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Land of the Gods: The Story of Haryana
An ambitious book that engages with a region and people who have defined the subcontinent for over five millennia.
The great war of right versus wrong was fought here. It was from this land that Lord Krishna’s wisdom—the universal truth—spread across the globe. It is the cradle of the ancient Indus-Saraswati civilization, with the sacred river Saraswati, glorified in the Rig Veda, flowing in its full might across the plains and onward.
Kings and emperors used this place to expand and consolidate their empires. The East India Company, and later the British Crown, played their games here, manipulating and managing their colonial affairs. The much-ridiculed ‘Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram’ political epithet originated here. This land gave the nation a number of stalwarts of the Independence movement. And, it became the address for a cocktail of regional and national political manoeuvrings, impacting national politics in major ways.
In his debut book, Land of the Gods: The Story of Haryana, Arjun Singh Kadian takes the readers through a fascinating journey of Haryana which offers new insights and delightful nuggets.
The great war of right versus wrong was fought here. It was from this land that Lord Krishna’s wisdom—the universal truth—spread across the globe. It is the cradle of the ancient Indus-Saraswati civilization, with the sacred river Saraswati, glorified in the Rig Veda, flowing in its full might across the plains and onward.
Kings and emperors used this place to expand and consolidate their empires. The East India Company, and later the British Crown, played their games here, manipulating and managing their colonial affairs. The much-ridiculed ‘Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram’ political epithet originated here. This land gave the nation a number of stalwarts of the Independence movement. And, it became the address for a cocktail of regional and national political manoeuvrings, impacting national politics in major ways.
In his debut book, Land of the Gods: The Story of Haryana, Arjun Singh Kadian takes the readers through a fascinating journey of Haryana which offers new insights and delightful nuggets.
- GenresHistory
336 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2021
12 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 14, 2021
I saw Arjun Singh Kadian videos on Panchayati Raj 2 or 3 years back. I liked the way how he clarified the stereotype we see in news. Back then i thought he should write book on Haryana or Panchayat. Now i am so glad to see that he wrote book on Haryana, the most underrated North Indian state. The book speaks about the history, culture and political aspects of Haryana. Writer takes the readers through a fascinating journey of Haryana which offers new insights about the state. Haryana plays a unique and extremely important role in Indian history. From being the land of the Rigveda to modern-day politics Haryana has many things to offer in this continuous civilisational journey of India. Do read this book to know history of Haryana. It also helps you understanding the political scenario of this state. Its amazing to see development it did in sports, education, infrastructure and so many things. Its so great to see the progress Haryana have done since it got statehood. Overall its a good book, it will definitely break some stereotype some people have regarding this state.
March 29, 2022
Extremely insightful book that will connect you with the state, and its history, at the ground level. Touching diverse aspects of state, the author has produced, a deeply researched narration of the state which he calls "The Story of Haryana"
After reading this book, I can connect with the stories from the past that my father and grandfather narrates. A good knowledge of Haryana's Geography or a map of Haryana may help you alot while reading this book.
After reading this book, I can connect with the stories from the past that my father and grandfather narrates. A good knowledge of Haryana's Geography or a map of Haryana may help you alot while reading this book.
June 9, 2022
I had not heard of this book before it was gifted to me. So I started reading without any preconceived notions. :)
I found it surprising that Haryana has such a rich historical significance but not much has been written about it.
The author takes you through thousands of years in a single book. Right from Mahabharata to current day Gurugram. The book is not only full of historical facts but also of fascinating stories/anecdotes.
Overall a very interesting read.
I found it surprising that Haryana has such a rich historical significance but not much has been written about it.
The author takes you through thousands of years in a single book. Right from Mahabharata to current day Gurugram. The book is not only full of historical facts but also of fascinating stories/anecdotes.
Overall a very interesting read.
June 17, 2022
Land of the Gods by Arjun Singh Kadian is a book about the state of Haryana, a place that finds mention in ancient Indian texts. From then onwards till recent times, the place has been carrying great significance in Indian socio-political history. With the proximity of Delhi which has been the capital for much of the time in the last 500 years, this place offers readers of this book enough materials to keep them hooked. With lucid narration, this book chronicles the long journey of this place, from medieval era to recent times.
