The formation of Haryana as a separate state is a pivotal chapter in India's history of state reorganization, reflecting the socio-political, linguistic, and cultural aspirations of its people. Haryana was carved out of the erstwhile Punjab state on November 1, 1966, a culmination of decades of demand for a distinct identity based on linguistic and cultural differences. This article delves into the demand for Haryana's formation, the actual separation from Punjab, and the role of the States Reorganization Commission (SRC) in shaping the process.
Demand for a Separate Haryana State
Historical Background
The demand for a separate Haryana state had its roots in the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Punjab region. Haryana's distinct identity emerged from its:
Historical Heritage: Haryana has a rich historical lineage, tracing back to the Vedic era, Mahabharata, and the Harappan civilization. The regions cultural ethos differed from the predominantly Sikh culture of Punjab.
Linguistic Differences: Haryana predominantly speaks Haryanvi dialect, a variant of Hindi, whereas Punjab is associated with Punjabi.
Economic and Social Structure: The agrarian society of Haryana was distinct in terms of practices, traditions, and aspirations.
Linguistic Reorganization Momentum
The Indian independence movement had fostered aspirations for linguistic states, which gained momentum after independence. Haryana's demand was part of this larger trend, with the Hindi-speaking population seeking a state where Hindi and Haryanvi could flourish, distinct from the Punjabi-dominated cultural and administrative environment.
Vishal Haryana Movement
The movement for Haryanas statehood took concrete form in the 1940s and 1950s:
Leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai and Chaudhary Devi Lal championed the cause.
The Vishal Haryana Party was established to mobilize public opinion.
The Hindi-speaking populace felt politically and culturally sidelined in the Punjabi-dominated governance of the united Punjab.
Post-Independence Advocacy
After independence, the demand for a separate Haryana intensified:
1953: The formation of Andhra Pradesh, based on linguistic grounds, bolstered Haryanas case.
The Punjabi Suba movement, which demanded a separate state for Punjabi-speaking people, further highlighted Haryanas linguistic distinctiveness.
Formation of Haryana in 1966 from Punjab
Punjab's Division
The linguistic and political tensions between the Hindi-speaking and Punjabi-speaking populations led to the eventual division of Punjab:
1960s: Agitations in Punjab escalated over language and cultural differences.
Indira Gandhis Leadership: The Prime Minister recognized the inevitability of reorganization and initiated the division process.
Haryanas Birth
On November 1, 1966, Haryana was officially carved out as a separate state:
Haryana: Comprising predominantly Hindi-speaking regions.
Punjab: Retained the Punjabi-speaking areas, with Chandigarh as the shared capital.
Chandigarh: Declared a union territory to resolve disputes over its inclusion in Punjab or Haryana.
Territorial Adjustments
The division involved meticulous considerations of:
Districts: Ambala, Karnal, Rohtak, and Gurgaon became part of Haryana.
Resources: Rivers and canals like Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej were subjected to distribution agreements.
Chandigarh Issue: A major point of contention, with Haryana asserting its claim, was resolved temporarily by making Chandigarh a shared capital.
Role of the States Reorganization Commission (SRC)
Formation of SRC
The SRC was established by the Government of India in 1953 to address demands for state reorganization on linguistic lines. Its recommendations profoundly impacted the formation of Haryana:
SRCs recommendations led to the creation of linguistic states like Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, setting a precedent for Haryana.
Haryanas demand gained traction post-SRCs report, as linguistic states became a political reality.
Role in Haryanas Creation
While the SRC did not explicitly propose Haryanas formation, its framework for linguistic reorganization provided the basis for Haryanas eventual creation:
1956 Reorganization of Punjab: SRC retained Punjab as a bilingual state despite demands for division.
1966 Division of Punjab: The demand for a Punjabi-speaking state gained momentum, indirectly strengthening Haryana's claim as a Hindi-speaking region.
Significance of Haryana's Formation
Cultural Identity: Haryanas creation affirmed its distinct cultural and linguistic heritage.
Economic Growth: Post-formation, Haryana rapidly developed into an agricultural and industrial hub.
Administrative Autonomy: Separation allowed Haryana to focus on its regional priorities, fostering inclusive governance.
Challenges During Formation
Boundary Disputes: The division of resources like rivers, canals, and Chandigarh led to prolonged disputes.
Political Tensions: The bifurcation faced resistance from certain factions in Punjab and national politics.
Economic Transition: Haryana, initially an agrarian economy, faced challenges in diversifying its economy.
Final Destination for Haryana PSC Notes and Tests, Exclusive coverage of HPSC Prelims and Mains Syllabus, Dedicated Staff and guidence for HPSC Exams HPSC Notes brings Prelims and Mains programs for HPSC Prelims and HPSC Mains Exam preparation. Various Programs initiated by HPSC Notes are as follows:-- HPSC Mains Tests and Notes Program
- HPSC Prelims Exam 2020- Test Series and Notes Program
- HPSC Prelims and Mains Tests Series and Notes Program
- HPSC Detailed Complete Prelims Notes