About Rajasthan

Rajasthan is one of the 26 states that, along with seven union territories, forms the republic of India. Rajasthan is situated in the north western part of India. Rajasthan covers a total area of 3,42,274 square km. that comprises of 22 princely states, making it geographically the second largest state in India.  Rajasthan is bounded by Pakistan in the west and north-west, by Punjab and Haryana in the north, by Uttar Pradesh in the east, by Madhya Pradesh in the south-east and Gujarat in the south-west and south. Its north-western and western regions which comprises of 11 districts forms the "Great Indian Thar Desert". Rajasthan is located between 22o and 30o north latitude, and 69o and 78o east longitude and consists of the Aravalli hills, the plateau of Haroti and the Malwa tableland that block the flow of the monsoons to the region, creating the vast desert that lies to the west.

The Aravali mountain ranges that run from Delhi to Gujarat runs across the State in the south-east and north-west direction. The north-west region covering two-thirds of the state consist mostly of a series of sand dunes. Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and part of the Jhunjhunu districts form part of this region.

Rajput clans emerged and held their sway over different parts of Rajasthan from about 700 AD. Before that, Rajasthan was a part of several republics. It was a part of the Mauryan Empire. Other major republics that dominated this region include the Malavas, Arjunas, Yaudhyas, Kushans, Saka Satraps, Guptas and Hunas. The Rajputs control the whole of Rajasthan during the period from the eighth to the twelfth century AD. The Pratihars ruled Rajasthan and most of northern India during 750-1000 AD. Between 1000-1200 AD, Rajasthan witnessed the struggle for supremacy between Chalukyas, Parmars and Chauhans.

Around 1200 AD, a part of Rajasthan came under Muslim rulers. The principal centers of their powers were Nagaur, Ajmer and Ranthambore. At the beginning of the 13th century AD, the most prominent and powerful state of Rajasthan was Mewar. Rajasthan had never been united politically until its domination by Mughal Emperor - Akbar. Akbar created a unified province of Rajasthan. Mughal power started to decline after 1707. The political disintegration of Rajasthan was caused by the dismemberment of the Mughal Empire. The Marathas penetrated Rajasthan upon the decline of the Mughal Empire. In 1755 they occupied Ajmer. The beginning of the 19th century was marked by the onslaught of the Pindaris.

The erstwhile Rajputana comprised of 19 princely states and two chiefships of Lava and Kushalgarh and a British administered territory of Ajmer-Marwar. The present State of Rajasthan was formed after a long process of integration which began on March 17,1948 and ended on November 1,1956. Before integration it was called Rajputana and after integration it came to be known as Rajasthan. At present there are 32 districts (including the new district of Karauli), 105 sub-divisions, 241 tehsils, 37889 inhabited villages and 222 towns in the state.

The climate of Rajasthan varies from semi arid to arid. During summers, the temperature remains about 45o Celsius and days are very hot and dry. While, in winters the temperature remains about 10o Celsius on an average and even drops below freezing point. The days are filled with sunshine and thus, this is the best time for visitors to travel within the state.

The major cities of Rajasthan are well connected among themselves. The capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur has its own airport and is linked to various other cities and tourist destinations. The major cities of Rajasthan are also well connected with various cities and its neighboring states by the railways, roadways and airways network.