Haryana is one of the most important states in northern India. It is culturally rich, highly agricultural, and has given birth to many sportsmen and soldiers for the Indian Army. But one question that often comes up is - what is the official language of Haryana?
Whether you are a student who has to appear in a government examination, or is on a tour to the state, or just want to know about the variety of languages spoken in India, this article is for you. So, keep reading to discover everything about the official language of Haryana, its history and interesting facts.
What is the Official Language of Haryana?
The official language of Haryana is Hindi. Along with Hindi, Punjabi is the second official language of the state of Haryana.
The Haryana Official Language Act, 1969, declared Hindi as the official language of Haryana. This Act was passed on 26 January 1969, which declared Hindi as the official language to be used in the work of the government and for any other official purpose. It declared Punjabi as the second official language for official use in 2010.
So, in short:
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Official Language: Hindi (Modern Standard Hindi)
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Second Official Language: Punjabi (since 2010)
Also Read: What is the Official Language of Kerala?
Why was Hindi Chosen as the Official Language of Haryana?
When the state of Haryana was created on 1 November 1966, it was carved out from the old state of Punjab. The main reason for this separation was language. The area that became Haryana was predominantly Hindi-speaking, while the remaining part of Punjab was Punjabi-speaking.
The Indian government set up the Shah Commission under Justice J.C. Shah in April 1966 to decide the boundaries of the new state based on language. The commission found that the people in the southern part of Punjab (which became Haryana) mainly spoke Hindi and its dialects. This is why Hindi became the natural choice for the official language of Haryana.
The Haryana Official Language Act, 1969
The Haryana Official Language Act (Act No. 17 of 1969) is the legal foundation for Hindi being the state's official language. Key points of this Act include:
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Hindi is used for all official purposes — laws, bills, government orders, rules, and notifications.
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English may also continue to be used alongside Hindi in the State Legislature.
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Any person can submit a grievance to the government in any language spoken in the state.
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Punjabi was added as the second official language through an amendment.
Also Read: What is the Official Language of Uttar Pradesh?
Languages Spoken in Haryana
While Hindi is the official language of Haryana, people across different regions speak several local dialects and languages. These include:
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Haryanvi (Bangru) – The most widely spoken dialect in central and eastern Haryana. It is a dialect of Hindi and is the mother tongue of most people in the state.
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Punjabi – Spoken mostly in areas near the Punjab border, such as Ambala, Sirsa, and Panchkula.
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Bagri – Spoken in the western parts of Haryana.
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Ahirwati – Spoken in the Gurgaon and Rewari areas.
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Braj Bhasha – Spoken in some southern districts.
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Mewati – Spoken in the Nuh district area.
In schools, Hindi and English are compulsory subjects. Students can also opt for Punjabi, Sanskrit, or Urdu as optional languages.
Interesting Facts About the Official Language of Haryana
Here are some quick and important facts:
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Haryana was formed in 1966, specifically on a linguistic basis — because its people spoke Hindi, not Punjabi.
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The Official Language Act was passed in 1969, making Hindi the first official language of Haryana.
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Punjabi became the second official language in 2010, recognising the large Punjabi-speaking population in the state.
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Haryanvi is not an official language — it is a dialect of Hindi and is widely spoken but not given official status.
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English is still used in the State Legislature alongside Hindi, as permitted under the Act.
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According to the 2011 Census, Haryana had a total population of over 2.5 crore people, most of whom speak Hindi or Haryanvi as their first language.
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Bollywood films like Dangal and Sultan have helped popularise the Haryanvi dialect across India and the world.
The official language of Haryana is Hindi, with Punjabi serving as the second official language. This is rooted in the history of how the state was formed in 1966 on a linguistic basis. While Hindi is used in government and official work, people of Haryana also speak beautiful local dialects like Haryanvi, Bagri, and Mewati, making the state rich in linguistic culture.
If you were searching for a clear and verified answer about the official language of Haryana, now you have it!
