History of Haryana from Vedic Period to Gupta Period | HPSC Preparation: All subjects - HPSC (Haryana) PDF Download

The History and Significance of Haryana in Indian Culture

• Haryana was officially established as a separate state within the Indian Republic on November 1, 1966. However, its existence as a unique historical and cultural unit has been recognized since ancient times. This state has been the center of Indian culture and civilization since the distant past. According to the ancient Hindu law-giver Manu, Haryana was created by the Gods and was given the name of "Brahmavarta".
• Haryana has been mentioned in numerous ancient Vedic texts, and archaeological excavations in the region have revealed that it was the site of the development of the Indus Valley Civilization and Mohanjodharo culture.
• Throughout history, scholars, mythologists, and philosophers have been drawn to the scenic and serene Brahmarshri region, where they have shared knowledge about various scriptures. They have often extolled the virtues of Mother Saraswati and the pure air of Pavan Brahmavarta in their writings.
• Haryana, in addition to being known as the Brahmavart and Brahmarshi region, has also been referred to as Uttaravadi of Brahma. It is believed to be the birthplace of Srishti and the place where Vaivastu Manu, the origin of the human race, ruled as king. 
• According to the Avanti Sundari Katha, it is also considered a place of Lord Shiva. Excavations in Haryana, such as in places like Vanavali, Siswal, Kunal, Mirzapur, Daulatpur and Bhagwanpura, have provided archaeologists with valuable information regarding the authenticity of many cultures of Praghadappa, Harappa, and Parvarti Harappa.
• Bharatwanshi Sudas initiated his conquest from this area and consolidated the power of the Aryas. The Arya power, under the leadership of this Bharatvanshi Arya, expanded its influence in the Far East and South. The entire nation was known as Bharat, named after their valiant forefathers.

The Significance of Kurukshetra in Indian Culture

• According to mythology, the Aryavanshi Kurus were active during the Mahabharata period and started a festival during that era. They cultivated the fertile state of 48 Kos of Adarupa Mama Saraswati and made it a center for agriculture. This land was called Kurukshetra in honor of the Kurus and is still considered a sacred place in Indian culture. The Kuru State, which was a vast area between Saraswati and Ganga, was also known as the Kurukshetra.
• The world-famous war of Mahabharata was fought in Kurukshetra, and it was during this war that Lord Krishna delivered the message of Gita to Arjuna. The conch shells used during the war created a wonderful tone, and Lord Krishna's teachings in Kurukshetra have become immortalized in Indian culture as the Gita mantra.
• During the period following the Mahabharata, there is a lack of historical evidence available. However, the Erykul in this region remained faithful to their Aryan traditions and defended themselves against external forces. The Kuru region was divided into Ganas and districts with no single king in power. The governor was selected based on majority choice and held the title of Ganapati. The commander of the election was called 'Indu'. This governance system persisted for a long time, and the Ganas and districts always took pride in their military strength.

The Evolution of Gana-Parampara in Indian Politics

• Since ancient times, the concept of Gana-Parampara has been revered in India. Villages were considered as districts, and their governance was handled by elected representatives from the villages. Many janapadas established their own ‘Gan,’ which took the form of a well-organized political unit. Members from different districts formed the ‘Gan Sabha,’ which was a representative assembly.
• This system of governance continued for a long time, and the people took great pride in their swords. However, after the Mahabharata period, a dark era began, and historical realities became blurred. In this region, the Erykul tribe kept their Aryan traditions intact and resisted outside forces. The Kuru-region was divided into Ganas and districts, and there was no king. The governor was chosen by the majority and given the title of Ganapati, who was the commander of the election, known as ‘Indu.’
• Despite the changes and challenges, the Gana-Parampara system of governance evolved and remained an integral part of Indian politics.
• Many ganas would come together to form their own union or sangha, as seen in history. During the period of the Mahabharata war, a large gan sangan was formed from the union of several republics, which ruled over the region from the Satadru river to the Ganges.
• The system of state governance was not just limited to politics, but it also had social implications in people's daily lives. This is why even though the tradition of republics eventually came to an end due to pressure from imperial powers, the people of Haryana continued to uphold it.
• The city of Delhi, which was a part of this state, experienced the emergence and decline of various empires. However, these political transformations did not have a significant impact on the society as the people of this state never allowed external intervention in their internal social structure.
• The tradition of gana-rule was always respected by the rulers of Haryana. This continued from the time of Harsha till the end of the Mughal era, where the highest Panchayat rule of Haryana held significance. The ancient documents of the SaurPa Panchayat reveal that the Mughal rulers recognized the authority of the head of the Sarvakhap Panchayat and its decisions. 
• In the Mughal period, the Khapans replaced the districts and the Sarvakhap Panchayats replaced the Ganas. The power of Sarvakhap Panchayat was acknowledged throughout the region between Satluj and Ganga. The former princely state of Haryana and the zamindaries had a more organized system than the giant empires of Rome and Greece in this area.

