Rajasthan

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Rajasthan
Capital  - Coordinates	Jaipur  - 26.90° N 75.80° E
Largest city	Jaipur
Population (2001)  - Density	56,473,122 (8th)  - 165/km²
Area  - Districts	342,236 km² (1st)  - 32
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Establishment  - Governor  - Chief Minister	1956-11-01  - Pratibha Patil  - Vasundhara Raje
Official language(s)	Hindi, Rajasthani
Abbreviation (ISO)	IN-RJ
Website: www.rajasthan.gov.in

The state capital is Jaipur. Geographical features include the Thar Desert in western Rajasthan and the termination of the Ghaggar River. One of the world's oldest mountain ranges, the Aravalli Range, cradles the only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu, and its world famous Dilwara Temples. Eastern Rajasthan has two national tiger reserves, Ranthambore and Sariska, as well as Keoladeo National Park near Bharatpur, famous for its bird life.

[edit] Geography

Map of Rajasthan

The main geographic feature of Rajasthan is the Aravalli Range, which runs through the state from southwest to northeast, almost from one end to another end for more than 850 km. Mount Abu is at the southwestern end of the range, separated from the main ranges by the West Banas River, although a series of broken ridges continues into Haryana in the direction of Delhi where it could be seen as outcrops in the form of the Raisina Hill and the ridges further north. About three-fifths of Rajasthan lies northwest of the Aravallis, leaving two-fifths on the east and south.

The northwestern portion of Rajasthan is generally sandy and dry, and most of the region is covered by the Thar Desert, which extends into adjoining portions of Pakistan. The Aravalli Range intercepts the moisture-giving southwest monsoon winds off the Arabian Sea, leaving the northwestern region in a rain shadow. The Thar Desert is thinly populated, and the town of Bikaner is the largest city in the desert. The Northwestern thorn scrub forests lie in a band around the Thar Desert, between the desert and the Aravallis. This region receives less than 400 mm of rain in an average year, and summer temperatures can exceed 45º C in the summer months, and drop below freezing in the winter. The Godwar, Marwar, and Shekhawati regions lie in the thorn scrub forest zone, along with the city of Jodhpur. The Luni River and its tributaries are the major river system of Godwar and Marwar regions, draining the western slopes of the Aravallis and emptying southwest into the great Rann of Kutch wetland in neighboring Gujarat. This river is saline in the lower reaches and remains potable only up to Balotara in Barmer district. The Ghaggar River, which originates in Haryana, is an intermittent stream that disappears into the sands of the Thar Desert in the northern corner of the state and is seen as a remnant of the primitive Saraswati river.

The Aravalli Range and the lands to the east and southeast of the range are generally more fertile and better watered. This region is home to the Kathiarbar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion, with tropical dry broadleaf forests that include teak, Acacia, and other trees. The hilly Vagad region lies in southernmost Rajasthan, on the border with Gujarat. With the exception of Mount Abu, Vagad is the wettest region in Rajasthan, and the most heavily forested. North of Vagad lies the Mewar region, home to the cities of Udaipur and Chittaurgarh. The Hadoti region lies to the southeast, on the border with Madhya Pradesh. North of Hadoti and Mewar is the Dhundhar region, home to the state capital of Jaipur. Mewat, the easternmost region of Rajasthan, borders Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Eastern and southeastern Rajasthan is drained by the Banas and Chambal rivers, tributaries of the Ganges.

[edit] Topography

The Aravali Range runs across the state from the southwest peak Guru Shikhar (Mount Abu), which is 1,722 m in height to Khetri in the northeast. This divides the state into 60% in the northwest of the lines and 40% in the southeast. The northwest tract is sandy and unproductive with little water but improves gradually from desert land in the far west and northwest to comparatively fertile and habitable land towards the east. The area includes the Thar (Great Indian) Desert.

The south-eastern area, higher in elevation (100 to 350 m above sea level) and more fertile, has a very diversified topography. in the south lies the hilly tract of Mewar. In the southeast, a large area of the districts of Kota and Bundi forms a tableland and to the northeast of these districts is a rugged region (badlands) following the line of the Chambal River. Farther north the country levels out; the flat plains of the northeastern Bharatpur district are part of the alluvial basin of the Yamuna River.

[edit] History

Rajasthan has a rich and colorful history making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Shown here is an ancient ruin in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

Rajasthan includes most of the erstwhile region called Rajputana (land of the Rajputs) which was comprised of Rajput kingdoms. "Rajput" literally means 'son of a king'. Rajput families rose to prominence in the 6th century CE, establishing kingdoms in Rajputana and across northern India. The Rajputs resisted the Muslim incursions into India, although a number of Rajput kingdoms eventually became subservient to the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. The Rajputs reasserted their independence more and more with the decline of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century CE, but were constantly on their guard against various forces attempting to fill the power-gap of north India, created through the disintegration of the Mughal Empire. The Rajput kings concluded treaties with the British in the early 19th century CE. They accepted the sovereignty of the British monarch in 1858 CE, when Queen Victoria inherited the title of Empress from the Mughals. Following the Mughal tradition and more importantly due to its strategic location, Ajmer, in Rajputana, became part of the so-called British India, and from there the Agent to the Governor General stayed in touch with the autonomous Rajput kingdoms and a few non-Rajput kingdoms (Tonk, Bharatpur, and Dholpur) which were together organized into the Rajputana Agency.

