Relief and drainage

Haryana has two major physiographic regions: the flatalluvial plain covering most of the state and, in the northeast, a strip of the highly dissectedSiwalik (Shiwalik) Range (including the narrow foothill zone). Remnants of theAravalli Range, which stretches from southwesternRajasthan toDelhi, are evident in parts of southern Haryana.

The alluvial plain lies at an elevation of 700 to 900 feet (210 to 270 metres) and is drained by only oneperennial river, theYamuna, located on the state’s eastern border. Many seasonal streams flowing from theSiwalik Range pass through the area, however. The most notable of these is theGhaggar (near the state’s northern boundary), which once flowed far enough to join theIndus River, in what is nowPakistan.

Soils

The soils of Haryana are generally deep and fertile. There are some exceptions, however, including the eroded lands of the hilly northeast and the sandy areas of the southwest that fringe theThar (Great Indian) Desert of Rajasthan. Most of the state’s land is arable, but much requires irrigation.

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Climate

The climate of Haryana is hot in the summer and markedly cold in winter; maximum temperatures in May and June mayexceed 110 °F (43 °C), and in January, the coldest month, low temperatures may drop below thefreezing point.

Most of the state experiences arid to semiarid conditions; only in the northeast are conditions relatively humid. Precipitation averages about 18 inches (450 mm) annually, most falling between July and September. Although the state has a system of canal irrigation and tube wells, there are chronic drought-prone areas, particularly in the southern and southwestern regions. By contrast, the areas surrounding tributaries of the Yamuna and the Ghaggar are subject to occasional floods.

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Plant and animal life

Little natural vegetation remains in Haryana.Eucalyptus trees are planted along the highways and in wastelands.Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) trees grow along the roads and canals in the northern half of the state, while small, spinykikar (Acacia arabica) trees and scrub are found in southern and southwestern Haryana.

Haryana is home to a variety of mammals. Larger species, including leopards, jackals, wild boars, and several types of deer, among others, are generally limited to the hilly regions of the northeast and the far south. Small mammals, such as bats, squirrels, mice, rats, and gerbils, are common in the plains. Ducks and teals of various sorts are found near the rivers. Pigeons and doves are common in the agricultural areas, as are small, colourful birds such as parakeets, buntings, sunbirds, bulbuls, and kingfishers. Several species of snakes are found in the state; among these are pythons, boas, and rat snakes, as well as poisonous kraits and vipers. Other reptiles, including various lizards, frogs, and tortoises, also inhabit Haryana.

Population composition

Hindusconstitute the great majority of Haryana’s population.Sikhs andMuslims each form a small but significant minority; there is also a tiny community ofChristians. Most of the state’s Sikh population is located in the northeast and northwest, while Muslims are concentrated in the southeastern districts adjoiningDelhi.Jats (members of the peasantcaste) form the backbone of Haryana’s agricultural economy. They also are prominent in India’s armed forces.

Settlement patterns

Roughly three-fourths of Haryana’s population remained rural in the early 21st century; however, cities have continued to grow rapidly as commercial, industrial, and agricultural marketing centres. The state’s largest cities includeFaridabad,Rohtak,Panipat,Hisar,Sonipat, andKarnal. With the exceptions of Rohtak, which is in central Haryana, and Hisar, which is in the northwest, most of the major urban centres lie in the eastern part of the state.

Agriculture

An agriculturally prosperous state, Haryana contributes a large amount of wheat and rice to the Central Pool (a nationalrepository system of surplus food grain). In addition, the state produces significant quantities of cotton, rape and mustard seed, pearl millet, chickpeas, sugarcane, sorghum, corn (maize), and potatoes. Dairy cattle, buffaloes, and bullocks, which are used for plowing the land and as draft animals, are prominent in the northeastern region.

Haryana’s agricultural productivity is largely attributable to the so-called Green Revolution, an international movement launched in the 1960s to diminish world hunger. As a result of this movement, large-scale investments have been made in irrigation, fertilizers, and high-quality seeds. In the early 21st century, nearly two-fifths of the state’s workforce was employed in agriculture.

Manufacturing

Haryana has made rapid strides in the development of agriculture-based manufacturing. Among the most important of such industries are cotton and sugar processing and the production offarm machinery. Haryana also manufactures chemicals as well as a great variety ofconsumer goods, most notably bicycles.

Transportation

Haryana has long been well connected to surrounding states and to the rest of India. A number of major highways and railway lines—including the historic Grand Trunk Road and the main line of the Northern Railway—pass through the state to converge onDelhi. State-owned bus service operates between most of Haryana’s larger towns and cities. The state is served by a domestic airport inChandigarh.