Rajasthan at a glance
About Rajasthan
The land of kings: India's largest state, home to the Thar Desert, the Aravalli hills and centuries of royal history.
Overview
The land of kings.
Rajasthan, the "land of kings", is the largest state in India, covering much of the north-west of the country. It borders Pakistan to the west and the Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
It is a land of contrasts: the golden dunes of the Thar Desert, the green Aravalli hills, lake cities, tiger forests and some of the finest forts and palaces in the world. Its people are known for their hospitality, colour and love of music and celebration.
Geography
Desert, hills and lakes.
- The Thar DesertCovering much of western Rajasthan, around Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Barmer, the Great Indian Desert is one of the most densely populated deserts in the world.
- The Aravalli RangeAmong the oldest mountain ranges on earth, running south-west to north-east across the state. Its highest point is Guru Shikhar near Mount Abu, at about 1,722 metres.
- Lakes and riversMan-made lakes such as Pichola in Udaipur and Ana Sagar in Ajmer, and the Chambal, the state's largest river, in the south-east.
- Forests and wetlandsDry deciduous forest in Ranthambore and Sariska, and the Keoladeo wetland at Bharatpur.
History
From the Indus Valley to a modern state.
People have lived here for thousands of years. Kalibangan, in Hanumangarh district, was an important settlement of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
From around the 6th century, Rajput clans rose to power and built the kingdoms that shaped the region: the Sisodias of Mewar, the Rathores of Marwar, the Kachhwahas of Amber and Jaipur, the Bhatis of Jaisalmer and the Hadas of Bundi and Kota. Jat rulers held Bharatpur and Dholpur, and a Nawab ruled Tonk.
Some Rajput kings fought the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals, most famously Rana Sanga at the Battle of Khanua in 1527 and Maharana Pratap at Haldighati in 1576. Others, like Raja Man Singh of Amber, became powerful Mughal allies.
After the Mughal decline, the region faced Maratha raids, and in the early 19th century the princely states signed treaties with the British. Known as Rajputana, they kept local rule until India's independence. The modern state was formed in stages from 1948, with the main union on 30 March 1949, now celebrated as Rajasthan Day, and took its present shape in 1956.
Regions
Many kingdoms, many cultures.
- MarwarThe western desert region around Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaisalmer.
- MewarThe southern hills and lakes around Udaipur and Chittorgarh.
- DhundharThe eastern heartland around Jaipur and Amber.
- ShekhawatiThe north-east, famous for its painted havelis.
- HadotiThe south-east around Kota and Bundi, on the Chambal river.
- Mewat & BrajThe north-east near Alwar and Bharatpur.
Culture
Music, dance and colour.
- Folk musicThe Manganiyar and Langa musicians of the desert keep alive centuries-old songs of love, heroism and devotion.
- DanceGhoomar, the swirling dance of Rajput women, and Kalbeliya, the snake-charmer dance listed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- PuppetryKathputli string puppets tell the legends of kings and heroes.
- ArchitectureHill forts, palaces, carved havelis, stepwells and cenotaphs (chhatris).
- Fairs & festivalsFrom the Pushkar Camel Fair and Desert Festival to Teej, Gangaur, Diwali and Holi.
UNESCO World Heritage
World-famous treasures.
- Hill Forts of RajasthanChittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore, Gagron, Amber and Jaisalmer, listed together in 2013.
- Jantar Mantar, JaipurAn 18th-century observatory of giant stone instruments, listed in 2010.
- Keoladeo National ParkThe Bharatpur bird sanctuary, listed in 1985.
- Jaipur CityThe walled city of Jaipur, listed in 2019 as an outstanding planned city.
Good to know
Quick answers.
When is Rajasthan Day?
Rajasthan Day is celebrated on 30 March, marking the formation of the state in 1949.
Is Rajasthan the largest state in India?
Yes. At about 342,239 square kilometres, it is the largest Indian state by area.
What languages are spoken in Rajasthan?
Hindi is the official language. Rajasthani dialects such as Marwari, Mewari and Dhundhari are widely spoken, and English is common in tourism.
What is the best time to visit Rajasthan?
October to March, when days are warm and sunny and nights are cool.
