The state capital is Jaipur. Geographical features include the Thar Desert along north-western Rajasthan and the termination of the Ghaggar River near the archaeological ruins at Kalibanga, which are the oldest in the subcontinent discovered so far.
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, a sacred pilgrimage for Jains. Eastern Rajasthan has two national tiger reserves, Ranthambore and Sariska, as well as Keoladeo National Park near Bharatpur, once famous for its bird life.
Rajasthan was formed on 30 March 1949, when all erstwhile princely states ruled by Rajputs, known as Rajputana, merged into the Dominion of India. The only difference between erstwhile Rajputana and Rajasthan is that certain portions governed directly by the British Raj, in the former province of Ajmer-Merwara, were included. Portions lying geographically outside of Rajputana such as the Tonk state were given to Madhya Pradesh.
Rajasthan is home to many courageous heroes, admired for their courage, strength and determined struggles. A few popular heroes are Bappa Rawal, Rana Sangha, Pratap Singh and Prithviraj Chauhan.
History
Historical traditions are that Rajputs, Nath, Jats, Bhils, Ahirs, Gujars, Meenas and some other tribes made a great contribution in building the state of Rajasthan. All these tribes suffered great difficulties to protect their culture and the land. Millions[1] of them were martyred for this land. 'The Hinduan Suraj' title to Udaipur was due to Bhils. Jats had been fighting since beginning. Gujars had been exterminated in Bhinmal and Ajmer areas fighting with the invaders. Bhils once ruled Kota and Bundi. Gujars were sardars in Alwar, Jodhpur and Ajmer areas. [1] Meenas were ruler of Dhundhar. The earlier contributions of warriors and protectors of the land Jats, Bhils, Gujars and Meenas were neglected and lost in history.
Geography
Rajasthan is situated in the north-western part of India. It covers 342,239 square kilometres (132,139 square miles). Rajasthan lies between latitudes 23 degree 3'and 30 degree 12', north and longitudes 69 degree 30' and 78 degree 17', east. Compared to many countries that are located in a similar latitudinal belt, such as in northern Arabia, Rajasthan has a less harsh climate. The State's scorching and dry summers and its parched landscape is undergoing significant changes because of the developmental effort that have led to the spread of the Indira Gandhi Nahar.
The southern part of Rajasthan is about 225 km from the Gulf of Kutch and about 400 km from the Arabian Sea. Rajasthan is bounded by Pakistan in the west and north-west; by the State of Punjab in the north; by Haryana in the north-east; by Uttar Pradesh in the east, by Madhya Pradesh in the south-east and Gujarat in the south-west.
The Aravali mountain ranges that run from Delhi to Gujarat cut through the State almost vertically. The Aravali ranges divide the State through south-east and north-west. The north-west region covering two-thirds of the state consist mostly of a series of sand dunes. Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and part of the Jhunjhunu districts form" part of this region. The eastern region has large fertile tracts.
Districts
Main article: Districts of Rajasthan Rajasthan is divided into 33 districts and seven divisions:
* Ajmer Division: Ajmer, Bhilwara, Nagaur, Tonk.
* Bharatpur Division: Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur.
* Bikaner Division: Bikaner, Churu, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh.
* Jaipur Division: Jaipur, Alwar, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Dausa.
* Jodhpur Division: Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jodhpur District, Pali, Sirohi.
* Kota Division: Baran, Bundi, Jhalawar, Kota.
* Udaipur Division: Banswara District, Chittorgarh District, Pratapgarh District, Dungarpur District, Udaipur, Rajsamand
How to Reach Rajasthan
Explore Rajasthan - the Desert Jewel of India. This is a royal land bejeweled with invincible forts, magnificent palaces, rich culture and heritage, beauty and natural resources. This abode of kings spread across the great Thar Desert is India's ambassador to the world of travel and tourism.
Rajasthan being a major tourist destination in India, the state is well connected with other parts of the country and is well accessible by air, rail and road. Delhi, the capital of India and most important international gateway is conveniently located at 4 hours distance from Jaipur, the Rajasthan capital.
Air: Jaipur is the main airport to enter Rajasthan. Serviced by all the domestic airlines of India, Jaipur has connections to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Aurangabad, Jodhpur and few more cities in India. Other major airports are in Udaipur and Jodhpur.
Rail: Rajasthan holidays, like many other facets of the state is another unforgettable experience, more if you consider traveling by train. Palace on Wheels, one of the most luxurious trains in the world, is the highpoint of any travel to Rajasthan. Seven days of unmatched hospitality, living life like a king, in the moving kingdom of Palace on Wheels is just out of this world.
Road: Road transport in Rajasthan, on the other hand, is much better than in the other parts of India. But, most enduring of the memories in Rajasthan is undoubtedly Camel Safari and Horse Safari across the Thar Desert.
