic “Takht” or throne that crowns it. As you approach, you are greeted by a massive arched gateway crafted from grey stone, topped by an elegant, eight-pillared chhatri. This elevated pavilion served as a luxurious resting place for the Nawab, allowing him to oversee the area and enjoy the cool breeze rising from the deep waters below.

What makes this stepwell truly fascinating is the scientific foresight woven into its design. The entire structure is meticulously aligned in a North-South direction. This was no aesthetic accident; the orientation ensured that the main water chamber remained shielded from the harsh, direct rays of the midday sun, significantly reducing evaporation in the scorching Haryana heat. In its heyday, a Persian wheel continuously drew up cool water to irrigate a surrounding paradise of lush gardens. Today, as you carefully walk down the exposed flight of steps into the three-story depths, the air noticeably cools, and you can almost feel the echoes of the Mughal era. It is a deeply atmospheric spot, shaded by verdant trees and offering a quiet, poetic retreat for any history enthusiast willing to step off the beaten path.

21/03/2026

The sole Haveli of the historic city of Sirsa has been demolished. When I visited Sirsa last month, I discovered that the Ganediwala Haveli—situated right in the heart of the city, within the Chandni Chowk market—was in the process of being torn down. It was the city’s only Haveli, built in the early 20th century by Seth Ganediwala (who had migrated from Rajasthan); renowned for its stone carvings and murals, it spanned an area of approximately 1,000 square yards. Although the Haveli still stood strong and sturdy, it was nonetheless sacrificed to make way for the construction of a new market. Seth Ganediwala was the wealthiest individual in Sirsa, possessing vast landholdings—even in several major cities across what is now Pakistan—at that time. During the 19th century, when the British administration was undertaking the redevelopment and resettlement of Sirsa, the Ganediwala family was specifically invited by the British government to settle there and establish their trade operations. Today, countless such heritage sites across Haryana have either perished due to sheer neglect or stand precariously on the brink of extinction. Such is the lack of accurate information surrounding this site that even a national newspaper erroneously described it as a 200-year-old Haveli.

23/02/2026

This weekend, I visited three major archaeological sites of Haryana: Thed Sirsa, Agroha, Rakhigarhi and some heritage points of Jind district. New excavations have begun at Agroha and Rakhigarhi, while the Sirsa archaeological mound, which had been illegally occupied by people, has been converted into houses. The administration performed a remarkable job in 2018-19, not only clearing the mound but also protecting it by building a boundary wall around it. According to historians, this mound once housed the Sirsa Fort.

Agroha, located in the Hisar district, is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of India as the legendary capital of King Agrasen and the traditional origin of the Agrawal community. Excavations here have unveiled a remarkable, continuous settlement dating from the 4th century BCE right up to the 14th century CE. Digs have unearthed fascinating artifacts, including coins from the ancient Agrodaka republic, a hoard of Indo-Greek currency, and the structural remains of a significant Buddhist stupa and Hindu temples.
Further west lies Thed Sirsa, a prominent archaeological mound right in the heart of modern-day Sirsa. This site is widely believed to be the ancient city of Sairishaka, which finds mention in the epic Mahabharata. The layers of earth here tell a story of virtually uninterrupted human occupation. Findings start from the Painted Grey Ware (PGW) culture of the early Iron Age and stretch all the way into the medieval period, making it a crucial site for understanding the region’s continuous historical timeline.
Perhaps the most globally recognized of the three is Rakhigarhi, also situated in the Hisar district. This site completely rewrote the history books when it was identified as one of the largest known metropolises of the Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilization. The site reveals a highly organized ancient world, complete with sophisticated drainage systems, paved streets, terracotta toys, and granaries. More recently, excavations in its necropolis have provided groundbreaking DNA evidence, offering unprecedented and vital insights into the ancestry and lives of the Harappan people.

23/01/2026

बसंत पंचमी का त्योहार और हरियाणा की धरती की खूबसूरती - यह मेल सच में बहुत शानदार है। जब हम दक्षिणी और पश्चिमी हरियाणा की तरफ जाते हैं, खासकर फतेहाबाद से हिसार, भिवानी, चरखी-दादरी, महेंद्रगढ़ और रेवाड़ी की तरफ, तो नज़ारा मनमोहक होता है।

जहां तक नज़र जाती है, बसंत के चमकीले पीले रंग में डूबे सरसों के खेत हवा में झूम रहे होते हैं। ऐसा लगता है जैसे प्रकृति ने धरती पर पीले मखमल का कालीन बिछा दिया हो। ये लहराते हुए खेत सिर्फ़ एक फसल नहीं हैं, बल्कि हमारे किसान भाइयों की कड़ी मेहनत और आने वाली खुशहाली का प्रतीक हैं।

हवा में सरसों के फूलों की मीठी खुशबू फैली होती है और खेतों में खिलता यह 'पीला सोना' मन को एक अनोखी शांति देता है। देवी सरस्वती आप सभी के जीवन को ज्ञान और खुशियों की रोशनी से भर दें।

आप सभी को बसंत पंचमी की बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएँ!...🌼🌼

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