Punjab Reorganization Act

1966, India

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July 13, 2026

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The Punjab Reorganization Act of 1966 was a pivotal moment in the history of India, leading to the formation of the modern state of Punjab. This act was a result of long-standing demands for a Punjabi-speaking state, or suba.

On November 1, 1966, the former state of Punjab was divided based on language. The predominantly Hindi-speaking areas were separated to form the new state of Haryana, while the remaining territory, primarily Punjabi-speaking, continued as the state of Punjab. The northernmost districts were transferred to Himachal Pradesh, and the newly constructed city of Chandigarh became a separate union territory, serving as the joint capital for both Punjab and Haryana.12

The name "Punjab" itself originates from Persian words meaning "land of five waters," referring to the Beas, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers. However, after the partition of India in 1947, only two of these rivers, the Sutlej and the Beas, remained within the Indian state of Punjab.1

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Haryana
History
…with the passage of the Punjab Reorganization Act (and in accordance with the earlier recommendations of the States Reorganization Commission), Haryana was separated from Punjab in 1966 to become the 17th state of India.
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…with the passage of the Punjab Reorganization Act (and in accordance with the earlier recommendations of the States Reorganization Commission), Haryana was separated from Punjab in 1966 to become the 17th state of India.
Read More