Rajasthan's former independent kingdoms created a rich architectural and cultural heritage, seen today in their numerous forts and palaces (Mahals and Havelis), which are enriched by features of Muslim and Jain architecture.

[edit] Economy

[edit] Macro-economic trend

This is a chart of trend of gross state domestic product of Rajasthan at market prices estimated by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation with figures in millions of Indian Rupees.

Rajasthan's gross state domestic product for 2004 is estimated at $33 billion in current prices.

[edit] Agriculture

Rajasthan's economy is primarily agricultural and pastoral. Wheat and barley are cultivated in large areas, as are pulses, sugarcane, and oilseeds. Cotton and tobacco are cash crops. Rajasthan is among the largest producers of edible oils in India and the second largest producer of oilseeds. Rajasthan is also the biggest wool-producing state in India. There are mainly two crop seasons. The main source of irrigation is wells and tanks. The Indira Gandhi Canal irrigates northwestern Rajasthan.

[edit] Industries

None of the S&P CNX 500 conglomerates have corporate offices in Rajasthan owing to the creeping infrastructure.

Textiles - Rajasthan is the second largest producer of polyester fibre in India. Bhilwara District produces more cloth than Bhiwandi(see http://www.bhiwandicity.com) in Maharashtra.

[edit] Mining

Rajasthan is pre-eminent in quarrying and mining in India. The state is the second largest source of cement. It has rich salt deposits at Sambhar, copper mines at Khetri and zinc mines at Dariba. This is a chart of output of major minerals of Rajasthan.

[edit] Tourism

Endowed with natural beauty and a great history, tourism is flourishing in Rajasthan. The palaces of Jaipur, lakes of Udaipur, and desert forts of Jaisalmer are among the most preferred destination of many tourists, Indian and foreign. Tourism accounts for eight percent of the state's domestic product. Many old and neglected palaces and forts have been converted into heritage hotels. Tourism has increased employment in the hospitality sector.

[edit] Handicrafts

A spin-off of tourism has been the growth of the handicrafts industry.

[edit] Demography

Rajasthan is one of the hottest and driest states in India, partially due to the presence of Thar, the largest desert in the country. Sandstone is found in abundance, and has been harvested for thousands of years for building construction.

[edit] Religion

Hindusim is the main religion of Rajasthan, accounting for some 90% of the population, and there are many local folk heroes and local deities such as Pabuji, Ramdeoji, Gogaji, Mehaji, Tejaji, and Harbhuji. Other significant religious groups in the state are Jains and Muslims. The Christian community is small, and therefore there have been fewer issues in Rajasthan around religious conversion than elsewhere in India: a Christian holds the primacy of the historic brahmanical see of Rajasthan without controversy.

[edit] Temples

Rajasthan is home to some of India's most important and venerated Hindu and Jain temples. Some of these are:

Brahma's Mandir: it is situated at Pushkar near Ajmer. This is the only mandir in the world dedicated to Brahma, God as the Creator of all creation.

Achaleshwar Mahadeo Temple: it is situated at Achalgarh near Mount Abu. It is a Shiva temple with a peculiarity -- instead of the usual Shivalinga it contains the icon of the toe of Shiva and a brass Nandi.

Adinath Temple: it is a Jain temple at Rikhabdeo near Udaipur. It was constructed around 15th century.

Bijolia Temples: This is a group of temples at Bijolia near Bundi. This was group of 100 temples, out of which only three have survived.

Nathdwara : This is a temple of the Pushtimarg sect, and is dedicated to Shrinathji. The temple is located in the Rajsamand district, and is just 48Km north of Udaipur.

Ambika Mata Temple: This is a Durga temple in cleft of rock in the village of Jagat near Mount Abu, about 50 km southeast of Udaipur.

[edit] Culture

[edit] Music and dance

Every region has its very own dialect of music and dance. The Ghoomar dance from Udaipur and Kalbeliya dance of Jaisalmer have international recognition. Folk music is a vital part of Rajasthan culture. Songs are used to tell the legendary battles of Rajputs. Folk songs are commonly ballads which relate heroic deeds, love stories, and religious or devotional songs known as bhajans and banis and often accompanied by musical instruments like dholak, sitar, sarangi etc. The Ajmer Music College in Ajmer, founded in 1942, was the first accredited institution in Rajputana for teaching classical Hindustani music.

[edit] Art

Rajasthan is known for its traditional and colorful art. The block prints, tie and die prints, Bagaru prints, Sanganer prints, Zari embroidery are major export products from Rajasthan. Handicraft items like wooden furniture and handicrafts, carpets, blue potteries are some of the things you will find here. Rajasthan is shoppers' paradise.

