Geography Of Rajasthan
Introduction-
Rajasthan is always in its vivacious glory with its scenic golden sand dunes of the Great Indian TharDesert, the soaring ranges of Aravali- the oldest chain of Fold Mountains, the age-old culture and the remnants of its imperial past. Rajasthan is marked by a remar
kable diversity of its customs, the costumes of its vibrant people, music, dance forms, art and architecture, cuisine, dialects, and physiographic features. The landscape is dotted with splendid palaces or havelis and majestic forts which adds an enamoring quality to the place and reminds us of its hoary past. Rajasthan, lying between 23°30' and 30°11'North latitudes and 69° 29' and 78 ° 17' East longitudes at the northwestern part of India is one of the biggest states in the country. The state shares its north-western and western boundary with the Indo-Pakistan international border that extends about 1,070 km and touches the major districts Barmer, Bikaner, Ganganagar and Jaisalmer. Rajasthan is edged by Pakistan in the west and northwest, the states of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana in the north and northeast. The state of Madhya Pradesh lies in the southeast and Gujrat in the southwest. The Tropic of Cancer passes across the southern point of the state in the Banswara district. The capital city of Rajasthan is Jaipur.
Rajasthan has an area of 3, 42,239sq.km comprising of the 11% of the total geographical area of India. The extensive topography includes rocky terrain, rolling sand dunes, wetlands, barren tracts or land filled with thorny scrubs, river-drained plains, plateaus, ravines and wooded regions .A massive portion of the
state of Rajasthan( about 70% of total landmass) is desiccated and encloses the biggest Indian desert- the Thar Desert known as the 'Maru-kantar'. This desert region embraces the districts of Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur.
The oldest chain of fold mountains the Aravali Range spearheads the state into two geographical zones. The Mount Abu is the only hill station of the state which houses the loftiest summit of the Aravali ranges- Guru Shikhar Peak. The soil and vegetation of Rajasthan alters with its wide-ranging topography of the state and the availability of water. Rajasthan soils are mostly sandy, saline, alkaline and chalky (calcareous), Clay, loamy and black lava and so on. Only 9.36% of the total geographical region lies under forest vegetation. The flora and fauna are particularly endemic to the arid regions and are specially adapted biologically to survive in the dry, waterless regions of the "Desert State of India". The wildlife consists of 23 species of lizards, 25 species of snakes, various species of the deer family and450 species of avifauna.
Rajasthan experiences extreme climate or weather and consists of four distinct seasons- Pre-monsoon, Monsoon, Post-monsoon and winter.The average temperature in winter ranges from 8° to 28° C (46° to 82° F) and in summer the average temperature range from 25° to 46° C (77° to 115° F) making the region parched and draught-prone.
History of Rajasthan
The history of the Indian state of Rajasthan is about 5000 years old
and the mythological origin of this gigantic land is related to the famous myth of Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The history of Rajasthan can be classified into three parts owing to the different epochs- Ancient, Medieval and Modern. The ancient history of Rajasthan belongs to 1200 AD when Rajasthan was a part of different dynasties including the glorious Mauryan Empire in around (321-184 BC). The Dundhmer region was the first Aryan settlement and the first inhabitants of this area were the Bhil and the Mina. The earliest Rajput dynasty that emerged around 700 AD was the Gurjara Partiharas and since then Rajasthan was cited as Rajputana (the land of the Rajputs). During the eighth - twelfth century AD, the Rajput clan gained supremacy and the Rajputs were divided into 36 royal clans and 21 dynasties. The armed conflicts and the struggle for supremacy among the Parmars, Chalukyas, and Chauhans around 1000-1200 AD resulted in a lot of bloodshed.
In this medieval era around 1200 AD, the major regions of Rajasthan such as Nagaur, Ajmer and Ranthanbhor came under the Mughal hegemony headed by the Mughal ruler- Akbar. The most famous Rajput warriors who represented the vigor and valiance of the Rajput dynasty and whose tales of chivalry are still imprinted in the sands of Rajasthan were Rana Uday Singh, his son Rana Pratap, Bhappa Rawal, Rana Kumbha and Prithviraj Chauhan and others.
With the end of the Mughal regime in1707, the Marathas gained supremacy and captured Ajmer in1775. The Maratha ascendancy ended in the late 17th century with the British suzerainty in 1817-18. In 1stNovember, 1956 the state of present day Rajasthan came into existence after the amalgamation of the princely states.
