Rajasthan – The Land of Kings
Complete Static GK, Geography, History & Economic Profile (Exam-Oriented Notes)
By Home Academy
Rajasthan is the largest state of India by area.
The name Rajasthan means “Land of Kings.” It was earlier called Rajputana during British rule.
1. Rajasthan at a Glance (Static GK Table)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| State Formation | 30 March 1949 (Rajasthan Day) |
| Capital | Jaipur |
| Largest City | Jaipur |
| Area | 3,42,239 sq km (Largest in India) |
| Official Language | Hindi |
| State Animal | Camel (Livestock), Chinkara (Wild) |
| State Bird | Great Indian Bustard (Godawan) |
| State Tree | Khejri |
| State Flower | Rohida |
| Total Districts (2011 Census) | 33 (Now 50 as per latest reorganization) |
| Lok Sabha Seats | 25 |
| Rajya Sabha Seats | 10 |
| Legislative Assembly Seats | 200 |
| High Court | Jodhpur (Principal Seat), Jaipur Bench |
2. Geography of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is located in northwestern India.
| Geographical Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Latitude | 23°3'N to 30°12'N |
| Longitude | 69°30'E to 78°17'E |
| Borders | Pakistan (West), Punjab (North), Haryana & UP (NE), MP (SE), Gujarat (SW) |
| Major Physiographic Divisions | Thar Desert, Aravalli Range, Eastern Plains |
| Highest Peak | Guru Shikhar (Mount Abu) |
| Climate | Arid to Semi-Arid |
3. Thar Desert (Great Indian Desert) – Important for Exams
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Western Rajasthan |
| Districts Covered | Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur |
| Sand Dunes | Barchans |
| Vegetation | Thorny bushes, Cactus |
| Important Canal | Indira Gandhi Canal |
| Desert Festival | Jaisalmer Desert Festival |
The Thar Desert is one of the most densely populated deserts in the world.
4. Rivers of Rajasthan
Most rivers are seasonal except Chambal.
| River | Type | Important Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Chambal | Perennial | Only perennial river |
| Luni | Seasonal | Flows into Rann of Kutch |
| Banas | Seasonal | Tributary of Chambal |
| Sabarmati | Seasonal | Originates in Aravalli |
| Mahi | Perennial | Flows into Arabian Sea |
Major Dams: Rana Pratap Sagar, Gandhi Sagar, Jawahar Sagar.
5. Lakes of Rajasthan
| Lake | Type | District |
|---|---|---|
| Sambhar Lake | Salt Water | Jaipur |
| Pushkar Lake | Fresh | Ajmer |
| Pichola Lake | Fresh | Udaipur |
| Fateh Sagar | Artificial | Udaipur |
| Ana Sagar | Artificial | Ajmer |
Sambhar is the largest inland salt lake in India.
6. National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries
| National Park | District | Famous For |
|---|---|---|
| Ranthambore | Sawai Madhopur | Tiger |
| Sariska | Alwar | Tiger Reserve |
| Keoladeo Ghana | Bharatpur | Bird Sanctuary (Ramsar Site) |
| Desert National Park | Jaisalmer | Great Indian Bustard |
7. Ramsar Sites in Rajasthan
| Ramsar Site | District |
|---|---|
| Keoladeo National Park | Bharatpur |
| Sambhar Lake | Jaipur |
| Nawa Lake | Nagaur |
8. Census 2011 Data (Very Important)
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 6,85,48,437 |
| Rank in Population | 7th |
| Population Density | 200 per sq km |
| Literacy Rate | 66.11% |
| Male Literacy | 79.19% |
| Female Literacy | 52.12% |
| Sex Ratio | 928 |
| Urban Population | 24.89% |
Most Populous District (2011): Jaipur
Highest Literacy: Kota
9. District List (As per Census 2011 – 33 Districts)
Ajmer, Alwar, Banswara, Baran, Barmer, Bharatpur, Bhilwara, Bikaner, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Churu, Dausa, Dholpur, Dungarpur, Hanumangarh, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jhalawar, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Karauli, Kota, Nagaur, Pali, Pratapgarh, Rajsamand, Sawai Madhopur, Sikar, Sirohi, Sri Ganganagar, Tonk, Udaipur.
10. History of Rajasthan
Ancient Period
• Indus Valley site – Kalibangan
• Part of Mauryan Empire
Medieval Period
• Rajput dynasties (Sisodia, Rathore, Kachwaha)
• Prithviraj Chauhan
• Battle of Haldighati (1576) – Maharana Pratap vs Akbar
Modern Period
• Annexed by British
• Integration of princely states (1948–49)
11. Important Historical & Tourist Places
| Place | District | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Hawa Mahal | Jaipur | Palace of Winds |
| Amber Fort | Jaipur | UNESCO Site |
| Mehrangarh Fort | Jodhpur | Historic Fort |
| Chittorgarh Fort | Chittorgarh | Largest Fort in India |
| Jaisalmer Fort | Jaisalmer | Golden Fort |
| City Palace | Udaipur | Royal Palace |
12. Economy of Rajasthan
| Sector | Details |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Bajra, Wheat, Mustard |
| Cash Crops | Cotton, Groundnut |
| Mineral Rich | Marble, Zinc, Copper |
| Known As | Mineral State of India |
| Industries | Cement, Textile, Tourism |
Rajasthan is India’s largest producer of marble and zinc.
13. Agriculture & Horticulture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Crops | Bajra, Wheat |
| Oilseeds | Mustard |
| Fruits | Orange (Jhalawar), Pomegranate |
| Spices | Cumin, Coriander |
14. Towns Famous For
| Town | Famous For |
|---|---|
| Jaipur | Pink City |
| Jodhpur | Blue City |
| Udaipur | City of Lakes |
| Jaisalmer | Golden City |
| Kota | Coaching Hub |
| Makrana | Marble |
15. Transport in Rajasthan
Airports
| Airport | Location |
|---|---|
| Jaipur International Airport | Jaipur |
| Maharana Pratap Airport | Udaipur |
| Jodhpur Airport | Jodhpur |
| Bikaner Airport | Bikaner |
Railways
• North Western Railway Zone
• Major Junctions: Jaipur, Ajmer, Kota, Jodhpur
Road Transport
• NH-48, NH-62
• Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC)
16. Important Festivals
• Desert Festival (Jaisalmer)
• Pushkar Fair
• Gangaur Festival
• Teej
17. Important Exam Facts
Rajasthan is the largest state by area
Sambhar Lake – Largest salt lake
Guru Shikhar – Highest peak
Kalibangan – Indus Valley Site
Battle of Haldighati – 1576
Conclusion
Rajasthan is historically rich, geographically diverse, and economically significant. For exams, focus on Thar Desert, Aravalli Range, rivers, census data, national parks, minerals, and Rajput history.
These notes are specially prepared by Home Academy for RPSC, JKSSB, Railways, and State PCS examinations with an exam-oriented approach
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