[edit] Architecture

Rajasthan is famous for the majestic forts, intricately carved temples and decorated havelis. Jantar Mantar, Dilwara Temples, Chittorgarh Fort, Lake Palace Hotel, City Palaces, Jaisalmer Havelis are true architectural heritage. Jaipur, the Pink City, is noted for the ancient houses made of a type of sand stone dominated by a pink hue.

[edit] Shopping

Rajasthan is often called the shoppers' paradise. Rajasthan is famous for textile, semi-precious stones and handicraft.

[edit] Government and politics

Rajasthan assembly has 200 members. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress are the main political parties in the state.Vasundhara Raje (BJP) is the prominent leader and the current Chief Minister of the state.

[edit] Education

The main universities in the state are :

• University of Rajasthan, Jaipur
• Mohanlal Sukhadiya University,Udaipur
• Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University,Ajmer
• Jai Narain Vyas University,Jodhpur

The other major educational institutions are

• Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur
• Birla Institute of Technology and Science
• Banasthali Vidyapith
• Mayo College, Ajmer
• Sophia Girls' School & College, Ajmer
• Ajmer Music College, Ajmer
• College of Technology & Engineering, Udaipur
• MBM Engineering College
• National Law University, Jodhpur
• IIME : International Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship, Jaipur
• AIIMS :All indian institute of medical science ,jodhpur

[edit] Flora and fauna

Though a large area is desert, and through there is little forest cover, Rajasthan has a rich and varied flora and fauna.

[edit] Sports

Rajasthan has produced many players who have represented India.

[edit] Transport

Rajasthan has a variety of transport like - Rickshaws, beil gadi etc.

[edit] Districts

Districts of Rajasthan.

Main article: Districts of Rajasthan

Rajasthan has 32 districts: Ajmer, Alwar, Banswara, Baran, Barmer, Bhilwara, Bikaner, Bharatpur, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Churu, Dausa, Dholpur, Dungarpur, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jhalawar, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Karauli, Kota, Nagaur, Pali, Rajsamand, Sawai Madhopur, Sikar, Sirohi, Tonk, and Udaipur.

Seven divisions of the districts.

These districts are grouped into seven divisions:

• Ajmer Division: Ajmer, Bhilwara, Nagaur, Tonk.
• Bharatpur Division: Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karuali, Swai Madhopur.
• Bikaner Division: Bikaner, Churu, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh.
• Jaipur Division: Jaipur, Alwar, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Dausa.
• Jodhpur Division: Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jodhpur, Pali, Sirohi.
• Kota Division: Baran, Bundi, Jhalawar, Kota.
• Udaipur Division: Banswara, Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, Udaipur, Rajsamand. Recently it was announced that Pratapgarh will be made a district soon.

[edit] Important cities and towns

Jaipur	Jaisalmer	Jodhpur	Amber
Bhilwara	Alwar

[edit] Statistics

• Population: 56.47 million (2001 Census, estimated at more than 58 million now)
• Cities and Towns: 222
• Major cities: Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota, Ajmer, Bikaner, Bhilwara, Alwar, Sri Ganganagar
• Roads: 61,520 km. ( 2,846 km National Highway)
• National highways crossing Rajasthan: Delhi-Ahmedabad, Agra-Bikaner, Jaipur-Bhopal and Bhatinda-Kandla
• Climate: Generally dry with monsoon during July-August
• Districts: 32
• Languages: English and Hindi commonly used, as well as indigenous Rajasthani languages
• Literacy: 61.03 %

[edit] See also

• List of people from Rajasthan
• Districts of Rajasthan

[edit] References

• Gahlot, Sukhvirsingh. 1992. RAJASTHAN: Historical & Cultural. J. S. Gahlot Research Institute, Jodhpur.
• Somani, Ram Vallabh. 1993. History of Rajasthan. Jain Pustak Mandir, Jaipur.
• Tod, James & Crooke, William. 1829. Annals & Antiquities of Rajasthan or the Central and Western Rajput States of India. 3 Vols. Reprint: Low Price Publications, Delhi. 1990. ISBN 81-85395-68-3 (set of 3 vols.)
• Mathur, P.C., 1995. Social and Economic Dynamics of Rajasthan Politics (Jaipur, Aaalekh)

[edit] External links

• State Government of Rajasthan - Official home page
• Rajasthan: Land of Kings - photo gallery
• Rajasthan travel guide from Wikitravel

States and territories of India

States: Andhra Pradesh • Arunachal Pradesh • Assam • Bihar • Chhattisgarh • Goa • Gujarat • Haryana • Himachal Pradesh • Jammu and Kashmir • Jharkhand • Karnataka • Kerala • Madhya Pradesh • Maharashtra • Manipur • Meghalaya • Mizoram • Nagaland • Orissa • Punjab • Rajasthan • Sikkim • Tamil Nadu • Tripura • Uttaranchal • Uttar Pradesh • West Bengal

Union territories: Andaman and Nicobar Islands • Chandigarh • Dadra and Nagar Haveli • National Capital Territory of Delhi • Daman and Diu • Lakshadweep • Puducherry