Geographical Indicators of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is western side of India With the geographic area of 342,239 square kilometers, Rajasthan has become geographically the largest
Introduction-
Rajasthan is always in its vivacious glory with its scenic golden sand dunes of the Great Indian TharDesert, the soaring ranges of Aravali- the oldest chain of Fold Mountains, the age-old culture and the remnants of its imperial past. Rajasthan is marked by a remar
kable diversity of its customs, the costumes of its vibrant people, music, dance forms, art and architecture, cuisine, dialects, and physiographic features. The landscape is dotted with splendid palaces or havelis and majestic forts which adds an enamoring quality to the place and reminds us of its hoary past. Rajasthan, lying between 23°30' and 30°11'North latitudes and 69° 29' and 78 ° 17' East longitudes at the northwestern part of India is one of the biggest states in the country. The state shares its north-western and western boundary with the Indo-Pakistan international border that extends about 1,070 km and touches the major districts Barmer, Bikaner, Ganganagar and Jaisalmer. Rajasthan is edged by Pakistan in the west and northwest, the states of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana in the north and northeast. The state of Madhya Pradesh lies in the southeast and Gujrat in the southwest. The Tropic of Cancer passes across the southern point of the state in the Banswara district. The capital city of Rajasthan is Jaipur.Rajasthan has an area of 3, 42,239sq.km comprising of the 11% of the total geographical area of India. The extensive topography includes rocky terrain, rolling sand dunes, wetlands, barren tracts or land filled with thorny scrubs, river-drained plains, plateaus, ravines and wooded regions .A massive portion of the
state of Rajasthan( about 70% of total landmass) is desiccated and encloses the biggest Indian desert- the Thar Desert known as the 'Maru-kantar'. This desert region embraces the districts of Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur.The oldest chain of fold mountains the Aravali Range spearheads the state into two geographical zones. The Mount Abu is the only hill station of the state which houses the loftiest summit of the Aravali ranges- Guru Shikhar Peak. The soil and vegetation of Rajasthan alters with its wide-ranging topography of the state and the availability of water. Rajasthan soils are mostly sandy, saline, alkaline and chalky (calcareous), Clay, loamy and black lava and so on. Only 9.36% of the total geographical region lies under forest vegetation. The flora and fauna are particularly endemic to the arid regions and are specially adapted biologically to survive in the dry, waterless regions of the "Desert State of India". The wildlife consists of 23 species of lizards, 25 species of snakes, various species of the deer family and450 species of avifauna.
Rajasthan experiences extreme climate or weather and consists of four distinct seasons- Pre-monsoon, Monsoon, Post-monsoon and winter.The average temperature in winter ranges from 8° to 28° C (46° to 82° F) and in summer the average temperature range from 25° to 46° C (77° to 115° F) making the region parched and draught-prone.
History of Rajasthan
The history of the Indian state of Rajasthan is about 5000 years old
and the mythological origin of this gigantic land is related to the famous myth of Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The history of Rajasthan can be classified into three parts owing to the different epochs- Ancient, Medieval and Modern. The ancient history of Rajasthan belongs to 1200 AD when Rajasthan was a part of different dynasties including the glorious Mauryan Empire in around (321-184 BC). The Dundhmer region was the first Aryan settlement and the first inhabitants of this area were the Bhil and the Mina. The earliest Rajput dynasty that emerged around 700 AD was the Gurjara Partiharas and since then Rajasthan was cited as Rajputana (the land of the Rajputs). During the eighth - twelfth century AD, the Rajput clan gained supremacy and the Rajputs were divided into 36 royal clans and 21 dynasties. The armed conflicts and the struggle for supremacy among the Parmars, Chalukyas, and Chauhans around 1000-1200 AD resulted in a lot of bloodshed.In this medieval era around 1200 AD, the major regions of Rajasthan such as Nagaur, Ajmer and Ranthanbhor came under the Mughal hegemony headed by the Mughal ruler- Akbar. The most famous Rajput warriors who represented the vigor and valiance of the Rajput dynasty and whose tales of chivalry are still imprinted in the sands of Rajasthan were Rana Uday Singh, his son Rana Pratap, Bhappa Rawal, Rana Kumbha and Prithviraj Chauhan and others.
With the end of the Mughal regime in1707, the Marathas gained supremacy and captured Ajmer in1775. The Maratha ascendancy ended in the late 17th century with the British suzerainty in 1817-18. In 1stNovember, 1956 the state of present day Rajasthan came into existence after the amalgamation of the princely states.
