Rajasthan
Geography
Rajasthan, located in the northwestern part of India, is the largest state by area, covering an area of 342,239 square kilometers. The state is bordered by Pakistan to the west, Gujarat to the southwest, Madhya Pradesh to the southeast, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to the northeast and Punjab to the north. It encompasses most of the area of the large, inhospitable Thar Desert, also known as the "Rajasthan Desert" and "Great Indian Desert", which parallels the Sutlej-Indus river valley along its border with Pakistan.
History
Rajasthan's history dates back to the prehistoric period. Excavations at Kalibangan in northern Rajasthan around 1998 revealed the existence of human settlements of the Harappan Civilisation which dates back to 3000 BCE. The state was formed on 30 March 1949 when Rajputana, the name adopted by the British Raj for its dependencies in the region, was merged into the Dominion of India.
Culture
Rajasthan is known for its rich culture and heritage. The state is home to many majestic forts and palaces, which are a testament to the grandeur of Rajput civilisation. The state's cultural heritage includes a wide range of folk music and dances. Some of the popular folk dances include Ghoomar, Kalbeliya and Bhawai. The state is also known for its traditional and colourful art. The block prints, tie and dye prints, Bagaru prints, Sanganer prints, and Zari embroidery are major export products from Rajasthan.
Economy
The economy of Rajasthan is primarily based on agriculture, mining and tourism. The state is the second largest producer of millet in India. Other major crops include wheat, barley and pulses. Rajasthan is also the largest producer of edible oils in India. The state has significant reserves of copper, lead, zinc, tungsten and silver. In addition, Rajasthan's Jaipur city, also known as the 'Pink City', is a major tourist attraction, with numerous forts, palaces, and heritage hotels.
Education
Rajasthan has made significant strides in the field of education. The state has several universities, including the University of Rajasthan, Rajasthan Technical University, and Jai Narain Vyas University. The state is also home to several prestigious colleges and research institutions.
Politics
The politics of Rajasthan is dominated by two major political parties: the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. The state has a parliamentary system of government with a bicameral legislature consisting of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly and the Rajasthan Legislative Council.