Defense Against Aggressors

• During the Middle Ages, there were frequent invasions from the north-western side, causing great tension. The invaders, known as Akrantas, easily entered the Sindhu state without facing any opposition. However, when they faced the Kuru warriors, they were unable to overcome them.
• During the Buddhist period, there was a strong army organization in this region. Alexander was aware of the power of Magadha and Yudhoyas, and did not dare to cross the Diaz River. The warriors of Yudhoygun were known for their strength and resilience, having successfully defended India from outside forces for generations. As a result, the region from Satluj began to be referred to as the Ganga of India.
• During the Yudhaya period, this lush green land was referred to as a multi-pronged state. The people of Haryana, who were united under a strong Gana-Parampara system, remained steadfast and fought against every imperial power that tried to interfere with their system. This deep-rooted faith in their system was also reflected in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
• New discoveries have shed light on a previously unknown chapter in history, regarding the political system in North India during the Buddhist period. Buddhist literature from that time discusses sixteen Mahajanapadas, including Kuru, Panchal, Surasen, Avanti, Vajji, Kaushal, Sang, Mall, Chaitya, Vatsa, Magadha, Fishery, Ask, Gandhar, Kamboj and Kashi. It is noted that modern Haryana was a part of the Kuru and Panchal Mahajanapadas during that era.

Ancient Rulers of Haryana

• Historical evidence including ancient coins, sticks, jams, currencies, inscriptions, etc. reveals that the Right dynasty held power over this land in the fourth century BC and continued their rule for a millennium.
• Many coins belonging to the Yaudheya dynasty have been discovered across the region between the Satluj and Yamuna rivers. Acharya Goddew has also retrieved valuable artifacts from the Khokra mound in Rohtak and several other locations dating back to the Yaudheya period.
• The Yudhayi Republic evolved into a powerful Ganan Sangh over time, with several Ganas coming together under its umbrella. The main Ganas of the Yudhayi Republic were Yudhay, Arjunaan Malov, Agreya, and Bhadra.
• The Arjunaan Republic was located in the modern-day Bharatpur and Alwar regions, while the Malav Republic was initially situated in the Malwa region of Punjab but had to migrate to the Rajputana area due to indigenous invasions. The capital of the Malav Republic was Malvanagar, located in the Jaipur region.
• The capital of Agreya Gan was Agroha, which is known for decorating Ganpati and Gana Pacha with the title of 'Agarsen.' Agreya was known for its socialist system, and the term seems to have evolved into 'Agarwal' over time. Agroha was renowned for its prosperity and development in ancient times, and the Agarwal caste still regards this period as a time of growth and progress.
• During the Mauryan era, Yudhoyi retained its power and was renowned in India for its strong community, while other regions of the country were mostly destroyed.
• During the Gupta period, there was a conflict between the rulers and the warriors of Yudhoyi. The Gupta rulers attempted to persuade the warriors to submit to their sovereignty, but the proud Yudhoyi warriors refused to accept any form of imperial rule. 
• However, things changed during the reign of Chandragupta Vikramaditya. He decided to defeat the Yudhoyi and, according to some accounts, the two powers engaged in a fierce battle that lasted until the 14th century. In the end, the powerful socialist Yudhoyi state destroyed the last remnants of the republics in the country.