Geographical Indicators of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is western side of India With the geographic area of 342,239 square kilometers, Rajasthan has become geographically the largest
state in India acquiring almost 11% of the total Geographical area of India, after the formation of Chattisgarh as separate state in 2000. Prior to this Madhya Pradesh was recognized as the largest state in terms of area.
Located - at 23º30´ and 30º 11’ North latitude and 69º 29’ and 78º 17’ East longitude. Adjacent to west and northwest to the boundaries of Pakistan, Rajasthan is surrounded by the states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in north and north east, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, in its east and south east, and by the state of Gujarat in south west. The capital of state is Jaipur, also known as Pink City and The tropic of cancer passes through its southern district Banswara.The huge portion of land is acquired by the biggest Indian desert – The Thar Desert also known as Maru-Kantar. The oldest range of mountains the Aravalli mountains separates the into two zones the desert zone on one side and forest on the other. Mount Abu is the hilly visiting destination in the state and Gurushikhar as the highest peak of Arvalli range of mountains.
Topographically- the larger portion of the state is dry region. Rajasthan is blessed with all three features of mountains, plateaus and plains. In wider terms the topography of Rajasthan can be divided into three main broad categories the Aravalli or the Hilly regions, the Thar and the other arid regions, the Plateaus of Vindhaya and the Malwa, the Fertile plains in the Mewar, the Forest Regions and the Water resources including Rivers and Salt Lakes.
The versatility of soil is found in Rajasthan. The different category of soil is sandy, saline, alkaline and chalky (calcareous). Clay, loamy, black lava soil and nitrogenous.Due to deserted area the rainfall is low and rare. However, food crops are grown in the plain areas with the help of rivers, canals and watershed programmes.
Rajasthan enjoys the pleasure of all weather conditions. Temperature in winder ranges from 8° to 28° C (46° to 82° F) and in summer from 25° to 46° C (77° to 115° F). The average rainfall also differs the western region has almost 100 mm (about 4 in) annually, where as the southeastern part of the state receives 650 mm (26 in) annually, most of which falls from July through September during the monsoon season. The legislative assembly of Rajasthan has 200 seats. The state has representatives in the parliament also. The state is represented by 10 members in Rajya Sabha and 25 members in the Lok Sabha. At present the state is divided into thirty three districts.
Climatic Situation in Rajasthan
Normally the climate is hot and arid in Rajasthan. Fortunately, Rajasthan is the place where a person can enjoy the pleasure of all weathers, whether it is sweating in hot summers, shivering body in cold winters, or getting wet in rainfall. Rajasthan has the taste of all climatic situation that places it as the most happening destination in country and in world map. Thus, on the basis of climate, the climatic situation can be broadly categorized into three categories viz., summer, monsoon, post-monsoon, and winter.
The temperature during summer varies between 32 o C to 45 o C, and sometimes even 49 o C in the deserted areas. The most distinguishing feature of summer in deserts is the cool night, as the days rises the heat increases whereas in night as the night passes temperature starts falling. The most cooling place to visit Rajasthan in summer is Mount Abu. The extreme hot months are generally between April to June. Although, the summers are too hot but they cannot stop the passion of tourists visiting the Rajasthan. Foreigners are mostly interested to visit desert through desert safari in hot summers.
Winters:
The period of four months from December to March is regarded as the period of winter of Rajasthan, including the coldest month of January, when the winter reaches at it peaks with cold breeze flowing through out day night. The temperature falls between 10 o C to 27 o C during the season. However, as the summers are hot in desert areas so are the winters. As the temperature rises to 49 o C in desert areas likewise it falls some times it reaches to the freezing point.
Monsoon:
The period of monsoon lies between July to September, when the temperature falls between 35 o C to 40 o C. The climate during this period is mostly humid and moist. It is the period when state receives almost 90% of the annual rainfall.
Post-Monsoon:
Also recognized as the tourist season, the post monsoon period is from October to November. Maximum temperature is 33° C to 38° C, and the minimum is between 18° C and 20° C.
Soil and vegetation
The soil and vegetation of the state of Rajasthan varies with its wide-ranging topography of arid plains or parched regions, hilly tracts of the Aravalis, the flood prone plains of Eastern Rajasthan and the oldest range of fold mountains- Aravali Hills.
