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).
Crops: Cotton, Millet, Oilseeds, pulses, wheat, and sugarcane.
Industries: Cement, Chemicals, Handicrafts, Sugar, and textiles.
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. While Traveling to Rajasthan 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.
