Rajasthan India, is bounded on the west and northwest by Pakistan, on the north and northeast by the Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, on the east and southeast by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, and on the southwest by the state of Gujarat. The Tropic of Cancer passes through its southern tip in the Banswara district.
Western Rajasthan is relatively dry and infertile; and includes some of the Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert. The climate varies throughout Rajasthan as you'll see when you travel to Rajasthan, India. On average winter temperatures range from 8° to 28° C (46° to 82° F) and summer temperatures range from 25° to 46° C (77° to 115° F)
Area: 342,239 sq km.
Population: 56.5 million.
Languages: Hindi, Marwari, and Rajasthani.
Capital: Jaipur
Literacy rate (2001): 61.03 %
Crops: Cotton, Millet, Oilseeds, pulses, wheat, and sugarcane.
Industries: Cement, Chemicals, Handicrafts, Sugar, and textiles.
Airports: Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner and Jaisalmer.
Festivals: Desert festival of Jaisalmer, Holi, Gangaur, Teej, Raksha Bandhan, Dussehra, and Diwali.
Legends: The history of Rajasthan tells us that it was divided into nineteen kingdoms. Each ruled by a Maharaja. A brave Rajput was bestowed the noble title of Thakur. The Thakur was given control over a part of the land in the kingdom, where he established his own mini kingdom and ruled from a fort or a palace. In return he supplied soldiers - horses, camels and warriors - to fight the wars for the Maharaja. Most of the Takhurs gained the title through some forefather's bravery in war. The Thakur's family would proudle claim that they got the estate in "mund kati", literally meaning beheading. Others gained the Takhur title through marriage, and obtained the estate through the less flattering term "gagharia".
Society and Culture
The Rajputs though representing only a small percentage of the population, are the most important section of the population in Rajasthan. They are proud of their warlike reputation and of their ancestry. When you travel to Rajasthan, India, you will see their numerous forts and palaces, which are popular tourist attractions today.
The principal language of the state is Rajasthani, comprising a group of Indo-Aryan dialects derived from Dingal, a tongue in which bards once sang of the glories of their masters. Its place is being taken by Hindi (the official state language of Rajasthan). Hinduism, the religion of most of the population, is generally practiced.
Islam, the religion of the state's second largest religious community, expanded in Rajasthan with the conquest of Ajmer by Muslim invaders in the late 12th century. The tomb of Khwajah Muin-ud-Din Chishti, the Muslim holy man, at Ajmer, is a significant pilgrimage destination.
Fairs and Festivals
The spring festival Gangaur during late March to early April and the Teej festival between early and late August are important. The Teej welcomes the monsoon, when the state's many lakes become full. The Pushkar camel and cattle fair during mid-November, the Nagaur festival during late January to early February and the Koolyat Fair at Bikaner during mid to late November are well known fairs. The Desert Festival at Jaisalmer during early to mid-February is a famous modern fair. Tourists travel to Rajasthan, India from all over the world to see this colorful event.
Economy and Infrastructure
Rajasthan's economy is mainly agricultural; millet, wheat, maize (corn), and cotton are grown. The state is also known for its mineral resources and precious and semi-precious stones. Tourism is also an important part of the economy, as you will see when you travel to Rajasthan, India.