HARIANA, a tract of country in the Punjab, India; a level upland plain, interspersed with patches of sandy soil, and largely overgrown with brushwood. Since the 14th century Hissar has been the local capital. During the troubles which followed the Mogul decline, Hariana was the battlefield of Mahrattas, Bhattis and Sikhs. In 1797-1798 Hariana was overrun by the famous Irish adventurer George Thomas, and in 1803 it passed under British rule. On the conquest of the Punjab Hariana was broken up into the districts of Hissar, Rohtak and Sirsa.