The type of soil and vegetation vary with the availability of water. Interestingly some evidence testifies that Rajasthan was once filled with lush green vegetation and had numerous streamlets running through the land. But those days have elapsed and presently a major portion of Rajasthan is desiccated. This is due to the continuous soil erosion and the recurrence of droughts. The sandy soil has very less capacity to store water.
The ground water level is very low due to over-exploitation and the limited, erratic rainfall averaging 360mm per year allows the growth of scanty, shrub -like thorny vegetation. Grasses and species like P. cineraria grow in the regions where little water is available. Water level is available only at a depth of 30 to 61m. However food crops are grown in the plains that are drained by the rivers and streamlets owing to the alluvial and clay soil deposits. The hilly tracts of the Aravali are characterized by the black, lava soils that sustain the growth of cotton and sugarcane. The types of soil available in Rajasthan are mostly sandy, saline, alkaline and chalky (calcareous). Clay, loamy, black lava soil and nitrogenous soils are also found. The following are the Soil and Vegetation belts in Rajasthan that are classified owing to the topographical divisions of the state-
Western Desert Regions
The districts of Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Barmer, Jalor, Jodhpur, Ganganagar, Sirohi, Jhunjhunu, Pali and Sikar have alkaline and saline soils with a calcareous base. There is some nitrate concentration in the soil of t
hese regions. The Jaisalmer region has Aeolian sand that varies from sandy to sandy loam. In fact Jaisalmer is renowned for its sandstone. Due to lack of water availability vegetation comprises of only thorny bush and cactuses. There is only seasonal vegetation such as a few grass species, shrubs and dwarf trees.
In these arid regions land is dry but not infertile. Hence in irrigated areas Rabi crops like wheat and mustard are grown during the monsoon kharif pulses and bajra are grown.
Irrigated North western plain
The whole district of Ganganagar consists of alluvial and Aeolian soil as it is flooded by the Ghaggar River. The Gang Canal and Bhakhra Canal enables the flow of water and hence this area is filled with lush vegetation and food crops consisting of maize, guar, sesamum, wheat, mustard, gram, fruits and so on.
Semi - Arid Eastern Plains
The four districts of Dausa, Tonk, Jaipur and Ajmer are watered by river Banas and its tributaries and thus the fertile soil sustains mixed xerophytic and mesophytic vegetation. Cultivation crops like barley, gram, wheat, mustard are grown in the rabi season.
Flood Prone Eastern Plains
The flood plains of Rajasthan consist of the districts of Bharatpur, Alwar and Dhaulpur and the northern region of Sawai Madhopur which are flooded by the river Ghambhiri and Banganga. Thus this region is the repository of alluvial, clay and loamy soil.
The Aravali Hills & Sub-humid Southern Plains
The Bhilwara district and the major parts of Udaipur district, Chittaurgarh district, Sirohi district and the tract of Aravali Hills forms a part of inter-mountain plateau an consists of dark- lava soils. Major cash crops like cotton and sugarcane are grown in this black soil region. Other food crops are also grown.
Humid South-Eastern Plains
The Hadauti plateau includes the districts of Baran, Bundi, Jhalawar and Ko
ta and so on that have black soil. This region is fertile owing to the presence of the Chambal River and its distributaries and cotton,sugarcane and opium are grown.
Some districts of Rajasthan such as Dungarpur, Banswara, Udaipur, Bhilwara and Chittaurgarh have red and yellowish soils.
Topography of Rajasthan
Rajasthan the largest state of Western India is frequently mistaken as a desert as it encloses the Great Indian Thar Desert. Though a larger tract of the state is parched and dry, Rajasthan has varying topographic features and cannot be solely identified as a desert. The wide-ranging topography includes rocky terrain, rolling sand dunes, wetlands, barren tracts or land filled with thorny scrubs, river-drained plains, plateaus, ravines and wooded regions. In a more comprehensive way the topography of Rajasthan can be divided in the following ways-
Aravali or the Hilly regions
1. The Thar and the other arid regions
2. The Plateaus including Vindhaya and the Malwa
3. The Fertile plains including the Mewar
4. The Forest Regions
5. The Waterbodies including Rivers and Salt Lakes
Aravalis or the Hilly regions- The Aravali range which is the oldest range of folded mountains in the world that has an altitude of 100 to 350 m above sea level and extends from the southwest summit- Guru Shikhar (Mount Abu) to the northeast. This peak (Guru Shikhar) at Mount Tabu is the highest with an elevation of 1,722 m. Geographically the Aravali range spearheads the state of Rajasthan into two partitions -North-West and South-East. The north-west region is barren and dry while the south-east is bountiful and has some wet fertile regions which boost vegetation.
The South-Eastern region has also forested regions. Most important of all, the only perennial river Chambal River originates in this range and then meanders towards the northeast. The Thar and the other arid regions- The Great Indian Thar Desert is known as the' Maru-kantar' meaning the region of death and is called so due to parched and scorching surroundings. The Shekhavati area marks the beginning of the desert region. The source of water in these regions is deep wells or irrigation dams. The Marusthali is another remarkable desert where the fossils of plants have been found embedded in the rocks of Jaisalmer.
The Forest Regions- Rajasthan has small tracts of wooded regions that consist of 9.36% of total geographical area of the country. The forests lie in the in Northern, Eastern, South Eastern and Southern parts of Rajasthan. The forests of Bharatpur, Alwar, and Sawai are the abode of diverse flora and wildlife like the panther, the wild boar, the blue bull tiger and various species of deer.
The Fertile plains including the Mewar-The plains consist of Mewar region in the east and Chappan plains in the east and embrace the extended tract from Jaipur through Tonk and Bhilwara to Udaipur. All these regions have rich reserves of granite which has been utilized by the Rajput kings and other craftsmen for carving sculptures sine ages. These plains have also rich deposits of alluvial and loam. The northeastern Bharatpur region is a part of the alluvial basin that is drained by the Yamuna River.
The Plateaus including Vindhaya and the Malwa - The Vindhayan range of Rajasthan houses the Hardoti plateau. The Malwa plateau extends to the Vindhayas and is covered with lush woods green forests and black lava soil. The Waterbodies including Rivers and Salt Lakes - Water is very scarce in Rajasthan and is found at a depth of 30 to 61 m. However the main perennial river is the Chambal River which has a distributary called the Banas. The Banganga and the Luni River are other small rivers. The Shekhawati area the region of internal drainage and is drained by the salt lakes. Sambhar Salt Lake is the largest salt lake in Rajasthan.
The soil and vegetation of the state of Rajasthan varies with its wide-ranging topography of arid plains or parched regions, hilly tracts of the Aravalis, the flood prone plains of Eastern Rajasthan and the oldest range of fold mountains- Aravali Hills.
The type of soil and vegetation vary with the availability of water. Interestingly some evidence testifies that Rajasthan was once filled with lush green vegetation and had numerous streamlets running through the land. But those days have elapsed and presently a major portion of Rajasthan is desiccated. This is due to the continuous soil erosion and the recurrence of droughts. The sandy soil has very less capacity to store water.
The ground water level is very low due to over-exploitation and the limited, erratic rainfall averaging 360mm per year allows the growth of scanty, shrub -like thorny vegetation. Grasses and species like P. cineraria grow in the regions where little water is available. Water level is available only at a depth of 30 to 61m. However food crops are grown in the plains that are drained by the rivers and streamlets owing to the alluvial and clay soil deposits. The hilly tracts of the Aravali are characterized by the black, lava soils that sustain the growth of cotton and sugarcane. The types of soil available in Rajasthan are mostly sandy, saline, alkaline and chalky (calcareous). Clay, loamy, black lava soil and nitrogenous soils are also found. The following are the Soil and Vegetation belts in Rajasthan that are classified owing to the topographical divisions of the state-
Western Desert Regions
The districts of Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Barmer, Jalor, Jodhpur, Ganganagar, Sirohi, Jhunjhunu, Pali and Sikar have alkaline and saline soils with a calcareous base. There is some nitrate concentration in the soil of t
hese regions. The Jaisalmer region has Aeolian sand that varies from sandy to sandy loam. In fact Jaisalmer is renowned for its sandstone. Due to lack of water availability vegetation comprises of only thorny bush and cactuses. There is only seasonal vegetation such as a few grass species, shrubs and dwarf trees.In these arid regions land is dry but not infertile. Hence in irrigated areas Rabi crops like wheat and mustard are grown during the monsoon kharif pulses and bajra are grown.
Irrigated North western plain
The whole district of Ganganagar consists of alluvial and Aeolian soil as it is flooded by the Ghaggar River. The Gang Canal and Bhakhra Canal enables the flow of water and hence this area is filled with lush vegetation and food crops consisting of maize, guar, sesamum, wheat, mustard, gram, fruits and so on.
