Location, Extent and Physical Features

Geographical Location of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the largest state of India by area, situated in the northwestern part of the country. It shares its international border with Pakistan to the west and is bounded by five Indian states: Punjab to the north, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to the northeast, Madhya Pradesh to the southeast, and Gujarat to the southwest. The Tropic of Cancer passes close to its southern border. The state lies between latitudes 23°3'N and 30°12'N and longitudes 69°30'E and 78°17'E. The western boundary of Rajasthan is defined by the international border with Pakistan, stretching over approximately 1,070 kilometers. The state covers an area of 342,239 square kilometers, accounting for about 10.41% of India's total geographical area. The capital city is Jaipur, which is centrally located and serves as the administrative and cultural hub. Rajasthan's location gives it strategic importance, both historically and in contemporary times, as it acts as a gateway to northern India from the western frontier. ⭐ परीक्षा महत्वपूर्ण तथ्य: • Rajasthan became a state on 1 November 1956 after the States Reorganisation Act. • Jaipur is the largest city and capital of Rajasthan. • Rajasthan covers 10.41% of the total area of India. • Remember the latitudinal and longitudinal extent for map-based questions. • Questions often ask about the districts sharing the border with Pakistan.

• Rajasthan's area: 342,239 sq km (10.41% of India’s area)
• International border with Pakistan: 1,070 km long
• Latitudinal extent: 23°3'N to 30°12'N
• Longitudinal extent: 69°30'E to 78°17'E
• Borders 5 Indian states: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat
• 📌 Tropic of Cancer: An imaginary line at 23.5°N latitude passing near Rajasthan's southern border.
• 📌 International Border: The boundary separating Rajasthan (India) from Pakistan.

Physical Divisions of Rajasthan

Rajasthan's physical geography is diverse, comprising several distinct physiographic regions. The state can be broadly divided into four main physical divisions: the Western Desert (Thar Desert), the Aravalli Range, the Eastern Plains, and the Southern Hills and Plateaus. The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, occupies the western part of the state and is characterized by sandy terrain, dunes, and sparse vegetation. The Aravalli Range, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, runs diagonally from the southwest to the northeast, acting as a climatic and physical divide. The Eastern Plains, lying to the east of the Aravallis, are fertile and support intensive agriculture. The Southern Hills and Plateaus, including the Mewar and Vagad regions, are rich in minerals and forests. Each division has unique geographical features, climate, and economic activities. ⭐ परीक्षा महत्वपूर्ण तथ्य: • Mount Abu (1,722 m) is the highest peak in Rajasthan. • The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest fold mountains in the world. • The Thar Desert is also called 'Marusthali'. • Questions often ask which districts fall under which physical division. • Remember the order and features of the four main divisions.

• Four main physical divisions: Thar Desert, Aravalli Range, Eastern Plains, Southern Hills & Plateaus
• Thar Desert covers about 60% of Rajasthan's area
• Aravalli Range extends about 692 km from southwest (Gujarat border) to northeast (Delhi)
• Eastern Plains are fertile and densely populated
• Southern Hills and Plateaus are rich in minerals like zinc, lead, and copper
• 📌 Thar Desert: The Great Indian Desert, arid region in western Rajasthan.
• 📌 Aravalli Range: Ancient mountain range dividing Rajasthan into two distinct regions.