Rajasthan

Rajasthan
Name	Rajasthan
Coordinates	26, 34, 22, N...
Established date	30 March 1949
Capital	Jaipur
Largest city	Jaipur
Official languages	Hindi, Rajasthani
Governor	Kalraj Mishra
Chief minister	Bhajan Lal Sharma
Legislature	Unicameral (200 seats)
High court	Rajasthan High Court
Area total km2	342239
Population total	68,548,437
Population density km2	200
Vehicle code range	RJ-
Website	rajasthan.gov.in

Rajasthan. It is the largest Indian state by area, located in the northwestern part of the country. The state is renowned for its vast Thar Desert, historic Rajput kingdoms, and vibrant cultural heritage. Its capital and largest city is the iconic Jaipur, part of the famed Golden Triangle tourist circuit.

Geography

Rajasthan is bordered by the Pakistani provinces of Punjab and Sindh to the west, and the Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. The landscape is dominated by the arid Thar Desert and the rugged Aravalli Range, one of the world's oldest mountain ranges. Key geographical features include the seasonal Luni River, the saline Sambhar Salt Lake, and the Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climate is generally hot and dry, with extreme temperatures recorded in cities like Churu and Phalodi.

History

The region's history is deeply intertwined with the martial Rajput clans such as the Sisodia of Mewar, Rathore of Marwar, and Kachwaha of Jaipur. It witnessed the rise of powerful kingdoms like the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty and the Mughal Empire, with historic battles like the Battle of Haldighati fought on its soil. Later, it became a key region for the Maratha Empire and entered into treaty alliances with the British East India Company as the Rajputana agency. Post-independence, the various princely states, including Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, and Jaipur, were integrated to form the present state in 1949.

Government and politics

Rajasthan operates under a parliamentary system with a Governor as the constitutional head and a Chief Minister as the head of government. The state legislature is the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly in Jaipur, while the principal seat of the Rajasthan High Court is at Jodhpur. Major political parties include the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party, which have alternately held power. The state sends 25 members to the Lok Sabha and 10 to the Rajya Sabha.

Economy

Traditionally agrarian, the economy has diversified significantly. Mining is crucial, with the state being a leading producer of zinc, lead, and gypsum, largely from the Khetri copper belt and the Zawar mines. Agriculture relies on the Indira Gandhi Canal for irrigation, producing crops like mustard and millet. Major industries are concentrated in cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Kota, with sectors ranging from textiles and marble processing to information technology and renewable energy projects in the Thar Desert.

Culture

Rajasthan's culture is a rich tapestry of Rajput and Mughal influences. It is famous for its folk music and dances like Ghoomar, traditional attire such as the ghagra and turban, and elaborate festivals like Pushkar Fair and Desert Festival. The state's culinary heritage includes dishes like dal baati churma and ghevar. Renowned schools of miniature painting flourished in Mewar and Kishangarh, and it is a global center for gemstone cutting and jewellery design.

Tourism

Tourism is a vital industry, centered on the state's majestic forts, palaces, and temples. Iconic landmarks include the Amber Fort, Mehrangarh Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and the Jaisalmer Fort. The state boasts several wildlife sanctuaries like Ranthambore National Park and Sariska Tiger Reserve. Spiritual destinations draw pilgrims to the Brahma Temple in Pushkar and the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, while the unique heritage hotels in former havelis and palaces offer immersive stays.

Category:Rajasthan Category:States and union territories of India