A reader like me, who doesn’t have much knowledge of this area, finds the sequential narration immensely engaging. From the tussle between Maratha and Mughal to the democratic fight among various political parties – this state has been witness to a lot of history-turning events. The state also witnessed plunders at the hand of different invaders such as Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali.
No history of a place is complete without its people. People across different religions, Hindu, Sikh and Muslims co-existed for centuries here. The book effectively portrays the tussle among different groups, specially after Independence, and muscle-flexing to snatch more power from Centre. The demand for a separate state is a result of that power struggle. The author points out with data the injustices meted out to Hindi-Speaking population in the combined area of Punjab and Haryana, thereby providing explanation to readers on the demand for a separate state. Even after the division, both states continued to have unresolved issues – from possession of Chandigarh to sharing of water.
After years of struggle for freedom when India finally achieved independence, a common man would expect a politician to think for the nation first. Yet in post-independence India, the first priority for politicians across ideologies is to utilize power for personal gains. The author here succinctly narrates the incident where a politician jumped ship so frequently that a much-used phrase in recent times – ‘aya ram gaya ram’ – emerged. What better can explain this hunger for power than the declaration of emergency by then PM Indira Gandhi! A reader also gets acquainted with different political figures who wielded great power in this state in late twentieth century.
Yet not all is lost. The book describes how with liberalisation and subsequent economic activities, this state embarked on the journey of industrialization. Gurgaon, Ambala, Rohtak have become epicenters of economic boom. With the water challenge largely addressed and many MNCs coming up, the state will likely see greener future, along with rest of India. lastly, traditional involvement of Haryana in sports and defence activities will set to benefit it immensely as new doors open in these areas.
Overall, the book leaves a reader with decent knowledge of history of this place and offers the insights of how different rulers in colonial era and different political personalities after independence contributed to and shaped this place. A must read for every reader interested in history of India.
A reader like me, who doesn’t have much knowledge of this area, finds the sequential narration immensely engaging. From the tussle between Maratha and Mughal to the democratic fight among various political parties – this state has been witness to a lot of history-turning events. The state also witnessed plunders at the hand of different invaders such as Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali.
No history of a place is complete without its people. People across different religions, Hindu, Sikh and Muslims co-existed for centuries here. The book effectively portrays the tussle among different groups, specially after Independence, and muscle-flexing to snatch more power from Centre. The demand for a separate state is a result of that power struggle. The author points out with data the injustices meted out to Hindi-Speaking population in the combined area of Punjab and Haryana, thereby providing explanation to readers on the demand for a separate state. Even after the division, both states continued to have unresolved issues – from possession of Chandigarh to sharing of water.
After years of struggle for freedom when India finally achieved independence, a common man would expect a politician to think for the nation first. Yet in post-independence India, the first priority for politicians across ideologies is to utilize power for personal gains. The author here succinctly narrates the incident where a politician jumped ship so frequently that a much-used phrase in recent times – ‘aya ram gaya ram’ – emerged. What better can explain this hunger for power than the declaration of emergency by then PM Indira Gandhi! A reader also gets acquainted with different political figures who wielded great power in this state in late twentieth century.
Yet not all is lost. The book describes how with liberalisation and subsequent economic activities, this state embarked on the journey of industrialization. Gurgaon, Ambala, Rohtak have become epicenters of economic boom. With the water challenge largely addressed and many MNCs coming up, the state will likely see greener future, along with rest of India. lastly, traditional involvement of Haryana in sports and defence activities will set to benefit it immensely as new doors open in these areas.
Overall, the book leaves a reader with decent knowledge of history of this place and offers the insights of how different rulers in colonial era and different political personalities after independence contributed to and shaped this place. A must read for every reader interested in history of India.
August 25, 2022
Another book to ponder on. This book by Arjun Singh Kadian is an ambitious and interesting book about the people of Haryana from various perspectives. I personally believe that every book has something to teach us. This is one such book that touches upon the history of the Indian state of Haryana.
September 9, 2022
It talks about the History of haryana from the times Mughals ruled india to the present times. The writer has presented history interpersed with facts. I found the chapter 3 Lals and Chaudhar quite descriptive that could have been shortened to maintain interest. Overall a good book.
July 31, 2023
Covers the history of haryana nicely
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews