Rajasthan is the largest state of the India in terms of area.The region borders 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.Rajasthan covers an area of 342,239 km.The state capital is Jaipur. Geographical features include the Thar Desert along north-western Rajasthan.
One of the world's oldest mountain ranges, the Aravalli Range, cradles the only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu, and its world-famous Dilwara Temples, a sacred pilgrimage for Jains. Eastern Rajasthan has two national tiger reserves, Ranthambore and Sariska, as well as Keoladeo National Park near Bharatpur, once famous for its bird life.
Rajasthan was inhabited long before 2500 BC and the Indus Valley Civilisation had its foundation here in north Rajasthan itself. The Bhil and the Mina tribes were the earliest dwellers of this area.
Around 1400 BC the Aryans paid a visit and settled forever in the area. The local population was pushed down south and towards the east. Afghans, Turks, Persians and Mughals followed in mixing their blood, first in war then in peace, with the existing original inhabitants. This blending gave the martial lineage to the Rajputs.
Rajasthan's economy is primarily agricultural and pastoral. Wheat and barley are cultivated over large areas, as are pulses, sugarcane, and oilseeds. Cotton and tobacco are cash crops. Rajasthan is among the largest producers of edible oils in India and the second largest producer of oilseeds. Rajasthan is also the biggest wool-producing state in India. There are mainly two crop seasons. The water for irrigation comes from wells and tanks. The Indira Gandhi Canal irrigates northwestern Rajasthan.
Gifted with natural beauty and rich history, Rajasthan is a popular tourist destination in India. Rajasthan is situated in the north west of India and is known as the most colourful region of India. The landscape of Rajasthan is very gorgeous and the people adorn interesting customs. Witness to a great royal past, Rajasthan is endowed with extraordinary forts and palaces. The landscape has its own variety from lofty hills to simmering sand dunes, thus contributing different tourist attractions of nature and wildlife. It has strange combination in all its forms - people, customs, culture, attires, music and cuisine.
The climate of Rajasthan greatly varies throughout the state. The climate of Rajasthan can be divided into four seasons: Summers, Monsoon, Post-Monsoon and winter.
A summer, which extends from April to June, is the hottest season, with temperatures ranging from 32 degree C to 45 degree C. In western Rajasthan the temp may rise to 48 degree C, particularly in May and June. At this time, Rajasthan's only hill station, Mt Abu registers the lowest temperatures. In the desert regions, the temperature drops at night. Prevailing winds are from the west and sometimes carry dust storms (we call them aandhi).
Rajasthan is well-regarded as the beautiful land of vibrant colors, wonderful palaces, attractive architecture and tasty cuisines. Cuisine of Rajasthan is nothing short of an art form that has its unique charm.
Influences on Rajasthani Cuisine are varied. The environmental and social aspects have played a huge role in molding the Rajasthani Cuisine to its present from. Owing to the geographical location of Rajasthan, water is scarce and fresh green vegetables are not easy to get. As a result, most of the Delicacies of Rajasthan are cooked with the minimum quantity of water.
The main geographic features of Rajasthan are the Thar Desert and the Aravalli Range, which runs through the state from southwest to northeast, almost from one end to the other, for more than 850 km. Mount Abu is at the southwestern end of the range, separated from the main ranges by the West Banas River, although a series of broken ridges continues into Haryana in the direction of Delhi where it can be seen as outcrops in the form of the Raisina Hill and the ridges farther north. About three-fifths of Rajasthan lies northwest of the Aravallis, leaving two-fifths on the east and south.
