Haryana [key], state (2001 provisional pop. 21,082,989), 17,120 sq mi (44,341 sq km), N central India. Chandigarh is the capital, and Ambala, Karnal, Panipat, Rohtak, and Bhiwani are other important cities. The terrain is mostly flat and dry but does support irrigated agriculture. Wheat, rice, and cotton are the major crops. Its proximity to Delhi (the national capital territory) provides a huge market for agricultural and manufacturing products. Haryana was created in 1966 out of the Hindi-speaking portions of Punjab state. It is governed by a chief minister and cabinet responsible to an elected, unicameral legislature and by a governor appointed by the president of India. Haryana has suffered from spillover of the violence associated with Sikh separatism in Punjab state.
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