Semi - Arid Eastern Plains
The four districts of Dausa, Tonk, Jaipur and Ajmer are watered by river Banas and its tributaries and thus the fertile soil sustains mixed xerophytic and mesophytic vegetation. Cultivation crops like barley, gram, wheat, mustard are grown in the rabi season.
Flood Prone Eastern Plains
The flood plains of Rajasthan consist of the districts of Bharatpur, Alwar and Dhaulpur and the northern region of Sawai Madhopur which are flooded by the river Ghambhiri and Banganga. Thus this region is the repository of alluvial, clay and loamy soil.
The Aravali Hills & Sub-humid Southern Plains
The Bhilwara district and the major parts of Udaipur district, Chittaurgarh district, Sirohi district and the tract of Aravali Hills forms a part of inter-mountain plateau an consists of dark- lava soils. Major cash crops like cotton and sugarcane are grown in this black soil region. Other food crops are also grown.
Humid South-Eastern Plains
The Hadauti plateau includes the districts of Baran, Bundi, Jhalawar and Ko
ta and so on that have black soil. This region is fertile owing to the presence of the Chambal River and its distributaries and cotton,sugarcane and opium are grown.Some districts of Rajasthan such as Dungarpur, Banswara, Udaipur, Bhilwara and Chittaurgarh have red and yellowish soils.
Topography of Rajasthan
Rajasthan the largest state of Western India is frequently mistaken as a desert as it encloses the Great Indian Thar Desert. Though a larger tract of the state is parched and dry, Rajasthan has varying topographic features and cannot be solely identified as a desert. The wide-ranging topography includes rocky terrain, rolling sand dunes, wetlands, barren tracts or land filled with thorny scrubs, river-drained plains, plateaus, ravines and wooded regions. In a more comprehensive way the topography of Rajasthan can be divided in the following ways-
Aravali or the Hilly regions
1. The Thar and the other arid regions
2. The Plateaus including Vindhaya and the Malwa
3. The Fertile plains including the Mewar
4. The Forest Regions
5. The Waterbodies including Rivers and Salt Lakes
Aravalis or the Hilly regions- The Aravali range which is the oldest range of folded mountains in the world that has an altitude of 100 to 350 m above sea level and extends from the southwest summit- Guru Shikhar (Mount Abu) to the northeast. This peak (Guru Shikhar) at Mount Tabu is the highest with an elevation of 1,722 m. Geographically the Aravali range spearheads the state of Rajasthan into two partitions -North-West and South-East. The north-west region is barren and dry while the south-east is bountiful and has some wet fertile regions which boost vegetation.
The South-Eastern region has also forested regions. Most important of all, the only perennial river Chambal River originates in this range and then meanders towards the northeast. The Thar and the other arid regions- The Great Indian Thar Desert is known as the' Maru-kantar' meaning the region of death and is called so due to parched and scorching surroundings. The Shekhavati area marks the beginning of the desert region. The source of water in these regions is deep wells or irrigation dams. The Marusthali is another remarkable desert where the fossils of plants have been found embedded in the rocks of Jaisalmer.
The Forest Regions- Rajasthan has small tracts of wooded regions that consist of 9.36% of total geographical area of the country. The forests lie in the in Northern, Eastern, South Eastern and Southern parts of Rajasthan. The forests of Bharatpur, Alwar, and Sawai are the abode of diverse flora and wildlife like the panther, the wild boar, the blue bull tiger and various species of deer.
The Fertile plains including the Mewar-The plains consist of Mewar region in the east and Chappan plains in the east and embrace the extended tract from Jaipur through Tonk and Bhilwara to Udaipur. All these regions have rich reserves of granite which has been utilized by the Rajput kings and other craftsmen for carving sculptures sine ages. These plains have also rich deposits of alluvial and loam. The northeastern Bharatpur region is a part of the alluvial basin that is drained by the Yamuna River.
The Plateaus including Vindhaya and the Malwa - The Vindhayan range of Rajasthan houses the Hardoti plateau. The Malwa plateau extends to the Vindhayas and is covered with lush woods green forests and black lava soil. The Waterbodies including Rivers and Salt Lakes - Water is very scarce in Rajasthan and is found at a depth of 30 to 61 m. However the main perennial river is the Chambal River which has a distributary called the Banas. The Banganga and the Luni River are other small rivers. The Shekhawati area the region of internal drainage and is drained by the salt lakes. Sambhar Salt Lake is the largest salt lake in Rajasthan.
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