Rajasthan State - Arid and Dry Cimate with Rich Culture and History

Rajasthan has a total area of 343,000 sq km and the most striking feature of this land is its division by the majestic Aravalli mountain range. It is the backbone of the state and divides it into two geographical featured regions.

North West of the Aravlis are the Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner regions, it is the home of arid plains and shifting sand dunes of the great Thar desert. Water levels are so low that it was quoted by Italian traveler Manucci “Wells are so deep that when water is drawn out of them with the help of oxen, beat a drum as a warning that the pot is at the mouth of the well and they are about to draw water.”

Yet this land with its relentless carpet of sand is neither barren nor uninhabited. In fact, the colourfully dressed women against the starch backgrounds is one of the first and most lasting of all impressions that one may have of this state. The harsh dry climate has, however, forced the people to evolve a semi-nomadic lifestyle; when survival becomes difficult these people move out with their cattle to more welcoming pastures.

The other side of the hills is a land rich in vegetation. There are long stretches of dense forests, kush green valleys and fertile fields. This area is drained by several rivers – the most important being the Chamabal. Geographically, many areas in Rajasthan are older than the Himalayas. Excavations at Kalibangan, in Ganganagar district proves that a fully developed and organized society was in existence in this area long before the Harappan culture.

The later history of Rajasthan is of various kingdoms and their regular wars. In the midst of sixth century, the Brave Rajputs “The Warriors” came to dominate the region and wrote the most glorious chapters of history with their blood and blade. This period saw the rise of Prithvi Raj Chauhan, Maharani Padmini, the beautiful queen of Rana Rattan Singh of Chittaur, Rana Sangha, Man Singh of Amer and Rana Pratap of Chittaur and many other which became hallowed in folk memory.

This is a just brief about the glories of past, the history, the vegetation and the dry and arid climate of Rajasthan. History of Rajasthan is still present in the villages and the desert, the villages still follow the centuries old customs. There are many and many aspects of Rajasthan you will learn about Rajasthan from this blog of us, so stay stuned and post in comments if you happen to like our initiative.

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