Kanwari

Archaeological Survey of India's explorations, as reported in the "Indian Archaeological Review 1978-79" (page 8), found early historical and late medieval artifacts at Kanwari. Late medieval artifacts included 9th and 10th century temple [of Kaumari in Nagara architecture from the times of Tomara dynasty rule who were vassals of Pratiharas until 10th century].[7] The earliest extant historical reference to the Tomaras rule in Haryana occurs in the Pehowa inscription issued during the reign of the Pratihara king Mahendrapala I (r. c. 885-910 CE).[8] Inscription states that Jaula of the Tomara family became prosperous by serving an unnamed king; and his descendants were Vajrata, Jajjuka and Gogga; Gogga was a vassal of Mahendrapala I; Gogga and his step-brothers Purna-raja and Deva-raja constructed three Vishnu temples at Prithudaka (Pehowa) on the banks of the Sarasvati River (Ghaggar River).[9] F. Kielhorn suggested that this Tomara family actually resided in Delhi: they may have visited Pehowa on pilgrimage, and built a temple there.[10] The medieval temple of dhok of village ancestor deity at Kanwari explored by ASI in 1978-79 is called the Bua Kanwari Dham , where newlyweds go for blessings before entering the village. Dhok is also called Bhaiyan and Jathera. Dhok (Haryanvi: धोक worship) comes from the word दहक, which means the sacred fire. Bhaiyan (Haryanvi: भईयाँ) from भूमिया means from the earth. Jathera (Punjabi: जठेरा from जेष्ठ) means the elder or ancestor. A modern temple has been built on top of the earlier temple and medieval sculptures have been preserved in the temple complex. The village was established by the Garhwal Kingdom ( गढ़वाल गोत्र )ancestors with likely connections with tomar kingdom of Garhwal Kingdom. The foundation temple put by Garhwal kingdom was name Dada kheda is of Garhwal Gotra. Kanwari also has an old Baba Shri Giri Shiva temple with a monastic akhara for the sadhus (Hindu mystics).

After Independence of India in 1947, Kanwari became part of Punjab. Once Haryana was formed as a separate state in 1966, Kanwari became part of the Hisar district.

As per a July 2010 official report,[11] Kanwari has 1,147 households with a total population of 5,733 with 1,196 Scheduled Caste inhabitants.

As per 2001 census, Kanwari had 896 households and a population of 5,119. There were 2,712 males and 2,407 females. 835 people were below the age of 6. The number literate were 2,655, of which 1,739 were male and 916 were female. The working population was 2,581.[12]

Kanwari is covered by The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and 135 Job cards were issued under this legislation as of July 2010.[13]

The village is subdivided into various 'Panna' (पान्ना) or subsectors, such as 'Parla Panna' (the upper sub-sector) or Sheoran Panna (the sub-sector of the Sheoran gotra) (clan) of the Hindu Jat, 'Nichla Panna' or Garhwal Panna (the sub sector of Garhwal) where majority of the residents are Hindu Jat people of Duhan gotra and 'Bahrla Panna' (the outer subsector), each having their own community center called paras (परस) or chaupal (चौपाल).

Kanwari has a two government schools, a private government approved teachers training college and few more private schools.

• Government Girl's High school (former co-ed Govt school)
• Government Senior Secondary Government school for Boys
• There are 2 private schools in the village, e.g. J.D. Senior Secondary School)
• RDS College of Education[24] that imparts Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degrees
• There is a Government Degree college at Nalwa (6 km or 4mile from Kanwari)
• There are many more schools institutes and 3 universities at Hisar (city) (24 km or 17 miles from Kanwari).

Kanwari is a semi-arid region and agriculture is supported mainly by canals and ground water irrigation. Kanwari lies 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) away from the northeast edge (bagar tract) of the Thar Desert.[25] Hot winds, locally known as 'Loo', are strong and frequent from May to July. Intermittent dust storms are common. In the winter some rain is received due to western disturbances.

The Sunder Branch of Western Yamuna Canal (originating from Yamuna river) passes through the agricultural fields of Kanwari on the eastern side between Kanwari and Muzadpur villages, and goes towards Balawas village.

Kanwari has a continental climate, with very hot summers and relatively cool winters. Summer starts in April and lasts till the middle of October. May is the hottest month, with the maximum day temperatures in the 48 °C (118 °F) range. Hisar experiences a weak monsoon, from late June to September, with about 15 inches (380 mm) of rain. Winter starts in November and is mild and sunny, although temperatures may reach freezing on some nights.

Main ecological issues are desertification, deforestation, encroachment and land grabbing of common Panchayat forest and grazing land called "bani".

Animals and bird of various species are found including sparrow, large Indian parakeet, parrot, crow, rat, rabbit, nilgai (state animal of Haryana), pied crested cuckoo, koel, pheasant, kingfisher, bulbul and Indian magpie robin.

The national bird of India, the common peafowl (mor) is quite common and is seen in the fields and common village land.[28]

The Bua Rani Kanwari Dham is a temple complex of the village deity called 'Bua Kanwari' (Virgin Deity) where newlyweds go for blessings before entering the village. During renovations of the Bua Kanwari temple carried out in 2001 to 2003, ancient stone statues of Hindu deities were found. These stone statues are yet to be scientifically dated or examined by trained archaeologists. The statues are stored in the basement under the temple.